Product Description
Goldenleaf is a flowing semi-circular shawl with an expanding leaf pattern, and just enough texture to add depth. The pattern includes 5 possible ending points, and the edging can either be blocked into dripping leaf points, or left to form a fluttery leafy ruffle, as pictured. (The size of the shawl can also be increased in width by adding extra wedges.)
This design was inspired by the beauty of the ginkgo tree. Interestingly, these unusual trees are living fossils, being recognisably related to fossils from 270 million years ago. They are a reminder of the resilience of life on our beautiful planet, and our responsibility to care for it during our brief time here.
The design suits lace to fingering yarn, in solid, semi-solid, gradient or subtle speckle varieties and needs approximately 500m for the smallest size, up to approx 1000m, or more if adding extra wedges.
Can be worked entirely from the written pattern, or from charts with notes.
Thanks to Sabine of Schafgabe, & Mearacaera.
Goldenleaf Shawl by Nim Teasdale
What is Being Made
Goldenleaf is a flowing semi-circular shawl featuring an expanding leaf pattern inspired by the beauty of the ginkgo tree. The design incorporates just enough texture to add depth while maintaining an elegant, delicate aesthetic. This knitted shawl offers versatility in finishing options and can be customized to various sizes based on available yarn.
Design Features and Customization
The pattern includes 5 possible ending points, allowing knitters to choose their preferred finished size. The edging can be blocked into dripping leaf points for a structured, defined look, or left to form a fluttery leafy ruffle for a softer, more organic appearance. This flexibility makes Goldenleaf suitable for various preferences and yarn quantities.
Yardage and Sizing
Yardage requirements are flexible and expandable. The pattern requires a minimum of approximately 500m (550 yards) of lace to fingering weight yarn. The design can be extended to use up to 1000m or more with extra wedges, giving knitters significant control over the final shawl size. The pictured shawl (2nd smallest size) used 650m (715 yards) of Natali Stewart BFL Silk Lace yarn.
Knitting Techniques and Stitches
Goldenleaf employs lace knitting techniques to create its delicate leaf pattern and flowing construction. The semi-circular shawlette shape is achieved through strategic increases that expand outward from the center, a common approach in lace shawl design. The textured leaf motifs add visual interest while the overall structure remains elegant and wearable.
Yarn and Needles
- Yarn Weight: Lace to fingering weight yarn, including 3-ply, 4-ply, cobweb, lace, and sport weights
- Yarn Used in Pictured Sample: Natali Stewart BFL Silk Lace
- Needles: 3mm (US size) needles (gauge and needle size will vary with yarn weight chosen)
Skill Level
Goldenleaf is rated as an intermediate difficulty pattern, suitable for knitters with foundational lace knitting experience and familiarity with shawl construction techniques.
Inspiration and Context
The design draws inspiration from ginkgo trees, which are living fossils with recognizable ancestry dating back approximately 270 million years. This botanical connection adds meaningful depth to the pattern, serving as a reminder of nature's resilience and our responsibility to care for the planet.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Light Fingering, Fingering, Cobweb | 1 Ply, Lace | 2 Ply, Sport |
| Pages: | 22 |
| Designer: | Nim Teasdale |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English, French, German |
| Notes: | This shawl can be worked on either circular or straight needles - choose a size that suits your yarn & gauge preference. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
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