Henrietta: the colouring of pigeons

Henrietta: The Colouring of Pigeons Shawl

What is Being Made

Henrietta: The Colouring of Pigeons is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by bunnymuff (Mona Zillah). This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 50 inches wide by 21 inches deep (127cm x 53cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a wrap.

Craft and Primary Technique

This pattern is designed for knitting, the primary craft throughout the project. The shawl construction employs intermediate-level knitting techniques that require familiarity with standard knitting methods and the ability to follow complex stitch patterns. The design incorporates thoughtful construction methods that build the shawl systematically from cast-on through bind-off.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The pattern utilizes several key knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (k) - the fundamental stitch forming the base of the fabric
• Yarn overs (yo) - used to create decorative increases and lace elements throughout the shawl
• Slip stitches (slip 2 stitches kwise) - employed for shaping and stitch manipulation
• K2tog decreases - worked in conjunction with slipped stitches to create balanced shaping
• Provisional cast-on - used to create reversible edges or allow for future pick-up of stitches
• Bind-off (BO) - with JSSBO (Judy's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off) suggested for a flexible, professional edge finish
• Bead placement - the pattern incorporates beaded embellishment, with approximately 700 beads sized 6/0 or 8/0 integrated into the knit fabric for added visual interest

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern calls for Color Changing Cotton yarn by Wolle's Yarn Creations in a fingering weight (4-ply). This is a 100% cotton yarn with approximately 720 yards per 150 grams (658 meters per 150 grams). The approximate yarn requirement for this project is 600 yards or 550 meters, meaning one skein of the recommended yarn will complete the shawl.

Knitting needles required are 4.0mm needles (US size 6), appropriate for the fingering-weight yarn and creating the proper fabric density for this intermediate shawl pattern.

Additional Tools and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the pattern requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, waste yarn for the provisional cast-on technique, a needle suitable for weaving in ends, and approximately 700 beads in sizes 6/0 or 8/0 to match your chosen yarn color for the beaded embellishment elements.