Fading Shores

Fading Shores Shawl by Jordan Prouty

What is Being Made

Fading Shores is a wearable knitted shawl designed by Jordan Prouty that features a distinctive gradient color fade created using up to five different yarn colors. The shawl measures 76 inches long by 32 inches deep at the center spine, providing generous coverage and extra warmth across the arms and shoulders. This design is ideal for crafters who want to showcase a gradient yarn set or create a custom color progression with their own yarn selections.

Shawl Shape and Construction

The interesting asymmetrical shape of Fading Shores is created through strategic increases worked throughout the pattern. Rather than relying on complex shaping techniques, the design uses straightforward increase methods to build the distinctive silhouette, making it accessible for intermediate-level knitters. The resulting shape provides excellent drape and wearability, with the wider center spine offering substantial coverage.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This pattern is worked entirely in garter stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter stitch is known for its squishy, reversible texture and is described as a fun and soothing stitch to work. The pattern incorporates the following techniques and abbreviations:

• k (knit): basic knit stitch worked throughout
• k2togtbl (knit 2 stitches together through the back loop): a left-leaning decrease used for shaping
• m1l (make 1 left): an increase method for building width
• Stitch markers: used to track pattern sections and maintain stitch counts across multiple color sections

The pattern uses five contrast colors (CC1-5) that are worked sequentially to create the gradient fade effect. Stitch markers in two different colors help organize the pattern sections and make it easier to track increases and color changes.

Yarn and Materials

Fading Shores requires approximately 200 yards each of 5 colors of DK weight yarn, for a total yardage of approximately 1000 yards. The sample shown was knitted using a 5-skein gradient set in The Plucky Knitter Primo DK yarn in the Ship Tapestry colorway. Crafters can either purchase a coordinated gradient set or select their own five colors to create a unique custom fade.

The pattern calls for Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular needles measuring 40 inches in length. Circular needles accommodate the width of the shawl and allow for comfortable knitting of the large stitch count. Additional tools include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and 8 stitch markers total (4 in one color and 4 in a contrasting color) to organize pattern sections.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch. The pattern notes that exact gauge is not critical for this design, though differences in gauge will affect the finished dimensions and total yarn usage. This flexibility makes Fading Shores forgiving for knitters who may not achieve exact gauge.

Difficulty Level

Fading Shores is rated as an intermediate knitting project. The pattern is suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with basic increases, decreases, and color changes. The straightforward garter stitch construction and simple shaping techniques make it an accessible intermediate project that does not require advanced stitch work or complex pattern reading.