Averin

Averin Asymmetric Lace and Cable Shawl by Bristol Ivy

What Is Being Made

Averin is an asymmetric triangular shawl designed by Bristol Ivy, featuring a distinctive three-sided shape with finished measurements of 58" along the top edge, 45" along one leg, and 64" along the hypotenuse. The shawl's design draws inspiration from the natural forms of brambles found on berry bushes, translating this organic imagery into knitted lace and cable motifs.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level shawl is constructed using a top-down approach, beginning from one tip and expanding outward through strategic increases that occur once every other row. This growth method allows the shawl to develop its asymmetric triangular silhouette gradually as new stitches are added to the working fabric. The pattern incorporates a thoughtful stitch construction where newly created stitches are systematically incorporated into alternating panels of lace and stockinette stitch, creating visual interest and textural variety throughout the piece. The shawl concludes with a finished border that frames the completed design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The shawl features two primary stitch patterns that alternate throughout the construction:

• Lace panels inspired by bramble imagery, creating openwork sections that showcase the delicate nature of the design
• Cable stitches that echo the bramble theme and provide textural contrast against the lace
• Stockinette stitch used in alternating panels to balance the decorative lace and cable sections

The combination of these stitch patterns creates a sophisticated interplay between solid and openwork areas, making the shawl visually dynamic while remaining wearable.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: Merino Singles by Lioness Arts (100% merino wool; 400 yards per 100g skein). The pattern calls for 2 skeins, totaling 800 yards in the colorway Quartet. Bristol Ivy notes that the sample used nearly all of the second skein, and recommends purchasing a third skein if you are uncertain about your gauge, ensuring you have sufficient yardage to complete the project successfully.

Needles and Notions: One 32-inch circular needle in US size 6 (4 mm), or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern notes that circular needles are used to accommodate the large number of stitches required as the shawl expands, though straight needles may be substituted if preferred. Additional notions include a cable needle for working cable stitches, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20.5 stitches and 33 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, measured after lace blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the shawl drapes appropriately.