“But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.” - Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Act 2, Scene 2.

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous plays from Shakespeare. Ask anyone to name a play from the Bard and nine times out of ten this is the one that springs to their lips. A story of star-crossed lovers and their families, Romeo and Juliet have inspired countless actors, readers, and artists with their potent story.

Death of the Moon is shawl that captures the scene in the garden. One of the most famous scenes in the play, the garden is the setting for the famous monologue by Romeo as he proclaims his love for Juliet and to his great joy, Juliet also shares this love.

The shawl is inspired by the moon and uses slipped stitches to “kill” the envious moon. The half circular shape lends itself to draping around your shoulders quite easily and the slow shading between the two colors lends itself to color blending and contrast.

Size: 14 inches along center line X 58 inches along top edge.

Recommended yarn: Two colors of fingering weight yarn in semi-solid, tonal, or solid colors. Sample used Sun Valley Fibers Single (100% Superwash Merino; 400 yds per skein) in the color ways Soul Searching (A) and Midnight (B).

Yardage: Color A: 300 yds/ 275 m; Color B: 400 yds/ 365 m

Needles: 32” US Size 4/3.5 circular needle

Gauge: 6 sts to the inch in stockinette stitch

Notions: scissors, tapestry needle

This is the first shawl of the geoknittrix collection 1: The Tragedies of the Bard. The pattern will launch the 15th of June.