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This pattern is part of the second Shawl Society eBook - you can buy the collection here: The Shawl Society 2

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You’ll find the Vila in the hills and mountain tops of Slavic folklore, dwelling in the high-up places where the air is thin and sweet and the clouds are born. Some legends call them a kind of fairy, others claim them as nymphs, while a few say that they are the spirits of women who were too silly and not serious enough in their lifetimes. Whatever their origins, the Vila have a true lust for life. They are both frivolous and fierce, appearing as beautiful women in white dresses, billowing cloaks, or magical blue robes. They lure young men into rowdy dances and demand their absolute loyalty in return. They sing with enough force to call up high winds, and fight with a wildness that shakes the earth. They are gorgeous, powerful, and at least a little bit dangerous.

The Vila Wrap was designed to honour these magical creatures in all their ferocious femininity. A generous, elongated wrap with an asymmetrical design and stunning lace panels, this shawl invites you to make a statement. Created in three colours, it is an addictive knit that’s hard to put down. Stripes and engaging stitch patterns keep things interesting without being too difficult. Smart, contemporary and easy to wear, the wrap shape will complement a wide variety of wardrobes.

The Vila offer inspiration to anyone who has ever been afraid of being “too much.” They have shaken off the scrutiny of a judgemental world and live to please themselves. For all of us who have been told that we should tamp down our own spirit and creativity to fit some premade vision of reality, the Vila show us an alternative. Learning to honour our own desires is a lifelong process, but creation is a powerful antidote to the negative messages we get about who we should be. The individuality and agency of making something yourself is not a trivial or frivolous thing. There is an assertion in every stitch: this is who I am, and it deserves expression.

Finished Measurements
Approximately 53cm (21”) wide
190cm (75”) long

Yarn
Walcot Yarns Opus 70% Falkland Merino, 30% Baby Alpaca; 325m/355yds per 100g skein, 3 x 100g skeins,
Colour A: Splashed White
Colour B: Grey
Colour C: Maya

or

250g of fingering weight yarn totaling approximately 800m/870yd
Colour A: 90g, 293m/320yds
Colour B: 80g, 260m/284yds
Colour C: 75g, 244m/266yds
(Actual yarn used)

Needles
4mm (US 6), circular or straight needles (or .5mm smaller than size used to obtain gauge)
4.5mm (US 7), circular or straight needles (or size to obtain gauge)

Notions
Tapestry needle

Gauge
18 sts/20 rows = 10cm (4”) in striped chevron pattern after blocking