Hraunfossar Stole

Hraunfossar Stole by Janelle Martin

What Is Being Made

The Hraunfossar Stole is a knitted shawl designed by Janelle Martin, inspired by the natural beauty of Hraunfossar—a series of waterfalls formed by rivulets in Western Iceland. The name derives from the Icelandic words hraun (lava) and fossar (waterfalls), reflecting the design's connection to this dramatic landscape. This stole offers a medium width and large length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs stitch patterns inspired by the flowing, cascading nature of waterfalls. The design uses lace techniques to create visual movement and texture throughout the body of the stole. Knitters will work with a gauge of 7 stitches per inch, requiring attention to tension and stitch definition to achieve the intended drape and appearance. The construction method allows for customization in final dimensions, accommodating different yarn yardages across three size options.

Stitches Used

The Hraunfossar Stole features lace stitch patterns as its primary design element. These stitches create the waterfall-inspired motifs that give the shawl its distinctive character and visual interest. The lace work is central to capturing the flowing, organic aesthetic that references the Icelandic waterfalls that inspired this piece.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

• Yarn Weight: Light fingering weight (3-ply), preferably a plant fiber blend
• Yardage Required: 480 yards (439 meters) for the smallest size; 1,068 yards (977 meters) for the medium size; or 1,701 yards (1,556 meters) for the largest size
• Recommended Fiber: Plant fiber blends such as linen-silk combinations are preferred. The design was shown in Indigodragonfly 'Linen Silk', which contains 65% linen and 35% silk, with each skein providing 715 yards (654 meters) at 4.06 ounces (115 grams)
• Needles: US #4 (3.5 mm) needles, or the size required to achieve the specified gauge of 7 stitches per inch

Design History

The Hraunfossar Stole was originally designed in 2014 when Janelle Martin served as knitter in residence at Shall We Knit. The project experienced a lengthy development period, with completion occurring in 2017 and final publication in 2020, reflecting the designer's philosophy that creative ideas sometimes benefit from extended development time before reaching their full potential.