Projection

Projection Shawl by Holli Yeoh

What is Being Made

Projection is an advanced knitted shawl designed by Holli Yeoh that transitions from a simple gradient triangle into a trapezoid shape, making it ideal for wrapping over the shoulders. The finished shawl measures 84.5 inches (214.5 cm) in wingspan and 20 inches (51 cm) in depth, creating an elegant and graceful garment that showcases a sophisticated color progression.

Design Features and Construction

The shawl's most distinctive design element features lines of eyelets that emerge at right angles from snaking cables, emphasizing the length of the piece as it extends downward. This interplay between geometric lace elements and textured cable work creates visual interest while maintaining the garment's elongated silhouette. The design incorporates a gradient color transition across the body of the shawl, with mini-skeins reintroduced on one side to create a final flutter of narrow stripes, adding a playful finishing detail to the sophisticated construction.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced project employs several key knitting techniques:

• Eyelet lace: Decorative holes created through yarn overs and decreases that form linear patterns perpendicular to the cable work
• Cable knitting: Twisted stitch patterns created using a cable needle (optional) that snake through the shawl's design
• Stocking stitch: The foundational smooth stockinette stitch used in the main body sections
• Lace pattern: Integrated throughout to create the eyelet details with specific gauge requirements
• Hard blocking: The finished shawl requires hard blocking to set the lace and achieve proper dimensions

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Suburban Stitcher Sock yarn, a premium blend of 75% merino wool and 25% nylon that provides both softness and durability. The main color, Neptune, requires one 460-yard (420 meter) skein from the standard 100-gram skeins. The color gradient is achieved using a set of five mini-skeins in coordinating shades: Whisper (C1), Smoke (C2), Cinder (C3), Ashes (C4), and Coal (C5), each containing 90 yards (82 meters) per 20-gram skein. The nylon content in this yarn weight provides elasticity and helps the lace pattern hold its shape after blocking.

Gauge and Needle Requirements

Knitters should use 3.5 mm (US 4) needles and work to the specified gauges for successful results. Over Stocking stitch, the gauge is 26 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches (10 cm). Over the lace pattern, the gauge is 19.5 stitches and 38 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when using 3.5 mm needles and hard blocked. Stitch markers and an optional cable needle are required notions. Knitters should adjust needle size as necessary to obtain the correct gauge before beginning the project.