Resilience

Resilience Knit Shawl by Sharon Mooney

What Is Being Made

Resilience is a downloadable knitting pattern for a block shawl designed by Sharon Mooney. This intermediate-level shawl features a generous triangular silhouette with dimensions of 66.5 inches (168.9 cm) along the bottom edge, 48 inches (121.9 cm) along the top edge, 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) deep at the center, and 20.5 inches (51.1 cm) deep at the outer edges. The design showcases a two-color construction using contrasting yarn colors to create visual interest and depth in the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for intermediate-level crafters. The pattern employs circular knitting needles and utilizes stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch) as the primary fabric structure. The two-color design is achieved through strategic yarn selection rather than complex colorwork techniques, making it accessible while still creating an elegant finished garment. Stitch markers are used throughout the construction to help track pattern repeats and shaping increases, which are essential for maintaining accuracy in a larger project like this shawl.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The Resilience pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and fundamental stitches. Key techniques referenced in the pattern include knit stitches (K), knit two stitches together (K2tog) for decreasing, and bind off (Bo) for finishing edges. Stockinette stitch forms the foundation of the fabric, created by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat gauge. The pattern is worked with careful attention to gauge, requiring 5 stitches and 5.5 rows per 1 inch (2.5 cm) on stockinette stitch using the specified needles before blocking.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Resilience shawl is designed to be knit using two skeins of Manos Del Uruguay "Milo" yarn, each containing 380 yards (350 meters) and weighing 3.5 ounces (100 grams). This DK-weight yarn is composed of 65% wool and 35% linen, creating a fabric with excellent drape and breathability. The recommended color combination pairs Manos Del Uruguay "Milo" in color i8891 Grizzly (referred to as the solid color in the pattern) with Manos Del Uruguay "Milo" in color i2204 Nogal (referred to as the multi color in the pattern). This two-tone approach creates visual contrast and dimension in the finished shawl.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires two sizes of circular knitting needles. A 32-inch (80 cm) size US 10 (6 mm) circular needle is used exclusively for casting on and establishing the initial stitches. The primary construction is worked on a 32-inch (80 cm) size US 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle, which produces the correct gauge for the project. Additional tools needed include 16 stitch markers to track pattern sections and shaping, and a yarn needle or large embroidery needle for weaving in ends and any finishing work required after blocking.

Pattern Details

This PDF pattern is 6 pages in length and contains comprehensive instructions for completing the Resilience shawl. The pattern was designed and copyrighted in 2020 by Sharon E. Mooney. As an intermediate-level project, it is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle larger, shaped garments. The block shawl construction provides a satisfying project that showcases the interplay between the two yarn colors while creating a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.