Mitered Nova - asymmetrical modern lace shawl

Starts like a mitered square, ends like a mitered square--but something stellar happens in between! You cast on at a short end and knit this shawl sideways with a central spine throughout. As you progress from one tip to the other, the shawl expands like a star in the twilight of its life, then explodes in a nova of lace. Suddenly, the shawl contracts, gradually becoming narrower until nothing is left.

This pattern includes instructions for lace weight and fingering weight versions of the shawl, with guidelines for modifications for more or less yardage. Stitch counts and repeat numbers will be indicated in the format [ lace (fingering) ].

Materials

• Yarn in two colors, C1 and C2.
• 32” or longer circular needle
• stitch markers (optional)

Yardage

lace weight - C1: 75g/645y, C2: 50g/400y

fingering weight - C1: 100g/420y, C2: 100g/420y

Needle Size and Sample Gauge

lace weight - US3 (2.75mm) - 26 st x 46 rows/4”(10cm)

fingering weight - US5 (3.75mm) - 23 st x 40 rows/4”(10cm)

Sample gauge was measured on garter stitch after moderate blocking. Gauge is not important, but may affect yarn consumption, fabric quality, and final size of the piece.

Techniques

This pattern was written for intermediate knitters with some lace experience, so knowledge of k2tog, ssk, and yarn overs is assumed. I have included additional support in the form of written instructions and photo tutorials for techniques beyond the basics.

Sample Yarn

lace weight - C1: Freia Ombre Lace in “Flare” (75g/645y), C2: Knit Picks Gloss Lace in “Fiesta” (50g/400y)

fingering weight - C1: Wee Chickadee Woolery Squishy Shawl in “Tobacco Leaves” (100g/490y), C2: Wee Chickadee Woolery Smooshy Sock in “Hunting Agates” (100g/400y)