Product Description
Based on the book A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters, Gwytherin is inspired by Sioned, a woman who is steeped in medieval Welsh tradition yet fiercely independent. This shawl mixes a Celtic inspired cable and delicate lace with a modern asymmetric shape. Suitable for everything from a stroll in the countryside to diner in the manor, this elegant and easy piece will become a favorite wardrobe staple.
Notes:
The shawl is worked from side to side. Beginning with a few stitches, increases along one edge create the asymmetric triangular shape.
This shawl is deigned to use most of the yarn by allowing flexibility in the length of the ribbed edging at the end - work more or less ribbing as desired or as your yardage allows.
This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.
Note: Green color shown is Herbalist, blue is River Severn, both on Killington by Miss Babs Yarns.
Gwytherin Shawl by Amanda Scheuzger
What is Being Made
Gwytherin is an asymmetric knitted shawl designed by Amanda Scheuzger, inspired by the character Sioned from Ellis Peters' novel A Morbid Taste for Bones. This elegant shawl measures approximately 60 inches (163 cm) across the wingspan with a deepest point of 25 inches (64 cm), making it a versatile accessory suitable for both casual countryside wear and formal dining occasions. The design celebrates medieval Welsh tradition while embracing a contemporary aesthetic through its asymmetric silhouette.
Techniques and Stitches Used
Gwytherin combines multiple advanced knitting techniques to create its distinctive character. The shawl features Celtic-inspired cable work paired with delicate lace patterns, requiring knitters to work with cables using a cable needle while simultaneously managing lace decreases and increases. Key stitches include:
- Stockinette stitch as the foundational stitch
- Cable stitches for the Celtic-inspired motifs
- Lace stitches incorporating yarn overs and decreases
- Knit two together (k2tog) for single stitch decreases
- Increases to shape the asymmetric design
- Purl stitches for textural contrast
The combination of cables and lace requires intermediate-to-advanced stitch management and attention to pattern detail, making this project suitable for experienced knitters seeking a sophisticated challenge.
Materials and Tools
Yarn: One skein of Miss Babs Killington in the Herbalist colorway (85% Polwarth Wool, 15% Tussah Silk; 700 yards/640 meters; 8.5 ounces/240 grams). This blend of fine merino wool and silk provides both warmth and elegant drape, essential for showcasing the shawl's lace and cable details.
Needles: Size 6 US (4.0 mm) circular needle, 40 inches (100 cm) long. Circular needles accommodate the shawl's expanding stitch count as the asymmetric shape develops.
Notions: Stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, cable needle for managing cable crossings, and tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Gauge: 23 stitches and 33 rows equal 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. Achieving correct gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished measurements; knitters should adjust needle size if necessary.
Design Inspiration and Difficulty Level
This advanced-level pattern draws inspiration from the character Sioned, described as a woman steeped in medieval Welsh tradition yet fiercely independent. The shawl's design philosophy mirrors this duality: traditional Celtic cable motifs meet modern asymmetric construction. The advanced difficulty rating reflects the pattern's integration of cables, lace, and shaping techniques, making it an ideal project for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch combinations and pattern reading.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | Sport |
| Pages: | 7 |
| Designer: | Amanda Scheuzger |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
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