Headwinds

Headwinds Shawlette by Alicia Plum

What is Being Made

Headwinds is a versatile shawlette designed by Alicia Plum for Lioness Arts. This garment is engineered to function as either a shawl or a scarf, offering flexibility in how it can be worn and styled. The shawlette features a generous wingspan of 68 inches (137 cm) with a depth of 11 inches (28 cm), making it a substantial yet wearable accessory piece.

Design and Construction Techniques

The shawlette is worked flat from the top down, utilizing short rows as the primary shaping technique. This method allows for gentle, gradual shaping that creates the distinctive silhouette and drape characteristic of the design. The construction begins with a cast-on of 270 stitches using the long tail cast-on method, which provides a sturdy, elastic foundation suitable for this project's scope.

The pattern employs a strategic approach to construction: the first 4 rows are worked in garter stitch to establish a stable base. Following this foundation, the main body transitions into a repeating lace pattern. The design incorporates punchwork lace as a 3-stitch repeat that is worked consistently throughout the central sections. A simple lace repeat edging is worked at the conclusion of the pattern, providing a relaxing yet visually interesting finishing element that frames the piece.

Stitches Used

• Garter Stitch: Used for the foundational 4 rows at the beginning of the project to create stability and definition
• Stockinette Stitch: The gauge is measured in stockinette stitch, indicating this is a primary stitch used throughout the main body
• Punchwork Lace: A 3-stitch repeat lace pattern that forms the decorative and structural element of the shawlette
• Slip Stitch (knitwise): Used at the beginning of rows for edge definition and a polished selvage

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The project requires 2 skeins of Lioness Arts Exquisite DK, with approximately 240 yards per skein for a total yardage of roughly 480 yards. This yarn is a premium blend composed of 70% baby alpaca, 20% silk, and 10% cashmere. This luxurious fiber combination is specifically chosen for the project because the unique blend creates exceptional drape and sheen that work perfectly with the shawlette's shape and intended wear as either a shawl or scarf.

Needles: US size 8 (5.0mm) circular needle, 40 inches (102 cm) in length, or the size needed to obtain gauge. The circular needle accommodates the substantial stitch count and allows for flat working while managing the width of the piece.

Gauge and Sizing

The gauge for this project is 16 stitches and 28 rows to a 4-inch (10 cm) square in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The shawlette is offered in one size fits all (OSFA), measuring 68 inches (137 cm) across the wingspan and 11 inches (28 cm) in depth.

Difficulty Level

Headwinds is rated as an intermediate difficulty project. This classification reflects the combination of techniques involved: while the basic stitches are accessible to knitters with foundational skills, the integration of short-row shaping, lace pattern work, and the management of a large stitch count requires intermediate-level understanding and experience. Knitters should be comfortable reading lace charts, managing stitch markers, and executing short-row techniques to successfully complete this project.