Orinda

Orinda Knitted Lace Shawl by K.M. Bedigan

What is Being Made

Orinda is a romantic triangular knitted shawl inspired by Neo-Platonic and Pastoral ideals of the seventeenth century. Named after author Katherine Philips, this shawl combines simple construction techniques with an elegant lace border to create a flattering and wearable garment. The finished shawl measures 100 x 48.5 inches (254 x 123 cm) in its one-size-as-written format.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Orinda shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques to achieve its sophisticated appearance. The construction begins with a basic triangular shape formed through two main sections (sections I and II), which provides the shawl's distinctive silhouette. The design utilizes simple techniques throughout, making it accessible to intermediate knitters while producing an extremely flattering and wearable finished piece. The shawl features a delicate and elegant lace border that can be adjusted to accommodate different yarn quantities and characteristics.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches to build its structure and decorative elements. Key stitches used include:

• Knit (k) – the basic foundation stitch used throughout the flat-worked fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) – a decrease stitch that helps shape the triangular form and creates stitch definition within the lace sections

These straightforward stitch techniques combine to create the lace border's delicate appearance while maintaining the shawl's structural integrity.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Orinda shawl requires 1530 yards (1400 meters) of lace-weight yarn, specifically a 2-ply lace yarn. The sample shown was knitted in Handmaiden Fine Yarn 'Marrakesh' in the Jacobean Blue colorway, which features a luxurious fiber blend of 70% silk and 30% camel hair (765 yards per 100g). This yarn choice contributes to the shawl's delicate drape and elegant appearance, though the lace border can be adjusted to work with different yarns.

Needles and Tools

Construction requires US 4 / 3.5 mm needles for working the lace-weight yarn. Additional tools needed include 16 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping sections, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and blocking wires or pins for finishing. Proper blocking is essential to achieve the specified gauge and final dimensions.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches x 34 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch, worked flat, after blocking. Achieving this gauge after blocking is crucial for the shawl to reach its intended finished measurements. The blocking process sets the lace pattern and ensures the shawl drapes beautifully when worn.

Difficulty Level and Designer Information

Rated as an intermediate-level knitting project, the Orinda shawl is designed by independent designer K.M. Bedigan. This pattern was released in collaboration with Sweater Sisters in June 2018 and is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible to knitters seeking a romantic, historically-inspired shawl project.