Celestina

Celestina Shawl by Kourtney Robinson

What is Being Made

Celestina is a small triangular shawl designed by Kourtney Robinson and presented by Dollybird Workshop. This knitted shawl features an elegant, asymmetrical silhouette created through strategic decreasing that produces a dramatic rate of decrease across the piece. The shawl is versatile in construction, allowing knitters to work it in either fingering or sport weight yarn while maintaining the same gauge, with each yarn weight producing distinctly different characteristics in the finished garment.

Design and Construction Techniques

The Celestina shawl employs a distinctive construction method that begins at the ribbed hem and works inward toward the center. The ribbed edging is not merely decorative—it continues through the center spine of the shawl as the lace mesh angles inward on each side. This integration of ribbing with lace creates both structural integrity and visual interest. The shawl's unusual shape results from the dramatic rate of decrease worked throughout the pattern, which causes the fabric to angle inward progressively.

The choice of yarn weight significantly impacts the final shawl's characteristics. When worked in fingering weight yarn, the Celestina produces a softer drape with more fluid movement. When constructed in sport weight yarn, the resulting shawl is warmer and thicker with a slightly smaller finished size, though blocking techniques allow some control over the final dimensions.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

The pattern incorporates ribbed stitching for the hem and center spine, providing elasticity and definition. Lace mesh forms the primary fabric of the shawl, creating an open, airy texture that angles inward on both sides of the center spine. The combination of ribbing and lace mesh demonstrates intermediate to advanced stitch integration.

Finished Measurements

• Center Depth: 30.5–32 cm (11.5–12.25 inches)
• Outer Circumference: 175–190 cm (70–76 inches)
• Inner Circumference: 96–99 cm (37.5–38 inches)

Yarn and Materials

The Celestina pattern accommodates two yarn weight options, each producing distinct results:

Fingering Weight Option: The grey version uses Impulse of Delight "Mere Sock," a blend of 80% merino, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. This yarn provides 329 meters (360 yards) per 110-gram (3.75-ounce) skein. The colorway featured is Stormy Rainbow, and only 1 skein is required for completion. This yarn choice emphasizes softness and drape.

Sport Weight Option: The multicolored version uses Zitron "Unisono," a 100% merino superwash yarn. This yarn yields 300 meters (328 yards) per 100-gram (3.5-ounce) skein. The superwash treatment makes it practical for regular care while maintaining the warmth and structure characteristic of sport weight construction.

The pattern requires appropriate needles for the chosen yarn weight, though specific needle sizes are referenced within the full PDF instructions.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced, suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable working with lace stitches, managing decreases, and understanding how gauge and yarn weight affect finished dimensions. The integration of ribbing with lace mesh and the dramatic rate of decrease require attention to pattern details and shaping techniques.