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.
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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
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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!
![](https://curioushandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/join-the-curious-crew-1024x536.png)