NEWGRANGE SHAWL

£6.00

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This modularly-constructed triangular shawl makes use of cables, slipped stitches and short rows to evoke the carved double-spirals found in Neolithic rock art. Numerous spiral carvings decorate the passage tomb of Newgrange, in Ireland, which was designed and built with an orientation towards the winter solstice. Similar carvings are found across Western Europe, at sites such as Achnabreck in Scotland and Gavrinis in Brittany.

Originally published in Echoes of Heather and Stone, Stolen Stitches (2018).

To find out more about my inspiration behind this design, and the history of Neolithic rock art, check out my blog post here.

Finished Measurements
Width: 54˝/(137 cm)
Depth: 27˝/(68.5 cm)
Each spiral measures 7˝/(18 cm) diameter after joining and blocking.

Skills required
• provisonal cast-on
• grafting in pattern
• cable knitting
• short rows
• picking up stitches
• basic lace knitting

Gauge
21.5 sts and 30.5 rows to 4˝/(10 cm) in stocking stitch after blocking

Materials/tools required
• 685 yds/(626 m) sport-weight yarn (sample shown in Stolen Stitches Nua ‘Kitten Fluff’ (60% Merino, 20% Linen, 20% Yak; 153 yds/(140 m) per 50 g skein; 5 skeins required)
• 3.75 mm/(US size 5) circ needle, at least 32˝/(80 cm) long (to work and hold Panel 1)
• 3.75 mm/(US size 5) circ needle, at least 47˝/ (120 cm) long (to work and hold Panel 2)
• 3.75 mm/(US size 5) circ needle, at least 59˝/ (150 cm) long (to work and hold Panel 3)
• 3.75 mm/(US size 5) DPNs (at least 6˝(15 cm) long) or short/ medium circ needle (for knitting spirals and working edging)
• 22 stitch markers
• safety pins
• darning needle
• cable needle
• waste yarn