Ewe La La!

Ewe La La! Summer Shawl by Lesley Robinson

What is Being Made

Ewe La La! is an asymmetrical crescent-shaped summer shawl designed by independent knit designer Lesley Anne Robinson. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a finished shawl with a wingspan of 100 inches (254 cm) and a maximum depth of 15 inches (38 cm) when blocked. The shawl features a distinctive silhouette combining a structured crescent body with an elaborate lace border, making it an eye-catching accessory suitable for warm-weather wear.

Techniques Used

The Ewe La La! shawl employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and structure. Short rows form the foundation of the asymmetrical crescent shape, allowing the knitter to increase depth gradually across the shawl. Striping adds color variation and visual rhythm throughout the body of the piece. The shawl culminates in a large lace border featuring eyelet motifs and exaggerated scalloped edges that create an elegant, feminine finish. Despite the complexity of these techniques, the pattern is designed to be beginner-friendly in execution.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – forms the primary fabric of the shawl body, providing a sturdy, reversible base
• Eyelet motifs – decorative openwork stitches incorporated into the lace border
• Scalloped edges – shaped decreases and increases that create the exaggerated wavy border detail

Materials

This pattern calls for 1,010 yards (923 meters) of fingering weight yarn divided across three colors. The yarn is distributed as follows: Color A requires 350 yards (320 meters), Color B requires 280 yards (256 meters), and Color C requires 380 yards (347 meters). Fingering weight yarn, also known as sock weight, is a thin, delicate yarn that creates refined stitch definition ideal for lace work and colorwork. The pattern specifies speckled yarn, which adds visual texture and interest to the striped sections. Standard knitting needles appropriate for fingering weight yarn are required to complete this project.

Pattern Details

Created for the Do Ewe Knit? Summer Knit-A-Long 2019, this pattern was inspired by designer Lesley Robinson's personal selection of hot pink speckled yarns during a teaching visit in winter 2018. The design philosophy balances straightforward knitting techniques with engaging construction methods. The predominantly garter stitch body keeps the knitting accessible for beginners, while the strategic use of short rows, color changes, and the intricate lace border maintain interest throughout the project. Construction notes and a detailed schematic are provided on page 2 of the pattern to guide knitters through the shaping process and ensure proper blocking dimensions.