What to Knit Next?

How about a lace shawl that knits up quickly in worsted or aran weight? Specifically, Springtime Bandit (another design by Kate Gagnon Osborn who designed the Selbu Modern beret that we knit last month). Again, it's a free pattern (see here, or on ravelry here), but Kate suggests a donation to ASPCA to say "thank you".

 

We like this design so much, and see so many options with yarn and color choices that we've chosen it for our 3rd shop KAL.

Thank you to Lynn DiCristina for braving the hot sunshine with me yesterday to model one of her finished shawls. Lynn knit hers in Debbie Bliss' Luxury Aran Tweed (just under 4 balls on a size 10 needle; she also knit another one in green on a size 9 needle - she says she like this pink one better) and I knit mine in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (2 skeins on a size 9 needle).

 

For this KAL, Lynn selected Karabella Aurora 8, Diane picked Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted and I chose Cascade Venezia Worsted. All of these will block beautifully to show off the lace - and depending on the color, could be perfect for summer air conditioning.

 

Looking at projects on ravelry, other popular yarn choices include Malabrigo Worsted or Twist, Madelinetosh Merino, Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and the Luxury Tweed and Ultra Alpaca we've already used.  (see what I mean about choices?!)  Libby Fisher suggested Maggi Knits Linen and we think that would be stunning, too!  Basically, just about anything will work, but we suggest something in a worsted or aran weight, on size 9 or 10 needles.

 

Project Highlights (please refer to the pattern for all the details):

• Construction/Pattern - this is a triangular shawl, knit from the center back neck out to the edges - similar to the Traveling Woman.
• Yarn - approximately 400 yards of worsted/aran weight.
• Needles - of course everyone's gauge is different, but 9's or 10's - should work to give the shawl drape without being too loose (if in doubt, swatch!). You'll want to use a circular needle so you have enough room for all the stitches. The pattern suggests a 32" needle, but a 24" should work, or definitely something longer.
• Knitting Skills - intermediate lace, including increasing, decreasing and following a chart. Note that the pattern is charted only, there are no written instructions for knitting the lace pattern. If you've knit lace before, but never used a chart, this could be your project to learn about charts! This tutorial is a great introduction.

We'll be casting on tomorrow, Friday, May 14 at 2pm. Please join us virtually if you can't be at the shop in person!