Bibliophile: a lover of books

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved books. As an introverted, peripatetic military kid, I found in books a safe retreat, a doorway to adventure, and my most constant friends. Because I firmly believe that every child deserves a chance to learn to love books and reading as much as I do, $3 from each copy of this pattern sold will be donated to the Appalachian Literacy Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to putting good books into the hands of children in need. If you are so moved, I invite you to learn more about ALI and add your own donation here.

Imagine yourself in a library, surrounded on all sides by tall bookcases. From the floor almost up to the ceiling, the shelves are crowded with rows of books: thick books next to thin books, bright new books next to faded old books, displaying spines of every color. Inside are stories of every kind, just waiting for you to discover them.

Bibliophile is inspired by the juxtaposition of colors and textures seen in a shelf full of books, and the twists and turns taken by the stories inside them. Each section of the shawl features a slightly different texture pattern and shaping, creating variations on a theme; your choice of colors will determine whether the overall effect is subdued or vibrant, quiet or bold. And when the knitting is finished, you can wrap yourself up in your love of books.

Kits in book-inspired color sets are sometimes available from Little Skein.

Skill level: Beginner and up

Skills needed:

• knit and purl
• increase and decrease

Yarn requirements: Small size uses 5 coordinating mini-skeins of at least 25g each, for a total of 435-500 yards.
Large size requires 10 coordinating 25g mini-skeins or 5 half-skeins of 50g each, for a total of 870-1000 yards.

Finished size: The smaller size is 62 inches across top edge (including angles and curves) and 18 inches at the deepest point. The larger size is 80 inches across the top and 25 inches deep.

This pattern has been tech-edited.

If you’re sharing progress or FO photos on Instagram, please tag them with #bibliophileshawl - I love to see what you’re making!

Donations sent:
3/23/2019: $500
8/1/2019: $100
12/17/2019: $100
6/16/2020: $100
12/12/2022: $125