I have a new pattern release! This is the Branching Out shawl and it is now available to download from the website, Ravelry and Payhip.


Every now and then I feel the need to get out of my comfort zone and shake things up a little. Sometimes it’s fun to something new and different and gain new experiences along the way. Branching Out is a shawl that encourages that little step outside of your comfort zone. The pattern starts out with the safety of a stretch of smooth stockinette, a familiar relaxing repetition of knit and purl stitches. But as you head into the border, things start to get interesting.

A row of yarnovers plant the seeds for twisting columns of cables that start to grow like sturdy trees. The pattern remains easy to work, still using just knit and purl stitches but with the occasional twirl of a cable stitch. Once you reach the edge of the border and start binding off, things start to get a little out of the ordinary. Between each column is a single stitch which is dropped and unravelled right back to that row of yarnovers, to reveal branches that connect the cables together. The end result is an eye-catching, lacy-but-not-lace shawl. So go on, be brave, branch out and drop some stitches and see what happens, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Branching Out is perfect for showcasing a semi-solid colourway, and is the perfect pattern to compliment any of the yarns in the Steni Vala 'Shades of...' range. These yarns are a mix of 50% Silk and 50% merino, and have been hand-dyed using a close blend of colours to create a variance of tones throughout the skein.

It also works equally as well for any of the yarns in the 4ply / sock / fingering yarn range.

Video tutorials are provided for all of the stitches used, including the cable stitches and for working the dropped stitch bind off.

Stitches Used: Sl1 wyif, kyok, yo, knit, purl, 2/2 LC, k2tog

Sizes: One size

Measurements: The finished, blocked item has a wingspan of 63” (160cm) and a depth of 18.5” (47cm)

Materials

• 437yd / 400m, 3.5 oz / 100g 4 ply, sock or fingering weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree Knits Steni Vala yarn, 50% Superwash Merino / 50% Silk in the Shades of Emerald colourway
• US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle
• A small cable needle (optional for the 2/2 LC cable stitch - a video tutorial is provided for working the stitch without a cable needle)
• A tapestry needle for weaving in the ends

Gauge: 22 stitches and 33 rows to 4” (10cm) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Kits are available for the Branching Out shawl and when you buy the kit you get the pattern for free! The kit comes with a skein of 50% Silk and 50% Superwash merino in a choice of 6 semi-tonal colours.

Buy a Branching Out Shawl Kit

The pattern has been professionally tech edited by Julia Targett and was tested by Angela, Karen, Sharon and Sherry - thank you!

And here is what they had to say about this pattern:

"Another wonderful pattern from Jem, well written with easy to follow instructions and links to video demonstrations for the different stitches and techniques used. The shawl is beautiful with a good combination of easy stocking stitch knitting and an interesting cable and dropped stitch border" - Angela

"The shawl is basic being mostly stockinette, but the border edging adds an elegance to the shawl. This is a great pattern for anyone looking to “branch out” and challenge themselves." – Karen

"I was having fun knitting this shawl and glad to have support from the Slack group" - Sherry

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you like the new pattern! If you would like to make this shawl there is an informal Knitalong happening in our friendly Facebook Group - Under the Olive Tree Knitters - why not come and join us!

Download Branching Out from: 

Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/branching-out-8

Payhip: https://payhip.com/b/SrDQJ