Shellcraft Shawl

The inspiration for this pattern are sailor’s valentines, those shell-bedecked crafts made by sailors (or, more likely, bought by them in Barbados) out of found shells and other objects that they would give to their sweethearts upon return as a token that they were thinking of them while on the voyage. In this version the valentine represents a story of a voyage to Europe told in knit stitches from popular ports of call. The shawl uses the typical “pi” construction. At the center is a simple eyelet mesh, reminiscent of the rigging and netting that is so vital to sailors. The main stitches are historic laces from England, France, and Spain, with a short border of the eyelet mesh to hold it all together.

SIZES:
Diameter approximately 60in / 152.5cm

MATERIALS:

• 1365yd / 1250m worsted weight silk / wool blend yarn. Choose something with lovely drape and a silky hand.
• Size US8 / 5.0mm 26” circular needles and one set of double pointed needles, or type preferred for small-diameter knitting. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain gauge.
• Tapestry needle
• 1 stitch marker