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UMBEL SHAWL PATTERN – £3.00 (approx. $4.70)
As I mentioned last week, I used the Fill-in-the-Blanks Shawl Design formula to create this design, and the stitch pattern is from the beautiful Haapsalu Shawl book, (which I will be reviewing very soon). Umbel is a botanical term for a type of inflorescence that resembles an umbrella. I chose the name because the clusters of nupps in this stitch pattern remind me of Queen Anne’s Lace and geraniums, but clearly I’m still on the theme of umbrellas and flowers. :)
I find that square shawls are my favourites for keeping warm because two of the points fall at the elbows, one down the back, and two across the front to let hang or wrap around the neck. The drape looks very graceful, especially in a lightweight yarn like this kid mohair, and the shawl stays on your shoulders no matter what you do – useful if you’re manipulating drinks and nibbles at a garden party. Or just pottering around the house like me. :)
Each row of the stitch pattern is actually quite easy to memorise, and it’s also easy to spot mistakes quickly. Don’t be afraid of the nupps either; they’re nowhere near as slow as bobbles, and you can watch this video to see how Nancy Bush makes them. You can work the shawl smaller or larger if you wish, or even use the Fill-in-the-Blanks Shawl Design ebook to turn it into a triangular shawl, which will require much less yarn.
And if you’re in the UK, and feel like heaving a sigh when you see the Vitamin D tablets, Lemsip variations and discounted suncream lining the checkout aisles, I’d love to see an Umbel knit in a heavier, warmer yarn. Sigh…
Details
Size:
1 size with instructions for working smaller or larger shawls.
‣ Finished size is 100cm / 40in across each side of the square,
‣ with a height of 70cm / 27.5in at the central point when worn.
Yarn:
‣ 3 balls Feza Kid Mohair [25gr; 85% mohair, 8% nylon, 7% polyester; 250m / 275yds; colour: 572],
‣ or approx. 750m / 820yds of lace-weight yarn.
Needles:
‣ 4mm (US 6) straight or circular needles.
‣ 5.5mm (US 9) needle for binding off.
Gauge:
‣ 15 sts / 20 rows over 10cm / 4in in stocking stitch after blocking.
‣ Gauge isn’t critical, but it will affect the final size and yardage of the shawl.
‣ Make sure the lace looks open and clear.
And:
‣ 5 stitch markers,
‣ Tapestry needle for weaving in ends,
‣ Blocking pins & wires.
UMBEL SHAWL PATTERN – £3.00 (approx. $4.70)
