AIRA SHAWL
Slender leaves and stems of aira grass work as a perfect canvas for its very delicate airy seed heads. They catch every gentle breath of summer wind, turning the meadow into a sea of twinkling gold and silver. Mesmerising dance and unique texture of aira - also known as silver hairgrass - were the inspiration behind this design.
Worked from corner to corner in an asymmetrical triangle shape, Aira Shawl offers a variety of textures to play with - from classic garter and stockinette to airy drop stitches and textured lace (both charted and written instructions provided). Generous size and optional tassels add an extra touch of boho to this piece. Knitting in stripes creates an entertaining project to work on, while two colors of fingering weight yarn complement each other in the pattern dreamed up specifically for them. Aira Shawl would of course work great with tonal to solid yarn, and it can also be used to highlight the beauty of one heavily variegated colorway. Dive into your stash, pick any two colors and watch the pattern do its magic ♡
YARN
Each color A and color B: 400yds / 365m of fingering weight yarn
If using one variegated skein, pick it for color A. Patterns designed for color B work best in tonals and solids.
Sample shawl: Scrumptious Sock from Fiber Circle Studio
(80% merino, 20% nylon; 3.5oz / 100g, 400yds / 365m),
color A - Honey Mustard (yellow) and color B - Bird Walk (off-white)
NEEDLES
US 4 / 3.5mm needles on a long cable or the size needed to obtain gauge
For any other yarn: use needles two sizes up from stated on the label to keep fabric airy and light
NOTIONS
Tapestry needle
Removable stitch marker
A piece of cardboard for tassels
Blocking mats and pins
GAUGE
25 sts and 50 rows in 4” / 10cm in Garter Stitch, unblocked
23 sts and 44 rows in 4” / 10cm in Garter Stitch, blocked
Note that difference in gauge will affect the required yardage and the finished size of the shawl
FINISHED SIZE
Wingspan 77” / 196cm + tassels
Depth at the widest point 21” / 53cm