#GloriaTSM

Pattern and yarn available as a kit from the marvelous Toil and Trouble; click HERE to get both at a discounted rate! Also, for more information on this shawl, visit my BLOG.

Gloria is my great-grandmother. She’s in her nineties. She loves putting together puzzles and writing poetry, making simple things complex. There’s this picture I’ve seen of her on the beach, looking out across the ocean with her arms stretched out, above her head, soaking it all in and smiling. Whenever I think of her, that’s how she is in my mind: free and filled with joy. Late last year, I decided I would make an encomium to her, to show her how much I loved and appreciated her, and this shawl was what came out of that concept.

The garter-based stitch pattern I contrived for the edging reminded me of the way that some artists portray flying birds in the distance, like little Vs. It consists of basic lace, slipped stitches, and knitting into the stitch below, as in Fisherman’s Rib. The crescent shape was a natural choice for this shawl; I loved the way that the shape influenced the look of the stitches, making it look more birdlike and delicate. The body of the shawl is knit in garter stitch and is shaped with short rows.

As to yarn, Toil & Trouble (an indie-dye company based out of Salem, Massachusetts) provided one glorious skein of sea-glass-colored singles yarn called Allegory that puts a spectacular finish on this design. However, if you’re going to substitute, I’d recommend a yarn with similar qualities and a gentle colorway.

This is my ode to her.

Pattern Specs

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Advanced Beginner/Intermediate

SIZE
One size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 21 inches
Length: 52 inches

MATERIALS
Toil and Trouble Allegory Fingering 100% superwash Merino wool; 400 yd/364 m per 100g skein; color: Isa; 1 skein

32-inch or longer US #6/4mm circular needle

32-inch or longer US #8/5mm circular needle (or a circular needle two sizes larger than the one used to obtain gauge)

Tapestry needle

Rust-proof t-pins

GAUGE
18 sts/30 rows = 4” in garter stitch, worked on smaller needles, blocked