In the Library with the Candlestick

In the Library with the Candlestick Shawl by Barbara Benson

Project Overview

In the Library with the Candlestick is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Barbara Benson as a mystery knit pattern. This downloadable PDF design combines slip-stitch colorwork with lace techniques to create a dynamic garment that balances challenging stitch work with accessible comfort knitting sections. The mystery format encourages knitters to discover the pattern's full design as they progress through the project.

What Is Being Made

A knitted shawl featuring integrated colorwork and lace elements. The design uses slip-stitch colorwork techniques layered with lace patterns to create visual interest and movement throughout the piece. The combination of these two techniques produces unique stitch patterns that emerge as the knitter works through the pattern.

Techniques and Stitches Used

• Slip-stitch colorwork: Slipped stitches are used to introduce color changes and shaping within the design. This technique allows for color variation without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork.
• Lace knitting: Openwork patterns created through yarn overs and decreases add airiness and movement to the shawl structure.
• Combined slip-stitch and lace: The designer specifically emphasizes the interplay between these two techniques, where slipped stitches bring both color and shaping to lace patterns, while the lace brings openness and movement to the slipped stitches.
• Comfort knitting sections: The pattern includes less challenging stitch work alongside the more complex sections, allowing knitters to enjoy their yarn and chosen colors while managing difficulty levels.

Materials

Yarn: DK weight yarn is used for this project. The sample was created using Anzula Lucero, a DK weight blend of 80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% Stellina (sparkle fiber), with yardage of 250 yards (229 m) per 114 g (4 oz) skein.

Needles and Tools: Appropriate needles for DK weight yarn are required, though specific needle size and type specifications are detailed within the full PDF pattern.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it contains challenging stitches, the inclusion of comfort knitting sections makes it accessible to knitters with some experience who are ready to expand their technical skills.