Fiber Fool

This design was inspired solely by the yarn. It is the worsted weight version of Venezia from Cascade. It is a gorgeous plied yarn with 30% silk and 70% wool. The fabric is just luscious and the stitch definition fantastic so I wanted to do something fairly simple but at the same time I wanted to show off the stitch definition. The Tesni Shawl is the result.

While the yarn is quite sophisticated, the simplicity of the design makes it very versatile. It works equally well in nature as well as in the city, keeping the chill off anywhere. It has the look of a traditional triangular shawl, but with two extra increase points it sits comfortably over the shoulders without the need of a shawl pin. The size also allows it to be worn as a scarf or even an accent to a skirt or leggings!

If you couldn’t tell, Amanda and I had a great time on the photoshoot for this one! We played in the woods along a small creek and enjoyed fancy lattes at a local coffeshop on a lovely autumn afternoon earlier this month.

The simplicity of the design makes it easy to knit from a wide variety of yarns. Even in different gauges. Thanks to my test knitters it has been or is in process of being knit in Helen’s Lace from Lorna’s Laces, Elsabeth Lavold’s Silky Wool and a few different worsted weight yarns from indie yarnies. Of the ones I’ve seen pictures of so far, they are all lovely! I’m sure over the next week or so they will all get their info and pics added to Ravelry. I asked them to keep it secret until I released this time so it will take a bit.

I have presented the pattern for all skill levels, including both charted and line-by-line versions of the stitch patterns. It is presented in one size with a note on increasing the size (recommended if going with sport or lighter weight yarns). There are tables based on gauge to help you estimate the final shawl dimensions based on your blocked gauge. If you do increase the size, the yardage requirements will drastically increase as the final ruffle will amplify the difference in sizes. As shown, it took less than 650 yards of Venezia Worsted. I suspect if you do the extra repeat option you may need upwards of 900 yards.

The pattern is now available on Ravelry (or buy now). I’m planning on a big update to the shop here on my site next week. Check out even more photos on Flickr!

If you are in the Fort Collins area, be sure to stop in at My Sister Knits to see the model in person (and purchase a printed version if that is your preference)!