Avian

Avian Shawl & Stole by Danielle Chalson

Project Overview

Avian is a downloadable knitting pattern featuring two distinct accessory designs: a luxurious triangle shawl and an elegant rectangular stole. Both pieces showcase modern construction techniques combined with traditional cable and lace textures, offering intermediate knitters an opportunity to create sophisticated, wearable garments with refined finishing details.

Shawl Design

The Avian shawl is a triangle construction measuring 62 inches (157.5 cm) wide at the neck edge and 29 inches (73.5 cm) deep at the center back. This piece employs a distinctive construction method: the cabled edging is knitted first to establish proper gauge, then stitches are picked up along the cast-on edge to begin the body. The shawl features a combination of cabled textures and simple lace worked in a modern, open way, with the design concluding in a simple lace edging that creates a refined finish.

Stole Design

The rectangular stole measures 14½ inches (37 cm) wide and 83 inches (211 cm) long, making it an exceptionally versatile accessory. This piece is worked in one piece from edge to edge, embedding flocks of cables throughout a lacy, transparent mesh construction. The stole combines structured cable elements with open lace sections, creating visual interest and textural variety across the entire length.

Techniques & Stitches

• Cable textures: Both designs feature cabled elements that provide structure and visual definition
• Lace stitches: Simple lace patterns create openness and transparency, particularly prominent in the stole's mesh construction
• Picked-up stitches: The shawl employs this technique to transition from the cabled edging to the main body
• Edge finishing: Both pieces conclude with refined edging techniques for polished results
• Gauge establishment: The shawl's construction method prioritizes accurate gauge by completing the cabled edging first

Materials & Yarn Weight

The Avian pattern calls for fingering-weight yarn (also known as 4-ply), which provides the delicate drape and refined stitch definition essential for displaying the cable and lace work. The shawl requires approximately 1,000 yards (915 meters) of fingering-weight yarn at roughly 420 yards per 100 grams. The pattern is shown worked in Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% merino fiber yarn, in the colorway "Lapis," requiring 3 skeins for the shawl.

Tools & Notions

• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) straight needles for the initial cabled edging; 32-inch or longer circular needles for the main body and stole construction
• Accessories: Waste yarn, crochet hook, stitch holders, 13 markers, and a yarn needle for finishing

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Avian pattern is designed for knitters with solid foundational skills who are comfortable working with cables, lace stitches, and picking up stitches. The construction methods, while not overly complex, require attention to detail and understanding of how different sections connect.

Pattern Format

Avian is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to both shawl and stole instructions in a single comprehensive pattern document.