Paths of Light (knit shawl pattern)
Jean Rosenthal (1912-1969, she/her) was the first person to codify theatrical lighting design as an art form and a career. In addition to lighting numerous Broadway productions (i.e. West Side Story, The Sound of Music, and Hello Dolly!) , she was a key collaborator of Martha Graham’s, and also lit ballets for George Balanchine. Some of her methods are integral in dance lighting today, such as the “finger of God” that she created for Graham. Her book, The Magic of Light, was published posthumously.
This shawl honors her legacy. The edge dances with a beaded flame motif, wisping into a chorus of tiny cables, twisting around one another: the evolution of lighting in fiber form. The overall effect is similar to a plate of armor: a helpful accessory for a woman innovator!
Construction: This triangular shawl is knit from the bottom up, making it simple to adjust the size of the shawl to your yardage. After casting on and knitting a few foundational inches, the pattern grows symmetrically with parallel stitch patterns including a flame-motif border, delicious cable twists, and a squishy garter center. The center decrease turns this triangle into a wing shape, with a perfect spot to cozy around your neck.
Finished Sizes: original (short, extra short)
My sample is knit in the “original” proportions, which creates a very deep shawl.
Pattern is both written and charted for all sizes.
Yarn: 800 - 1600 yards / 730-1460 m of fingering weight. This pattern is easily adaptable to any yardage and any yarn weight; simply knit until you run out!
· I used 3 skeins of The Answer to Everything (single ply, 75/15/10 SW Merino/cashmere/silk) from Black Cat Custom Yarns and I’m madly in love with it. My colorway is Foundry.
· A single ply will make your fabric feel like a unified piece – almost like a molded piece of armor A plied yarn will make the stitch patterns more 3-dimensional, which is also lovely.
· When choosing colors, I recommend a solid, tonal, or ombre to allow the stitch patterns to shine. This pattern is also welcoming to a subtle fade.
· This pattern is easily adapted to DK or heavier yarns. Follow the gauge guidelines below, and adjust your bead size accordingly.
Beads (optional):
Approx. 120 - 240 size 6/0 beads or size 6 seed beads. (I actually used size 8, and I think they’re a bit too subtle.)
Gauge is not critical, but it will affect your yardage. My gauge is 21 sts and 44 rows is 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch. Specific instructions are provided for finding your perfect gauge.
Needles, Hooks, & other Tools:
· US4 (3.5mm) or size to obtain a fabric you love, long enough to accommodate a large number of stitches in the final rows.
· 1 crochet hook size US14 for placing beads, or your favorite beading tool (optional)
· at least 5 stitch markers
· your usual knit kit
This shawl honors her legacy. The edge dances with a beaded flame motif, wisping into a chorus of tiny cables, twisting around one another: the evolution of lighting in fiber form. The overall effect is similar to a plate of armor: a helpful accessory for a woman innovator!
Construction: This triangular shawl is knit from the bottom up, making it simple to adjust the size of the shawl to your yardage. After casting on and knitting a few foundational inches, the pattern grows symmetrically with parallel stitch patterns including a flame-motif border, delicious cable twists, and a squishy garter center. The center decrease turns this triangle into a wing shape, with a perfect spot to cozy around your neck.
Finished Sizes: original (short, extra short)
My sample is knit in the “original” proportions, which creates a very deep shawl.
- 1200 yards, 63" / 160 cm wingspan, 36" / 92 cm depth
- At the same width, a short shawl would be 29" / 74 cm, and an extra short would be 27" / 69 cm.
Pattern is both written and charted for all sizes.
Yarn: 800 - 1600 yards / 730-1460 m of fingering weight. This pattern is easily adaptable to any yardage and any yarn weight; simply knit until you run out!
· I used 3 skeins of The Answer to Everything (single ply, 75/15/10 SW Merino/cashmere/silk) from Black Cat Custom Yarns and I’m madly in love with it. My colorway is Foundry.
· A single ply will make your fabric feel like a unified piece – almost like a molded piece of armor A plied yarn will make the stitch patterns more 3-dimensional, which is also lovely.
· When choosing colors, I recommend a solid, tonal, or ombre to allow the stitch patterns to shine. This pattern is also welcoming to a subtle fade.
· This pattern is easily adapted to DK or heavier yarns. Follow the gauge guidelines below, and adjust your bead size accordingly.
Beads (optional):
Approx. 120 - 240 size 6/0 beads or size 6 seed beads. (I actually used size 8, and I think they’re a bit too subtle.)
Gauge is not critical, but it will affect your yardage. My gauge is 21 sts and 44 rows is 4” / 10 cm in garter stitch. Specific instructions are provided for finding your perfect gauge.
Needles, Hooks, & other Tools:
· US4 (3.5mm) or size to obtain a fabric you love, long enough to accommodate a large number of stitches in the final rows.
· 1 crochet hook size US14 for placing beads, or your favorite beading tool (optional)
· at least 5 stitch markers
· your usual knit kit
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