Calico Shawl

It's very good to say that it's time for some warm weather knitting!  Despite my Cowichan-inspired sweater project, I'm definitely getting in the mood for light weight yarn with a little luxury and a lot of cheery color.  And of course, lace!  Happily, Knitscene Summer 2013 is here, ready to oblige!  This issue is full of lovely summer knitting that makes me need some cute knitted tops - I'm especially fond of the Longboard Pullover by Amanda Bell and the Lida Top by Gretchen Ronnevik.  You'll also find a new lace shawl called Calico in there, and that one is by me!  

Copyright Knitscene/Harper

The shawl is worked in an all-over lace pattern and has a somewhat traditional feel to it, but with a few unexpected and subtle surprises.  It's worked from the center-out like most triangle shawls, but instead of using a triangular shape, I opted for three equal triangles, which together wrap gracefully and generously around the shoulders, and create a gentle curve around the back/center section.  I wanted the focus to be on the graphic nature of the lace, so instead of using yarn overs for my increases, I used lifted increases.  That way the lace panels are separated only by delicate purl columns rather than more lace.  

Copyright Knitscene/Harper

The lace pattern repeats are just slightly asymmetrical, a subtle feature that creates a feeling of directional movement, especially at the edging.  The lace is worked on both right and wrong sides, and the edging continues the body lace pattern to fluttering, draping points.  

Copyright Knitscene/Harper

I like lots of colors, especially bright ones.  But I'm very particular about pinks.  It has to be just the right shade of pink, either tempered by the slightest bit of yellow and orange, or intensely dark and bright for me to be impressed.  When Wendee of Hazel Knits first showed me Bloom, I fell in love.  It's just right.  It has a very feminine sweetness to it without being at all precious.  It's kind of peachy, but very decidedly pink.  When the color is applied to the Divine Merino/Cashmere/Silk base, the shine and exquisite softness makes it even more lovely.  

Photo Copyright Hazel Knits

The magazine is now available for download, or if you prefer print, you can pre-order your copy.  You can see the pattern on Ravelry and on the Hazel Knits blog.

Pattern Info

Finished Measurements

50 in/127 cm wide at upper edge and 20 in/51 cm tall

Yarn

Hazel Knits Divine 

(75% superwash merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk; 400 yd 366 m/115 g): 

Color #271 Bloom, 2 skeins 

Gauge

22 sts and 26 rows = 4 in/10 cm in lace pattern, after blocking

Needles & Notions 

Size US #6/4 mm 24 in/61 cm and 60 in/152.5 cm circular needles 

markers 

tapestry needle

Skills

lace on both right and wrong sides using charted instructions, lifted increase, picking up stitches