The Golden Eye

The Golden Eye Knitted Shawl and Throw

Project Overview

The Golden Eye is an advanced knitting pattern from the Summer Squares Suite, designed by Andrea Jurgrau and published by BadCatDesigns. This project is suitable for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated lace weight creation that can be worked as either a decorative shawl or a lightweight throw blanket.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a square knitted garment with finished blocking dimensions of 43 inches square. The finished piece is versatile enough to function as both a shawl and a throw, making it an elegant accessory for layering or draping over furniture. The design incorporates optional decorative beading along the edging, adding visual interest and a touch of luxury to the finished project.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Golden Eye employs lace weight yarn worked primarily in stockinette stitch as the foundational fabric. The pattern is designed for advanced knitters and incorporates specialty techniques including bead application through the 'B' stitch method, which integrates seed beads directly into the knitted fabric during construction. This technique requires careful attention and precision, making it suitable only for experienced crafters.

The project uses circular needles for the main construction, with knitters having the option to begin with straight needles if preferred. Stitch markers are recommended throughout the pattern to help track stitch placement and pattern repeats, which is essential when working with lace weight yarn and intricate stitch patterns.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 880 yards (100 grams) of lace weight yarn. The pattern specifies 2 skeins of KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in Papaya Heather color, though substitutions of similar lace weight yarns may be considered.
• Needles: US 4 circular needles, 24 inches in length for the main project construction. Straight needles may be used for cast-on if desired.
• Beads: 7 grams of size 8 Japanese seed beads. The pattern uses Miyuki Topaz Gold Luster beads, which provide a warm, lustrous finish. Beads are optional on the edging.
• Crochet Hook: US 12-16 crochet hook, sized to fit comfortably through your chosen beads for bead application.
• Additional Supplies: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers as desired, and stainless steel t-pins for blocking to achieve the finished 43-inch square dimensions.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 9 stitches to 2 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is critical for this advanced project, as it directly affects the final dimensions and drape of the finished piece. Proper blocking with stainless steel t-pins is essential to achieve the intended 43-inch square finished size and to fully develop the lace pattern definition.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty and is intended for knitters with substantial experience. The combination of lace weight yarn, intricate stitch patterns, and optional bead application requires strong foundational knitting skills, the ability to read complex patterns, and comfort with specialty techniques such as bead incorporation.