CORA
Cora is a story of an enduring shawl. She was built to keep a neck warm, and her elegance is expressed in the clarity of the design. With functionality in mind, Cora conveys a gratitude to the simplicity of our pre-internet days. The biggest challenge with a shawl is that it takes a lot of time. There are quick knits galore available on the internet, but I have found that I always need a long-term knit to keep in my bag. I don't know why that is. Perhaps it's just that I need something that builds slowly and crescendos to heart-stopping beauty. Others will circumvent the time challenge by incorporating lots of lace stitches to add length and brilliant intricacy. I'll tell you now, this shawl won't be a quick knit. But, it makes up for the denseness in its simplicity. Showcasing the colors of the yarn are what are most important. And the journey. You see, I feel that I'm more accomplished after knitting a long, arduous project which doesn't require more than just basic knitting skills. The fabric feels smooth, just like knitting a wall of wool or silk. It's lightweight, yet durable, and has a superb sheen. It's the perfect spring accessory, and suitable for any age or gender. This simple shawl showcases beautiful artisan dyed yarns or good old fashioned handspun yarn. The pattern calls for at least 525 yards, but it can be extended to be a more substantial shawl. The colors stand out brightly on the shawl canvas, and with a simple garter stitch edge and yarn over bind off, this shawl is absolutely perfect for any beginner.
My early attempts at making shawls had one basic problem—they were too triangular. And now you're thinking 'm crazy, since this is a pattern for a triangular shawl. Worry not. The arms of the shawl are longer than the torso, presenting a shape which is more elongated. And this fact makes the shawl wrap around your neck comfortably, without it rolling off your shoulders. There are yarn overs at each end and down the center, but the center stitch only gets increased on RS rows, whereas the ends get increased on both the RS and WS. The garter stich band at the end is 4 rows long, followed by a k2tog, yo round. This round gives the edge a slight flair, which prevents the edge from curling, as is characteristic of stockinette fabric. The BO then becomes very stretchy and allows the edges to gently ruffle. And now, the pattern.
Notions:
Approximately 600 yards of laceweight (20 wpi) artisan dyed yarn or handspun, 3.5 ounces Size US 2 circular needle (2.5mm UK), 29 inches (80cm) Stockinette stitch gauge: 8 stitches per inch Darning needle CO 7 stitches. Row 1 (RS): k2, yo, kl, yo, pm, kl, pm, yo, kl, yo, k2 Row 2 (WS): k2, yo, p to last 2 stitches, yo, k2 Continue in the established pattern until the shawl reaches 17 inches, 43 cm (or desired length) from the CO edge to the center-back point. On a WS row, k2, yo, k to last 2 stitches, yo, k2. On a RS row, k2, yo, k to marker, yo, sl marker, k1, sl marker, yo, knit to last 2 stitches, yo, k2. Do these two rows once more each. On a WS row,\*k2tog, yo\* to last 2 stitches, k2tog. BO loosely and weave in ends. The edges will curl at this point, but it will be reduced considerably after gently blocking the shawl. If you find this trait undesirable, you can disregard the k2tog, yo row and just BO instead.
COPYRIGHT 2OI3 JENNIFER BEAMER EXPERTLY DYED: ART BY SCIENCE
