This pattern has been updated to improve the layout and readability for the visually impaired. Here are the changes that have been made:

• all charts have been moved to the end of the file
• some of the written instructions have been changed to be more clear
• all photographs have been updated to include descriptions readable by assistive technology such as VoiceOver
• Vision and Colorblindness Accessibility: This pattern includes an extra pdf that is written in 24 point sans serif font (Arial) in all black text on white background. It has no italics. All of the directions are fully written out and there are no charts or photos in the extra pdf. Page numbers are in bottom left hand corner.

I hope everyone may benefit from these changes!

Color A: pink fingering weight 400 yd / 3.3 oz (365m / 95g) (Miss Bab’s “Caroline” in Dark Adobe)

Color B: grey fingering weight 400 yd / 3.3 oz (365m / 95g)(Miss Bab’s “Caroline” in Fleur de Sel)

Color C: burgundy fingering weight 400 yd / 3.3 oz (365m / 95g)(Miss Bab’s “Caroline” in Corset)

Knitting Needles:
Size US 4 (3.5mm)
Size US 2 (2.75mm)

Gauge: 24 sts x 34 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette after blocking

Helen Keller has been a special heroine for me since I was a young girl. In Kindergarten, my eyesight began to decline rapidly and I had to start wearing some pretty powerful lenses very early on in my youth. My own mother experienced severe hearing loss while I was a young girl as well. So I easily identified with the visual and hearing impairment that Helen experienced. Her impairments were of course much more life changing than mine, but I always admired her for her determination to not let anything stop her from communicating with the world around her. She advocated strongly for the rights of the deaf and blind and she helped influence the spread of the use of Braille to help bring literacy to the blind.
This shawl is my tribute to Helen and the great things she accomplished. Did you know that she even knitted and crocheted when the weather was inclement? The small bobbles in the middle section are not just randomly placed. They are an accurate knitted representation of Braille. If you know this amazing form of writing, you can read the famous quote by Helen Keller herself:
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”
I chose lace hearts and cable hearts to surround the quote, because the visually impaired can easily feel these raised and lacey stitches and can be reminded of the love felt by those who care for them.
I hope you enjoy knitting it as much as I enjoyed designing it!

Knitting Skills used:
Brioche
Simple Lace
Cables
Bobbles
Icord

Video tutorials are provided as links in this pattern to help with all of these skills.

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