Afterimage

Afterimage Shawl by Nim Teasdale

What is Being Made

Afterimage is a versatile triangular shawl pattern designed by Nim Teasdale that offers multiple creative interpretations from a single design. The shawl is engineered as a hybrid combining two classic rippling stitch patterns: Ostrich Plumes and a variation of Old Shale (also known as Feather and Fan). Knitters can customize their finished piece by choosing between alternating and straight forms of the lace pattern, creating distinctly different visual effects from the same base design. An optional Arrowhead edging can be added to enhance the airy aesthetic of the finished shawl.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant drape and visual interest. The lace construction is worked only on every second right side row, allowing the pattern to develop gradually across the fabric. Knitters have flexibility in how they work the wrong side rows—these can be knit, purled, or alternated between knit and purl stitches to create different effects. This technique choice directly influences the final appearance: working wrong side rows consistently produces smooth, flowing lace, while alternating the stitch creates rippling garter waves that add textural dimension. The pattern can also be worked in stripes for a completely different aesthetic variation.

Stitches Used

The pattern centers on two foundational lace stitch patterns. Ostrich Plumes creates delicate, feathered texture through strategic yarn overs and decreases. Old Shale (Feather and Fan variation) produces the characteristic scalloped waves through repeating sequences of yarn overs and decreases. The shawl also incorporates garter stitch in the wrong side rows, which can be worked smoothly or in alternating knit and purl combinations to control the fabric's ripple effect. The optional Arrowhead edging provides a decorative finished edge that enhances the shawl's overall silhouette.

Materials and Yardage

Afterimage is designed with remarkable flexibility in yarn selection. The pattern accommodates lace weight through DK weight yarns, including 3-ply, 4-ply, DK, lace, and sport weight options. This adaptability means the shawl can be sized to any available yardage of yarn within these weight ranges, making it an excellent pattern for stash-busting or working with specific yarn quantities on hand.

Finished Dimensions: The gradient shawl example measures 175 x 75 centimeters (68 x 30 inches).

Example Yarn and Needle Specifications:

• Gradient shawl: 550 meters (600 yards) of Vivid Fiber Arts Lux yarn, worked on 3.75mm and 4mm (US sizes 5 and 6) needles
• Striped garter variant: 460 meters (500 yards) of John Arbon Textiles Viola DK, worked on 4mm needles

Gauge and needle size will vary depending on the specific yarn weight chosen, allowing knitters to customize their project to their preferred fabric density and drape characteristics.