Solitude

Solitude Lace Shawl by Sharon Mooney

What is Being Made

Solitude is a block shawl design created by independent designer Sharon Mooney. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a substantial triangular shawl with generous dimensions: 67.5 inches (171.5 cm) along the bottom edge, 54 inches (137.2 cm) along the top edge, 14 inches (35.6 cm) deep at the center, and 8 inches (20.3 cm) deep at the outer edges. The finished shawl showcases a sophisticated block construction technique typical of contemporary shawl design.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant finished fabric. The shawl utilizes block shawl construction, a method that builds the garment in distinct sections rather than working from a single center point. The pattern incorporates stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch) as the primary fabric base, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface. Lace techniques are integrated throughout the design, characteristic of lace-weight yarn projects that create openwork patterns and delicate drape. The construction requires careful stitch marker placement and management, with the pattern calling for 28 ring stitch markers and two locking stitch markers to track increases and pattern repeats across the multiple blocks.

Stitches and Pattern Elements

While the full stitch-by-stitch breakdown is contained within the complete pattern instructions, the design relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined into lace motifs. The use of circular knitting needles in two sizes—US 8 (5mm) for casting on and US 6 (4mm) for the main fabric—indicates the pattern likely incorporates increases and shaping that benefit from circular needle construction. A small cable needle is included in the materials list, suggesting some cable or twisted stitch elements may be featured. The gauge of 6.5 stitches and 8.5 rows per inch on stockinette stitch using the US 6 (4mm) needles provides the foundation for achieving the specified finished dimensions.

Yarn and Materials

Solitude is designed to showcase three coordinating skeins of YOTH "Mother" from Sampler yarn, each weighing 1.75 ounces (50g) and containing 277 yards (253.3 meters). This yarn is composed of 100% Domestic Rambouillet Wool, a premium natural fiber known for softness and elasticity. The three color options included in the pattern are Shitake (referred to as tan in the instructions), Spring Water (light blue), and Portabella (dark grey), allowing knitters to create either a monochromatic or multi-color blocked shawl depending on their preference.

The lace-weight classification of this yarn creates the delicate, flowing drape characteristic of fine shawls. The yardage provided—approximately 277 yards per skein across three skeins—is sufficient for the complete project when worked at the specified gauge.

Additional Supplies

• 32-inch (80 cm) US 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles for casting on
• 32-inch (80 cm) US 6 (4mm) circular knitting needles for main knitting
• 28 ring stitch markers for tracking pattern sections
• Two locking stitch markers for securing stitches
• Yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends
• Small cable needle for any twisted or cable elements

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as an intermediate-level pattern, Solitude is appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The block shawl approach and lace elements require attention to detail and familiarity with reading charts and managing multiple stitch markers, but the project remains accessible to experienced knitters seeking to expand their skills. The pattern was designed and copyrighted in 2017 by Sharon E. Mooney.