My Own Back Yard is a top-down, half-hexagonal shawl with a simple, garter stitch body and mock i-cord edging and a lovely, but simple, lace border. It works well for a gradient yarn set, but it can also be used with tonal, variegated or speckled yarn or any combination of these.

This pattern has been tech edited and test knit.

Skills used in this project:

• Judy’s Magic Cast-On (could substitute another provisional cast on if you like), basic increasing.
• The last 12 rows are worked in lace that is both written and charted and should be simple enough for beginning lace knitters.

Resources Available:
• A video tutorial for this shawl’s cast on is available here.
• A video tutorial for the Judy’s Magic Cast On is available here.

Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Dragon Sock Gradient Set in the Titania Colorway

Materials:

• 4 stitch markers
• Optional: 25 additional stitch markers for use between lace repeats
• Optional: locking stitch marker

Finished Size

• 47 in/ 119 cm wingspan (measured along top)
• 15 in/ 38 cm depth (measured in center)

Tune in to Episode 101 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast to hear more about this shawl.

This shawl is dedicated to my beautiful mother, Diane Lassonde. She has taught me to love my family and to treat those I meet as if they are family, too. My mom has also taught me the importance of home. She has been in love with the movie The Wizard of Oz since she was a child and has collected memorabilia from the movie throughout her life; for that reason I’ll always have a fondness for the beautiful messages from the film. One of these is the quote from Dorothy after returning from Oz: “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” This is especially fitting since my mother loves her back yard and shares that oasis with all of us- family, friends and practical strangers alike- any chance she gets. So many fond memories have grown there alongside my father’s flowers. This shawl is a nod to the beauty that radiates from my mother, Diane. I love you to the moon and back!