Eira

Eira Shawlette by Corrina Ferguson

What is Being Made

The Eira Shawlette is a modular knitted shawl designed by Corrina Ferguson for Picnic Knits. This intermediate-level project creates a beautiful lace shawlette worked in four distinct sections: a set-up section, an increase section, a decrease section, and a final section. The shawlette features a knitted-on lace edging that is worked as you progress through the pattern, making it an engaging construction method for experienced knitters.

Construction Technique

The Eira Shawlette is worked from side to side, which creates a unique directional flow to the finished piece. This side-to-side construction method allows for the knitted-on lace edging to be incorporated seamlessly as you work, eliminating the need for a separate finishing step. The modular four-section approach provides clear progression through the pattern and allows for customization based on available yarn quantity.

The shawlette is highly adjustable in size. The model version features 14 repeats of the lace pattern on each side, but crafters can easily modify the dimensions by working additional or fewer repeats depending on how much yarn they have available. This flexibility makes the pattern suitable for various yarn quantities and allows knitters to create their desired finished size.

Stitches Used

The Eira Shawlette incorporates fundamental knitting stitches including:

• Knit (k) – the basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p) – used to create texture and pattern variation
• Knit front and back (kfb) – an increase technique that creates new stitches while adding subtle texture
• Lace pattern repeats – charted lace motifs that create the decorative openwork characteristic of shawlettes

The pattern is presented in both charted and written form, allowing knitters to follow their preferred instructional method. All charts are provided on the final page of the pattern for easy reference.

Materials and Specifications

The model shawlette shown in the pattern was created using 125 grams of Plymouth Baby Llama Glow yarn, which provides approximately 273 yards of fiber. This yarn weight falls within the DK to worsted weight range, offering a balance between drape and stitch definition ideal for lace shawlettes.

The pattern recommends using Size 8 needles (5.0 mm) for the model version. However, the instructions emphasize that if you choose to work with a heavier or lighter yarn weight to adjust your project size, you should correspondingly adjust your needle size to maintain proper fabric drape and the intended shawlette aesthetic.

Additional Supplies

To complete the Eira Shawlette, you will need:

• Stitch markers – essential for tracking pattern repeats and section transitions
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in yarn ends after completion
• Blocking tools including pins and/or wires – necessary for shaping and finishing the lace edging

The pattern suggests weighing your yarn before beginning if you have a scale available, which helps ensure you have sufficient yardage for your desired shawlette size and allows for accurate customization of the repeat count.