Whispering Willow Collection

Whispering Willow Collection by MaDonna Marie

Project Overview

The Whispering Willow Collection features a beautifully crafted intermediate-level knitted shawl with a distinctive crescent shape. Designed by MaDonna Marie and published in 2020, this shawl draws inspiration from the graceful willow tree and its role as a sanctuary for wildlife. The stitch pattern cleverly represents creatures such as birds, butterflies, and viceroys flying to the willow tree for safety from predators, creating both visual and conceptual depth in the finished garment.

What Is Being Made

This project creates a crescent-shaped shawl with generous dimensions of approximately 18 inches by 77 inches when blocked at its widest point. The shawl is designed to drape elegantly and can be worn in multiple ways, making it a versatile addition to any knitter's wardrobe. The crescent silhouette is achieved through strategic shaping throughout the pattern.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Whispering Willow shawl employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that create visual interest and texture:

• Cable stitches form the primary decorative element, representing the flying creatures that seek refuge in the willow tree
• Two-color knitting using contrasting yarns adds depth and visual complexity to the design
• Stockinette stitch provides a smooth background for the cable work
• Decreases including k2togtbl (knit 2 stitches together through the back loop) and p2tog (purl 2 stitches together) help shape the crescent form
• I-cord cast off creates a finished, decorative edge that frames the completed shawl

Yarn and Materials

This shawl requires aran-weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition for cable work. The pattern calls for MJ Yarns Kuan Ya in a two-color combination: pearl (main color) and azurite (contrasting color), with 2 skeins of each color for a total of 4 skeins. Each skein contains 180 yards (150 meters), providing approximately 720 yards of total yardage for the completed project.

Essential tools include a 5.5mm (US 9) circular needle measuring 32 inches, which accommodates the stitches comfortably throughout the project. Additional notions include a cable needle for managing cable stitches, 13 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and shaping points, a blunt-tip large-eye sewing needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and an optional row counter to track progress through the pattern.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The stockinette stitch gauge is 17 stitches by 22 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters), while the cable stitch gauge is 20 stitches by 24 rows over the same measurement. These gauges ensure that the finished shawl reaches its intended dimensions of approximately 18 inches by 77 inches when properly blocked. Actual measurements may vary depending on the specific yarn chosen and individual knitting tension.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Whispering Willow shawl is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle cable work and two-color knitting. The combination of cables, color changes, and shaping techniques provides an engaging challenge without overwhelming newer knitters who have some experience under their belt.