Summer Rain Shawl

Summer Rain Shawl by Jem Arrowsmith

What is Being Made

The Summer Rain Shawl is a crescent-shaped knitted shawl designed by Jem Arrowsmith and originally published in The Knitter Magazine (issue 139). This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished blocked piece measuring 82 inches (208 centimeters) in wingspan, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering during cooler months or as a decorative wrap. The shawl's design was inspired by fresh raindrops glistening in the outbreak of the sun, combining visual beauty with practical wearability.

Construction and Techniques

The Summer Rain Shawl is worked in two distinct sections that are grafted together at the completion of the pattern. This two-part construction method allows for varied stitch patterns and visual interest throughout the finished piece.

Top Section: The top section is worked first, from the top down using garter stitch throughout. Garter stitch creates a soft and textured body that provides both visual appeal and a comfortable drape when worn.

Border Section: The border section is worked from the bottom up, beginning with vertical lines of beads and yarnover lace. A contrast colour yarn is then joined to work the raindrop motif section, which incorporates subtle beads that twinkle throughout the design. This two-colour approach adds depth and visual dimension to the finished shawl.

Stitches and Skills Required

• Knit and purl stitches as foundational techniques
• Increases and decreases for shaping
• Lace stitches including yarnover techniques for the openwork sections
• Beadwork integration throughout the border and raindrop motif sections
• Grafting to join the two completed sections seamlessly

This pattern is rated at intermediate difficulty level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable working with lace stitches, managing multiple techniques, and incorporating beadwork into their projects.

Materials

The Summer Rain Shawl is designed to be worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which provides the appropriate drape and stitch definition for both the garter stitch body and the delicate lace border sections. Knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn are required. Beads are essential materials for this project, as they are incorporated throughout the border and raindrop motif sections to create the sparkling, raindrop-inspired embellishments. The pattern calls for contrast colour yarn to be joined for the raindrop motif section, allowing for creative colour selection to enhance the shawl's visual impact.

Summer Rain Shawl kits containing pre-selected materials are available through Under the Olive Tree Knits, offering a convenient option for knitters who prefer coordinated yarn and bead selections.