Samovar

Samovar Shawl by Allison Janocha

What is Being Made

Samovar is an elegant, graceful shawl designed by Allison Janocha and knit in the round from the center outward. This advanced-level knitting project offers versatility with two finished options: a square shawl measuring 36" x 36" (91.5 cm x 91.5 cm), or a triangular shawl with a wingspan of 48" (122 cm) and depth of 24" (61 cm). The shawl features a sophisticated cables-and-lace motif with substantial visual impact, making it an elegant addition to any wardrobe suitable for special occasions or everyday wear.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Samovar employs advanced knitting techniques that combine two distinct stitch categories to create its signature aesthetic. The design integrates cable stitches with lace stitches, creating a balanced interplay between textured, twisted stitches and open, delicate lacework. Knitting in the round from the center outward is a fundamental technique used throughout this project, requiring the knitter to manage increasing stitches as the shawl expands from its central point. This construction method allows for seamless circular shaping and the ability to transition between the two shawl shape options.

The combination of cables and lace demonstrates intermediate-to-advanced stitch manipulation, as cables require careful stitch crossing and management while maintaining tension, while lace stitches demand precision in yarn-over and decrease placement to create open, decorative patterns. The "wow factor" mentioned in the design description indicates that the visual interplay between these two contrasting stitch types creates a striking, eye-catching finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

Samovar is designed to be knit using fingering weight yarn, which is a fine 4-ply yarn weight suitable for detailed stitch definition. The pattern calls for two skeins of fingering weight yarn, each approximately 400 yards (365 meters), allowing for a two-color construction. The main color (MC) and coordinating color (CC) create visual interest and allow customization based on personal preference. The sample garments featured in the pattern were knit using Three Irish Girls' Westerly SeaSock, a superwash merino and Seacell blend (70% superwash merino, 30% Seacell), which provides durability, softness, and easy care properties ideal for a treasured shawl.

The project requires circular knitting needles in size US 7 (4.5 mm) measuring at least 40 inches (102 cm) in length to accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawl grows outward from the center. Additionally, a set of five double-pointed needles in size US 7 (4.5 mm) is necessary for working the initial center stitches where the stitch count is too small for circular needles. This needle combination allows the knitter to transition smoothly from the tight center rounds to the expanding outer sections of the shawl.

Difficulty Level

Samovar is classified as an advanced knitting project, reflecting the complexity of managing cables and lace stitches simultaneously while working in the round with increasing stitch counts. Knitters should have solid experience with cable techniques, lace pattern reading, and circular knitting before beginning this project. The advanced difficulty ensures that completing Samovar represents a significant achievement in a knitter's skill development.