Bonne Fete

Bonne Fete Knit Shawl by Corrine Walcher

Project Overview

Bonne Fete is a celebratory knit shawl design created by independent designer Corrine Walcher to honor Dragonfly Fibers' ten-year anniversary. This intermediate-level knitting project showcases a stunning gradient colorway through a thoughtfully constructed triangular shawl featuring an optional beaded dragonfly motif that runs down the center spine. The design philosophy keeps the shawl construction simple and elegant, allowing the beautiful hand-dyed yarn to be the star of the finished piece.

Finished Dimensions and Specifications

The completed shawl measures 26 inches in depth and 78 inches across the wingspan, making it a generous triangular wrap suitable for layering or wearing as a statement accessory. The shawl is designed to be wet-blocked to achieve its final dimensions and optimal drape.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses Dragonfly Fibers Dragonfly Gradient in the Dragon Sock yarn weight. The yarn is 100% Superwash Merino, a durable and washable fiber perfect for heirloom knitting projects. You will need six 1-ounce skeins, each containing 95 yards, for a total of 570 yards. The superwash treatment makes this shawl easy to care for and maintain over time.

Tools and Equipment

Construction requires a 32-inch circular needle in US size 4 (3.5mm), or the size needed to achieve your desired gauge. For the optional beaded version, a size 12/1.00mm crochet hook is used to add beads during knitting rather than pre-stringing them onto the yarn—a technique that offers flexibility and ease during the knitting process.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when measured in wet-blocked stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this item, variations will affect the final size, total yardage used, and the way the fabric drapes when worn. Adjusting needle size up or down allows for customization based on your preferred finished dimensions.

Beading Option and Techniques

The shawl features an optional beaded dragonfly design that embellishes the center spine of the garment. Rather than the traditional method of pre-stringing beads onto yarn before knitting begins, this pattern uses a tiny crochet hook to add beads as you knit. The sample shown includes eight repeats of the beaded motif, with each repeat requiring 36 beads in the 6/0 size. The sample uses Beader's Paradise 6/0 Czech Glass E Beads in the "Dragon's Eyes" colorway, chosen to complement the gradient yarn. Knitters who prefer a simpler construction can omit the beading entirely and follow the non-beaded version of the pattern.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level project uses stockinette stitch as the primary fabric structure. The triangular shawl construction is kept intentionally simple to showcase the gradient colorway of the yarn. The beading technique, when included, adds visual interest and dimensional detail without overwhelming the overall design. Wet blocking is essential to set the gauge, even out the stitches, and achieve the intended finished dimensions and drape.

Design Inspiration

The Bonne Fete shawl draws inspiration from Dragonfly Fibers' anniversary gradient colorway, with the dragonfly motif serving as a thematic connection to the yarn company's name and aesthetic. This makes the shawl a meaningful project for fans of the brand or as a gift celebrating a special occasion.