Monsters in My Garden

Monsters in My Garden Knitted Shawl by Allison Janocha

What is Being Made

Monsters in My Garden is a customizable knitted shawl designed by independent designer Allison Janocha. This triangular wrap combines imaginative design with practical function, offering both visual interest and warmth. The shawl features a conceptual theme exploring protection and whimsy—whether the eyelet details represent monsters lurking beneath garden mounds or serve as armor against life's challenges. The finished dimensions are adjustable based on yardage used, with the standard version measuring 19 inches deep and 48 inches across the wingspan when worked with approximately 230 yards of yarn.

Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project employs several intermediate to advanced techniques that elevate it beyond basic stockinette stitch work. The shawl incorporates eyelet patterns throughout the design, creating decorative holes that serve both aesthetic and structural purposes. The construction utilizes a set-up chart followed by main body charts that progress through 30 rows, allowing knitters to customize the final size by working through desired chart rows. An eyelet-garter edging finishes the shawl, combining garter stitch stability with decorative eyelets for a polished edge. The pattern is designed to showcase yarn qualities effectively, making it an excellent vehicle for displaying hand-painted or variegated yarns without overwhelming them with complex stitch patterns.

Stitches Used

The primary stitches featured in this design include stockinette stitch as the foundational fabric, which provides a smooth canvas for the pattern work. Garter stitch appears in the edging, offering textural contrast and structural integrity. Eyelet stitches are central to the design, creating the decorative perforations that define the shawl's visual character and thematic elements. The combination of these stitches creates a garment that is described as "more interesting than plain stockinette, but simple enough to showcase any yarn," making it accessible to advanced knitters while remaining visually striking.

Materials and Specifications

This shawl is worked in worsted weight yarn, though the pattern accommodates DK/light worsted options depending on the version chosen. The standard single-color version requires approximately one skein of yarn, with 220 to 230 yards being the typical yardage for the edging version. The recommended gauge is approximately 4 to 4.5 stitches per inch, though exact gauge is noted as not critical—knitters are encouraged to choose a gauge that produces fabric they are happy with, allowing for flexibility in needle selection and personal preference. This gauge-flexible approach makes the pattern adaptable to various yarn weights and needle sizes while maintaining the shawl's intended drape and finished dimensions.

Pattern Format

This design is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital devices. The pattern includes charted instructions for the set-up section and main shawl body, along with written guidance for the eyelet-garter edging, providing multiple learning formats for different knitter preferences.