Coastal Drift

This side-to-side crocheted shawl was inspired by the geological process of coastal longshore drift – the transportation of sediments along a coast parallel to the shorelines caused by oblique incoming wind. Just as beach sand is moved by the swash and backwash of beach water, the oblique shape of this shawl is created by increasing at the neck and decreasing at the bottom edge. The net increase of 2 stitches per row creates ever-widening rows reminiscent of long waves off a coastal shoreline.

A simple stitch pattern of 2 half-double crochet stitches through back-loop-only in alternating stitches provides textural interest; a trio of mid-shawl stripes gentles the color transition from sand to sea.