Audition – Part 4

We finish off the shawl with a charming lace pattern, a bit of striping, and a sweet little bind off which are all aimed at using nearly every inch of your yarn.  For those of you who like a complete and condensed version of the entire Audition pattern, download it here.

Section #8 – Checkered Lace

I am so enamored with this clever variation of the traditional checkerboard pattern.  Like the original, this lacy version also creates a flat-lying fabric that is nearly reversible.  It’s fast and easy and would make a great pattern for blankets and scarves.

The lace element is achieved by working a yarn over/SK2P/ yarn over sequence.  An SK2P is a double decrease with a prominent left lean.  It stands for Slip as if to knit, Knit together, Pass the slip stitch over and off the needle.  Slipping that first stitch as if to knit is what causes the stitch to lean to the left.  When passing the slipped stitch over the k2tog, take care to pass the slip stitch off and not the yarn over that precedes it.  Watch my SK2P video for a quick overview.

Section #9 – “Yarn Chicken”

At the end of Section #8 I had 21 grams of the MC and 11 grams of the CC which I cut at the end of Section #7.  I chose to stripe the end of the shawl by using as much of the remaining yarn as possible.  A scale to weigh the yarn is very helpful at this point.  Weigh your yarn before and after a row to evaluate your usage.  To preserve the garter stitch prior to the bind off, your striping must end after knitting a wrong side row.  I recommend placing a lifeline in several rows of this section in case you find yourself losing the Yarn Chicken game (running out of yarn).

I have included my striping formula but this is just a guideline.  You may have more or less yarn and any striping design is perfectly acceptable.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone’s creations!

Bind Off

My favorite bind off with garter stitch is my own invention, the Channel Island Bind Off.  It is more time consuming than a standard bind off, but this cutie lies flat and preserves the drape of the fabric.  This technique uses slightly more yarn than a regular bind off so be sure to save enough yarn for this option.  I used approximately 4 grams for the bind off.

I have written out the bind off instructions in the pattern, but have a detailed video in place to help you finish in style. See Channel Island Bind Off Video

Blocking

With the majority of the shawl worked in garter stitch, most likely your shawl will only require a light blocking.  Steaming the fabric may be the only action needed to corral the edges.  As seen above, I chose to run wires through the edges and lightly spritz with water and pin into place.  I elected to preserve the curve of the piece because it helps the shawl settle nicely on the shoulders.  As with any color work, soaking for long periods of time in a small amount of water may cause bleeding.  While this yarn is colorfast, I would treat it with kid gloves to be on the safe side.

Wrapping Up

With your shawl completed, don’t forget to enter our sponsor’s prize drawing.  Simply take a photo of your finished shawl and submit the form to Skacel by November 15th and you could win a set of addi interchangeable needles.

Thank You!

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Skacel Collection for bringing these KALs to you for nearly ten years.  Our partnership has enabled me to broaden the skills of so many knitters.  I have delighted in the progress of each knitter and am humbled by the loyalty shown to my work.

While I am on hiatus, my videos and website will remain in place to assist you.  I will continue to monitor my Ravelry group regularly to keep in touch and answer any lingering questions.  I have four books to keep you busy in my absence so you won’t miss me too much.

   

Mostly, a big thank you to YOU!  I so appreciate being a part of your knitting and I look forward to more knitting adventures.

Until we meet again, happy knitting!

Michelle

Part Four

Click here to download printable version

Abbreviations

CC – contrasting color.

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See Kfb Video

MC – main color.

SK2P (sl 1, k2tog, psso) – slip next stitch as if to knit, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over decreased stitch and off the needle.  Left leaning, double decrease.  See SK2P Video

yo – yarn over.  See Yarn Over Video

Instructions

Section #8 (All MC)

Checkered Lace (See Chart below)

Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, *k3, p3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) K2, *k3, p3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.  162 sts

Row 3.  K1, kfb, p2, *k3, p3; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k3, p2, k2tog, k1.

Row 4.  K4, p3, *k3, p3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k3, kfb, k1.  163 sts.

Row 5.  K1, kfb, k4, *yo, SK2P, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 7 sts, yo, SK2P, yo, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 6.  K2, p1, k3, *p3, k3; repeat from * to last 7 sts, p3, k2, kfb, k1.  164 sts

Row 7.  K1, kfb, *p3, k3; repeat from * to last 6 sts, p3, k2tog, k1.

Row 8.  K5, *p3, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, p1, kfb, k1.  165 sts

Row 9.  K1, kfb, k2, *p3. K3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p2, k2tog, k1.

Row 10.  K4, *p3, k3; repeat from * to last 5 sts, p3, kfb, k1.  166 sts

Row 11.  K1, kfb, k1, yo, SK2P, yo, *k3, yo, SK2P, yo,; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 12.  K2, p1, *k3, p3; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k3, p2, kfb, k1.  167 sts

Row 13.  Same as 1.

Row 14.  Same as 2.  168 sts

Row 15.  Same as 3.

Row 16.  Same as 4.  169 sts

Row 17.  Same as 5.

Row 18.  Same as 6.  170 sts

Row 19.  Same as 7.

Row 20.  Same as 8.  171 sts

MC = 21g

Section #8 – Checkered Lace (MC)

6-stitch repeat between red lines, work Rows 1 – 12 once, then rows 1 – 8 again (20 rows)

Section #9 (MC and CC)

“Yarn Chicken” Striping

With remaining MC and CC, work garter stitch stripes in desired striping sequence leaving at least 4g for bind off.  (My bind off used approx. 3g). End after WS row.

Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) Knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. (1 st increased)

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until desired length leaving at least 4g for bind off, ending after Row 2.

Below is my striping sequence.  Depending on your remaining yardage, you may have more or fewer rows.

Row 1.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 2.  With CC, same as 2.  172 sts

Row 3.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 4.  With MC, same as 2.  173 sts

Row 5.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 6.  With MC, same as 2.  174 sts

Row 7.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 8.  With CC, same as 2.  175 sts

Row 9.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 10.  With MC, same as 2.  176 sts

Row 11.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 12.  With MC, same as 2.  177 sts

 

Bind Off

Using remaining color of choice, bind off stitches using Channel Island Bind Off.

Channel Island Bind Off

See Channel Island Bind Off Video

  1.  Cast on 2 sts using the Knitted Cast On.
  2.  With right needle tip, lift the second stitch on the left needle over the first stitch and off the needle.
  3.  With right needle tip, lift the now-second stitch on the left needle over the first and off the needle.
  4.  Slip the first stitch to the right needle as if to purl.
  5.  On left needle, k2tog. There are now 2 stitches on right needle.
  6.  On right needle, lift the right stitch over the left stitch and off the needle.
  7.  Slip the stitch on the right needle to the left needle.

Repeat Steps 1 – 7 to last stitch. Cut yarn and pull tail through last stitch.

After bind off:

MC = 4g, 2nd skein of CC = 5g.                                              ©2019 Michelle Hunter

 

Audition – Part 3

Our shawl is taking shape nicely and I’m excited to share a new stitch pattern with you!

Section #6

Another section of striping is added here to separate the stitch patterns.  This section’s striping is deeper to balance the proportions of Sections 5 and 7.  This is simple garter stitch maintaining the same increase pattern.  Be sure to pay close attention to the correct color used in each row as you continue to carry the yarn up the side.

I joined my second skein of Contrasting Color in Row 28 of this section.  There are several ways to join and weave in yarn.  The Russian Join (see video) may be used mid-row and eliminates the need to weave in ends.  Starting a new skein at the beginning of a row or mid-row can be accomplished by simply dropping the old yarn and beginning with the new skein.  The resulting tails can be woven in on the wrong side invisibly using my Weaving in Ends – Garter Stitch video.

Section #7

A fun-to-work slip stitch tweed graces this section.  Slip stitch patterns are the most common variety of color work designs.  Because these patterns use only one color per row, they are often the simplest and quickest to knit.  While one yarn is working across a row, the alternate color remains connected to the work but rests along the side until needed.  In each row the working yarn is carried across the slipped stitches, producing strands for a dense and firm fabric.

Slipping a stitch simply moves the stitch from the left hand needle to the right hand needle without working it.  The conventional rule in knitting is to slip a stitch as if to purl with the yarn held to the wrong side, unless otherwise stated.  This basic principle results in the slipped stitch sitting correctly on the right hand needle and the working yarn (strand) hidden on the wrong side.  Section #7’s Three-and-One Tweed adheres to this rule.

This section continues with one stitch increased on every wrong side row as seen throughout the shawl.  Four stitches are increased in every eight-row repeat and I provide these stitch counts at the end of each repeat.  The tweed section is worked seven times ending after Row 56.  Cut the CC yarn as it will not be used in Section #8.

The chart for Section #7 works as in the previous charts.  Rows 3, 4, 7 and 8 are shown in yellow and are to be worked in the Contrasting Color.  If printing the chart in black and white, be sure to use a yellow marker to highlight these rows.

Depending on your tension, the stripes in Section #6 may ruffle up a bit next to the tweed pattern.  This slight disturbance will disappear with blocking.

We return next week to finish the shawl and end with a bang!

Happy knitting,

Michelle

Part Three

Click here to download printable copy

Abbreviations

CC – contrasting color.

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See Kfb Video

MC – main color.

sl – slip.  See Slip Stitch Video

wyib – with yarn in back.

wyif  – with yarn in front. 

 

Instructions

Section #6 (MC and CC)

Row 1. (RS) With CC, k1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) With CC, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  115 sts

Row 3. With CC, same as 1.

Row 4. With CC, same as 2.  116 sts

Row 5.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 6.  With MC, same as 2.  117 sts

Row 7.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 8.  With MC, same as 2.  118 sts

Row 9.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 10.  With CC, same as 2.  119 sts

Row 11.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 12.  With CC, same as 2.  120 sts

Row 13.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 14.  With MC, same as 2.   121 sts

Row 15.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 16.  With CC, same as 2.  122 sts

Row 17. With MC, same as 1.

Row 18. With MC, same as 2.  123 sts

Row 19.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 20.  With CC, same as 2.  124 sts

Row 21.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 22.  With MC, same as 2.  125 sts

Row 23.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 24.  With CC, same as 2.  126 sts

Row 25.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 26.  With MC, same as 2.  127 sts

Row 27.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 28.  With CC, same as 2.  128 sts (Joined 2nd CC skein)

Row 29.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 30.  With CC, same as 2.  129 sts

Row 31.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 32.  With MC, same as 2.  130 sts

Row 33.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 34.  With MC, same as 2.  131 sts

Row 35.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 36.  With CC, same as 2.  132 sts

Row 37.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 38.  With CC, same as 2.  133 sts

MC = 85g, 2nd CC skein = 42g

 

Section #7 (MC and CC)

Three-and-One Tweed (See Chart below)

As above rows, one stitch is increased on each wrong side row (Four stitches are increased in each eight-row repeat.)  Stitch counts provided at end of each repeat.

Row 1.  (RS) With MC, k1, kfb, *k3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2.  (WS). With MC, k2, *sl 1 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.

Row 3.  With CC, k1, kfb, *k3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 4.  With CC, k3, *sl 1 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.

Row 5.  With MC, k1, kfb, *k3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 6.  With MC, k4, *sl 1 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.

Row 7.  With CC, k1, kfb, *k3, sl 1 wyib; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k3, k2tog, k1.

Row 8.  With CC, k5, *sl 1 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.  137 sts

Rows 9 – 16.  Same as 1-8.  141 sts

Rows 17 – 24.  Same as 1-8.  145 sts

Rows 25 – 32.  Same as 1-8.  149 sts

Rows 33 – 40.  Same as 1-8.  153 sts

Rows 41 – 48.  Same as 1-8.  157 sts

Rows 49 – 56.  Same as 1-8.  161 sts

Cut CC.  MC = 53g, 2nd CC skein = 11g

Section #7 – Three-and-One Tweed (MC and CC)

4-stitch repeat between red lines, work Rows 1 – 8 seven times (56 rows)

 

 

Audition – Part 2

Our shawl is off to a great start and now it’s time to add a few more sections and patterns.  Before we begin, some knitters have expressed concern that their MC is weighing less than the stated weights I have given.  The final section of the shawl will be one that can be easily adjusted to fewer rows if you have a smaller amount of yarn.  Don’t worry and knit on with confidence!

Section #4 – Stripes

Following last week’s Little Gulls is a bit of striping to separate the stitch patterns.  The striping frames the pattern below and sets the stage for a lovely design in Section #5.  Continue to carry the yarns up the side of the fabric while striping for a clean edge.  For your convenience, I continue to provide stitch counts.  At the conclusion on Section #4, cut the Contrasting Color yarn as it will not be used in Section #5.

Section #5 – Garter and Lace

This section features a happy little lace pattern that combines both garter and stockinette.  It is a joy to knit and I can imagine it making its way into all sorts of knitting projects.

I have long been vexed by the inability of a left leaning decrease to exactly mimic the tidy appearance of the right leaning k2tog.  An ssk is very close to mirroring a k2tog, but just not tidy enough, especially when the decreases appear side by side.  I have found that if the ssk is worked slightly differently, it results in a left lean that is pretty darn close to the k2tog.  To work the Improved SSK, slip the first stitch of the pair as if to knit (as in a standard ssk) and then slip the second stitch as if to purl.  Insert the left hand needle into the front of these two stitches and then knit them together.  A simple alteration with big results!  This version of the ssk can be used any time a pattern asks for an ssk.  I recommend using this version of the ssk in the Garter and Lace pattern for beautiful lace diamonds.  Watch my newest video and see if you agree.  See ssk Improved video.

This fairly simple design only looks complicated due to the number of rows in this section.  The written row instructions spell out the edge stitches, the ten-stitch repeat and the stitch counts for all 54 rows.

For chart lovers, I have broken the rows into two charts for easier reading.  The charts have the same edge anomalies as found in last week’s post, but by now you are no doubt used to its irregularities.  As always, if the chart poses a question, simply refer to the written row directions for confirmation.  Work each chart once.

At the end of Section #5, don’t cut the Main Color yarn as it will be used in next week’s Section #6.

Until next week, happy knitting!

Michelle

Part Two

Click here to download printable version

Abbreviations

CC – contrasting color.

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See Kfb Video

MC – main color.

ssk (Improved) – slip next stitch as if to knit, slip next stitch as if to purl, insert left needle into the front of these two slipped stitches from left to right and knit together.  See SSK Improved Video 

yo – yarn over.  See Yarn Over Video

 

Instructions

Section #4 (MC and CC)

Row 1. (RS) With MC, k1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) With MC, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  81 sts

Row 3. With CC, same as 1.

Row 4. With CC, same as 2.  82 sts

Row 5.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 6.  With MC, same as 2.  83 sts

Row 7.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 8.  With CC, same as 2.  84 sts

Row 9.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 10.  With CC, same as 2.  85 sts

Row 11.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 12.  With MC, same as 2.  86 sts

Row 13.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 14.  With CC, same as 2.  87 sts

Cut CC yarn.  MC = 157g.   First skein of CC = 18g

 

Section #5 (All MC)

Garter and Lace Diamonds (See Charts below)

Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) K5, p2, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k4, kfb, k1.  88 sts

Row 3.  Same as 1.

Row 4.  *K4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k4, p2, kfb, k1.  89 sts

Row 5.  Same as 1.

Row 6.  K3, p2, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 10 sts, k4, p2, k2, kfb, k1.  90 sts

Row 7.  K1, kfb, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k2, *k2, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to last 9 sts, k2, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 8.  K2, purl to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  91 sts

Row 9.  K1, kfb, k1, *k1, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 10.  Same as 8.  92 sts

Row 11.  K1, kfb, k1, yo, ssk, *k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 12.  Same as 8.  93 sts

Row 13.  Same as 1.

Row 14.  K4, p1, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 8 sts, p1, k5, kfb, k1.  94 sts

Row 15.  Same as 1.

Row 16.  K3, p1, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 10 sts, p1, k7, kfb, k1.  95 sts

Row 17.  Same as 1.

Row 18.  K2, p1, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  96 sts

Row 19.  K1, kfb, k1, *k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 20.  Same as 8.  97 sts

Row 21.  K1, kfb, k3, *k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k2; repeat from * to last 12 sts, k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 22.  Same as 8.  98 sts

Row 23.  K1, kfb, k2tog, yo, k3, *k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 24.  Same as 8.  99 sts

Row 25.  Same as 1.

Row 26.  K3, p2, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 10 sts, k4, p2, k2, kfb, k1.  100 sts

Row 27.  Same as 1.

Row 28.  K2, p2, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.   101 sts

Row 29.  Same as 1.

Row 30.  K2, p1, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k2, kfb, k1.  102 sts

Row 31.  K1, kfb, k3, *k2, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k4, k2tog, k1.

Row 32.  Same as 8.  103 sts

Row 33.  K1, kfb, k2, yo, ssk, k1, *k1, k2tog, yo, k4, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k3, k2tog, k1.

Row 34.  Same as 8.  104 sts

Row 35.  K1, kfb, k5, yo, ssk, *k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1.

Row 36.  Same as 8.  105 sts

Row 37.  Same as 1.

Row 38.  K2, p1, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  106 sts

Row 39.  Same as 1.

Row 40.  K2, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, p1, k1, kfb, k1.  107 sts

Row 41.  Same as 1.

Row 42.  K10, p1, *p1, k8, p1; repeat from * to last 6 sts, p1, k3, kfb, k1.  108 sts

Row 43.  K1, kfb, k2, k2tog, yo, k1, *k1, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k1; repeat from * to last 11 sts, k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1.

Row 44.  Same as 8.  109 sts

Row 45.  K1, kfb, k3, k2tog, yo, k2, *k2, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k2; repeat from * to last 10 sts k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, k1.

Row 46.  Same as 8.  110 sts

Row 47.  K1, kfb, k2, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3, *k3, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k3; repeat from * to last 9 sts, k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 48.  Same as 8.  111 sts

Row 49.  Same as 1.

Row 50.  K2, p1, k4, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k2, kfb, k1.  112 sts

Row 51.  Same as 1.

Row 52.  K6, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k4, kfb, k1.  113 sts

Row 53.  Same as 1.

Row 54.  K5, *k4, p2, k4; repeat from * to last 8 sts, k4, p2, kfb, k1.  114 sts

MC = 103g

Do NOT cut MC yarn as it will be used in next week’s Section #6.

 

Section #5 – Garter and Lace Diamonds, Rows 1 – 24 (MC)                                                                      

10-stitch repeat between red lines, work Rows 1-24 once

(Click on chart to enlarge)

Section #5 (cont.) – Garter and Lace Diamonds, Rows 25 – 54 (MC)                                                              

10-stitch repeat between red lines, work Rows 25-54 once

(Click on chart to enlarge)

Audition – Part 1

Welcome to the Progressive Needles Knit Along sponsored by Skacel Collection.  A big thank you to Skacel for their dedication to knitting education that makes this series possible!

Before we begin, here is an overview of the KAL:

  • A portion of the 4-part mystery pattern is revealed here on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Thursdays in October at 9am Eastern time.  The weekly pattern, video resources and lots of helpful tips are included in each post.  An abbreviated, pattern-only version is included to download.
  • All techniques are supported with video instruction at knitpurlhunter.com
  • All questions and comments are monitored daily both here and in the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry.  It’s like having  your own private knitting tutor!
  • Projects completed by November 15th are eligible for the monthly prize drawing – first prize is a set of addi Clicks!  See skacelknitting.com for all the info.
  • VERY IMPORTANT:  Audition is a FREE pattern through November 15th.  After this date, it will only be available for purchase on Ravelry.  Be sure to download each portion of the pattern prior to this date.  Saving it to your Ravelry page will NOT save the pattern.  The helpful tips and videos for each section will remain on my website indefinitely.

Audition is an asymmetrical shawl full of interesting stitches and patterns that result in a piece you will love to knit and wear.  The pattern is aptly named Audition because there are lots of new stitches to “try out”. 

Let’s begin with a few words about yarn management.  I will be providing the yarn weights throughout the pattern to help assess proper yardage.  Please note that yarn weights vary, by as much as 5 grams, at the start of each skein due to humidity levels and other environmental factors.  However, the yardage is carefully regulated so have no fear if the skein weighs less than the stated grams.  You can rest assured that you do have the stated yardage.  I knit my skein of Spray beginning at the outside of the skein, but starting at either end will work.  The Spray yarn will change from light to dark hues several times and starting in either direction will complement the design.

Section 1

The shawl will grow into its shape by a series of increases and decreases.  Every right side row begins with k1, kfb and ends with k2tog, k1.  These offsetting stitches coax the shawl into shape.  Every wrong side row ends with kfb, k1 which increases the stitch count by one at that edge of the shawl.  This same edge detail will continue throughout the entire shawl.

Begin by casting on five stitches in your preferred method with the Main Color yarn.  I used the Long Tail Cast On, but any style will work.  I recommend hanging a marker on the right side of the work to avoid any confusion with right and wrong sides.  Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until there are 56 stitches on the needle ending after completing a wrong side row.

Section 2

In this section a bit of striping is added for interest.  Garter stripes of contrasting colors are a great way to showcase any beautiful colors.  When alternating rows of color in striping and color knitting, it is not necessary to cut the yarn at each color change.  The multiple colors may remain attached to the piece, reducing the number of tails in the project.  When it is time to change colors at the beginning of a row (after the initial join), drop the old color and bring up the new color from behind and underneath to begin knitting.  This creates a tidy edge with less bulk.

The general rule in knitting is if a yarn will not be used for four or more rows, it is a good idea to carry the resting yarn up the side of the fabric.  This helps maintain an even tension and also prevents large loops that can snag with use.  In this section, the yarn only rests for four rows so it is optional if you would like to carry the yarn up the side.  I do prefer to carry it for a clean look.  To carry the unused yarn up the side, bring it to the front and over the working yarn at the beginning of a row.  The resting yarn is “caught” in the working yarn and carried up the side.  Take care that the carried yarn is not pulled too tightly, so as to help maintain a consistent tension.  Watch my Carrying Yarn Up The Side video for a complete tutorial.

At the end of Section 2, cut the Main Color yarn.  The upcoming section is worked all in Contrasting Color and is too long of a stretch to carry the yarn up the side.

Section 3

A fun stitch, know as Little Gulls (above), is worked in the contrasting color.  This textured beauty is actually quite easy to work.  The tiny, winged stitches are formed by picking up long strands of slipped stitches and catching them in the stitch above resulting in a butterfly-like design.  The long strands (or floats) are constructed by slipping five stitches with yarn in front.  It is important to remember that a stitch is always slipped as if to purl with yarn held to the wrong side unless otherwise stated.  In this pattern you are directed to slip 5 with yarn in front (wyif).  This means the stitches are still slipped as if to purl, but the yarn is held in an otherwise stated (wyif) position.

The Little Gull stitch is very similar to the Butterfly Stitch used in my Building In Color book (left) and Fluttered Socks (right) which use three strands instead of the one strand in Audition.  To avoid any confusion, I have filmed a Little Gulls video to guide you through the process.

Before working the Little Gulls stitch, two set up rows are required and they are NOT in the Little Gulls chart.

The pattern includes both written and charted instructions for this section.  Charting a shawl with this type of shaping presents some unique problems.  When comparing the chart to the shawl’s written instructions, you will notice a discrepancy with the edge stitches.  The repeat is found between the bold red lines.  In some rows, the edge stitches also include one of the eight-stitch repeats.  This chart modification was needed to maintain the visual integrity of the chart repeat.

Another chart anomaly is found in the left edge stitches on right side rows. The right side rows will always end with k2tog, k1.  Its offsetting increase is found at the beginning of the row.  If you are following the chart it will show one less “square” on the left edge than the number of stitches you have on your needle.  For example, in Row 1 the left edge stitches on the chart read: slip 5 wyif, k4, k2tog, k1 and uses eleven squares on the chart.  However, the k2tog requires two stitches to execute that decrease so in reality there will be twelve stitches on the needle for these edge stitches.  Chart followers will need to train their brain to remember that each k2tog on this edge of shawl counts as two stitches on the needle.  This sounds much more complicated than it is! Any confusion can be easily verified by comparing the charted instructions with the written instructions.

I have provided the stitch count at the end of every wrong side row.  It’s always a good idea to count and stay on track.

At the end of Section 3, your shawl is shaping up nicely and ready for another new stitch pattern next week.

Until next week, happy knitting!

Michelle

Part One

Click her to download printable version

Materials

  • MC (Option 1): Simplicity Spray; 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon; 456 yards per 200 gram cake , 1 cake—OR— MC (Option 2): Simplicity Tonal, 55% Merino Superwash, 28% Acrylic, 17% Nylon; 117 yards per 50 gram hank, 4 hanks of the same color.
  • Contrasting Color (CC) – Simplicity by HiKoo, 55% merino superwash, 28% acrylic, 17% nylon, 50 g/117 yds, 2 skeins
  • US #7 (4.5mm) addi 24-32” circular needle

Gauge

Approximately 20 stitches and 41 rows = 4” in garter stitch, unblocked

Size

Asymmetrical triangle, approximately 16” deep and 67” at longest edge

Abbreviations

B (Butterfly) – insert right hand needle under the slipped strand from bottom upward, knit next stitch pulling the loop under the strand and catching it as the knit stitch is completed.

See Little Gulls Video 

CC – contrasting color.

k2tog – knit two together.  See K2tog Video

kfb – knit into front and back of stitch.  See Kfb Video

MC – main color.

 sl – slip.  See Slip Stitch Video

wyif  – with yarn in front. 

Instructions

 Section #1 (All MC)

Using MC, cast on 5 sts.

Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) Knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. (1 st increased)

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until there are 56 stitches ending after Row 2.

Approx. 165g remaining in MC.

 

 Section #2 (MC and CC)

Row 1. (RS) With CC, k1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) With CC, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1.  (1 st increased)

Row 3. With MC, same as 1.

Row 4. With MC, same as 2.

Row 5.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 6.  With CC, same as 2.

Row 7.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 8.  With CC, same as 2.

Row 9.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 10.  With MC, same as 2.

Row 11.  With CC, same as 1.

Row 12.  With CC, same as 2.

Row 13.  With MC, same as 1.

Row 14.  With MC, same as 2.  (63 stitches)

Cut MC yarn.

Section #3 – Little Gulls (CC)

Set Up

Set Up Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Set Up Row 2. (WS) K2, p2, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.  64 sts

Little Gulls (See Chart below)

Row 1. (RS) K1, kfb, k2, *sl 5 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 2. (WS) K2, p1, * k3, p5; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k3, kfb, k1.  65 sts

Row 3.  K1, kfb, k4, *k2, Butterfly, k5; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Row 4.  K2, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k3, p2, kfb, k1.  66 sts

Row 5.  K1, kfb, k6, *sl 5 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 10 sts, sl 5 wyif, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 6.  K1, *k3, p5: repeat from * to last 9 sts, k3, p4, kfb, k1.  67 sts

Row 7.  K1, kfb, k8, *k2, Butterfly, k5; repeat from * to last 9 sts, k2, Butterfly, k3, k2tog, k1.

Row 8.  *K3, p5; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.  68 sts

Row 9.  K1, kfb, k2, *sl 5 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 8 sts, sl 5 wyif, k2tog, k1.

Row 10.  K2, p5, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k3, kfb, k1.  69 sts

Row 11.  K1, kfb, k4, *k2, Butterfly, k5; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k2, Butterfly, k1, k2tog, k1.

Row 12.  K2, p4, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 7 sts, k3, p2, kfb, k1.  70 sts

Row 13.  K1, kfb, k6, *sl 5 wyif, k3; repeat from * to last 6 sts, k3, k2tog, k1.

Row 14.  K2, p3, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 9 sts, k3, p4, kfb, k1.  71 sts

Row 15.  K1, kfb, k8, *k2, Butterfly, k5; repeat from * to last 5 sts, k2, k2tog, k1.

Row 16.  K2, p2, *k3, p5; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, kfb, k1.  72 sts

Row 17.  Same as 1.                                                    Row 25.  Same as 9.

Row 18.  Same as 2.  73 sts                                        Row 26.  Same as 10.  77 sts

Row 19.  Same as 3.                                                    Row 27.  Same as 11.

Row 20.  Same as 4.  74 sts                                        Row 28.  Same as 12.  78 sts

Row 21.  Same as 5.                                                    Row 29.  Same as 13.

Row 22.  Same as 6.  75 sts                                        Row 30.  Same as 14.  79 sts

Row 23.  Same as 7.                                                    Row 31.  Same as 15.

Row 24.  Same as 8.  76 sts                                        Row 32.  Same as 16.  80 sts

First skein of CC = 23g

Do NOT cut CC yarn as it will be used in next week’s Section #4.

 

Little Gulls Chart

8-stitch repeat between red lines, work Rows 1-16 twice.  (Don’t forget to work Set Up rows prior to beginning chart)

 

 

 

Last KAL – Starts October 10th!

If you love to “try out” new stitch patterns, then Audition is a KAL you won’t want to miss!  This generously sized asymmetrical shawl debuts four unique stitch patterns.  Each pattern features interesting stitches along with improved ways to execute old standards.

The shawl is knit using the lovely shades of Simplicity Spray by HiKoo and is paired with two skeins of solid HiKoo Simplicity.  (Both of these solid skeins MUST be the same color). Simplicity Spray is wound in huge 200 gram cakes and dyed with a brand new technique for an exceptional color palette.

While the shawl design is a mystery, it is no secret that video tutorials and daily support are available all throughout the knit along.

This will be my last KAL for now as I take a sabbatical to spend time with my ever-expanding family.  Have no worries!  While I am globetrotting and rocking babies, my website and videos will remain in place to assist you.  I will continue to monitor the Knit Purl Hunter group on Ravelry where I’ve made many new friends.

I can’t wait to share the yarn, stitches and good times together!

 

Materials

  • Main Color (MC) – simplicity Spray by HiKoo, 55% merino superwash, 28% acrylic, 17% nylon, 200 g/456 yds, 1 skein
  • Contrasting Color (CC) – simplicity by HiKoo, 55% merino superwash, 28% acrylic, 17% nylon, 50 g/117 yds, 2 skeins
  • US #7 (4.5mm) addi 24-32” circular needle

Very important!  Be sure to purchase Simplicity Spray and not Simpliworsted Spray.  They are different yardages and gauges.  The contrasting color must be two skeins of the same solid color of Simplicity.

Gauge

Approximately 20 stitches and 41 rows = 4” in garter stitch, unblocked

Size

Asymmetrical triangle, approximately 16” deep and 67” at longest edge