Lean in close, we have some shawlish secrets to share today…
If you’re a member of The Shawl Society 5 and want to get ahead with you yarn choosing process, you’re in the right place!
But if you like going in completely blind, for a total surprise (brave!) then turn back now.
YARN SPOILERS AHEAD!
I do try to keep things a little vague so you know enough to pick out your skeins without giving it all away, but you will learn a little bit about the upcoming shawl design.
Let’s start with some hints about the pattern:
- This is a lace weight or light fingering weight shawl.
- It could also be knit in heavier fingering weight. In that case, I’d recommend 4mm needles. Of course, you’ll end up with a larger shawl and your yardage requirements will be different, but if you have lots in your stash it could be a good choice
- This pattern comes with two sizes. You’ll be able to choose between small and large.
- This is a two colour shawl but would also look lovely in a single colour.
- There is some lace, mostly using colour B, which you may want to take into account if you’re pairing a variegated yarn with a solid.
Now, here are all the detailed yarn requirements for both sizes of the shawl!
I was lucky enough to work with two different, equally wonderful yarns for the two samples.
The small size was knit with the glorious Julie Asselin Nurtured Fine, a light fingering weight yarn which manages to be beautifully rustic and refined, all at the same time.
It’s made with 100% fine wool: a blend of Rambouillet, Targhee and Merino, which gives it so much spring and character. A properly woolly wool, but still soft. It is mixed dyed in the wool and undyed fibre, which gives a subtle tweedy effect.
Julie Asselin Fine is stocked by wonderful local yarn shops and websites all over the world: check her website for your nearest retailer.
The large size of the shawl was knit with the very special Hoshuku Lace yarn from Circus Tonic Handmade, one of my favourite Aussie Indie Dyers. Hannah has such a beautiful hand with colour, and this base, which is 80% merino wool and 20% pure silk, makes magic. Where’s what she has to say about it:
This exquisite yarn is as soft and airy as can be, and would make seriously beautiful shawls. The silk component of the yarn gives a very subtle luminosity which makes this yarn truly stunning.
She has a very small quantity of kits available on her website right now in four absolutely stunning colour combinations.
Shawl Society Hoshuku Lace Set 1
Shawl Society Hoshuku Lace Set 2
Shawl Society Hoshuku Lace Set 3
Shawl Society Hoshuku Lace Set 4
Yarns
Small
Julie Asselin Nurtured Fine [100% Fine Wool; 708m/780yds per 112g skein], 2 x 100g skeins, one in each colour
Colour A: Fusion
Colour B: Picnic
Large
Circus Tonic Hoshuku Lace [80% Extra Fine Merino, 20% Silk; 600m/656 yds per 100g skein], 2 x 100g skeins, one in each colour
Colour A: Bay of Shoals (pink)
Colour B: American River (lavender)
Approximate yarn used in samples:
Small
Colour A: 67g or 423m/463yds
Colour B: 45g or 284m/311yds
Of Lace/fingering weight yarn
Large
Colour A: 80g or 480m/525yds
Colour B: 55g or 330m/361yds
Of Lace/fingering weight yarn
Needles
3.75mm (US 5), 80/100cm (32/40″) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)
Notions
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Gauge
24 sts/28 rows = 10cm (4″) in garter stitch after blocking
As always, I’m honoured and grateful to have the opportunity to design with such amazing yarn.
I know that issues of geography, availability and price sometimes mean that it’s not easy for every knitter to get their hands on the sample yarn I use, so please know that there’s never any pressure to use the same yarn I did.
I offer these yarn spoilers to support the talented indie dyers I admire and to offer inspiration and a jumping-off point for all the Shawl Society members. Whether you end up using one of these wonderful yarns or source your own from stash, a LYS, or a handy online retailer, I know your shawl will be beautiful. I can’t wait to see it!
