Product Description
Cala is a simple triangular shawl. Constructed from the neck down, it features three lace patterns, all inspired by a hillside playground.
The pattern contains both written and charted instructions and also contains instructions to make the shawl larger or smaller.
This pattern has been test knit and tech edited.
Cala Shawl by Mindy Wilkes
Project Overview
The Cala Shawl is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by independent designer Mindy Wilkes. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 46.5 inches by 24.5 inches (118 cm by 62 cm). The design draws inspiration from a childhood fort built from fallen tree limbs and boulders on a hillside above the designer's grandparents' cabin, with lace stitches representing a hidden trail leading into a leafy playground.
What Is Being Made
The Cala Shawl is a triangular or crescent-shaped knitted wrap designed to be worn around the shoulders. The finished dimensions of 46.5 inches by 24.5 inches make it an ideal size for layering or draping. The shawl's size is dependent upon gauge and how the piece is blocked after completion, allowing for some customization based on individual blocking preferences.
Knitting Techniques and Construction
This intermediate knitting project employs lace stitches as the primary design element. The lace patterns are central to the aesthetic, creating the visual representation of a hidden trail through the design. The shawl uses a garter stitch border, with the first and last three stitches of each row always knit to form a finished garter stitch edge.
Stitches Used
- Stockinette Stitch: Used as the base fabric, providing a smooth foundation for the lace patterns
- Lace Stitches: The primary decorative element, creating the trail-inspired patterns throughout the shawl
- Garter Stitch: Forms the border on the first and last three stitches of each row, creating a finished edge
Materials and Specifications
Yarn: The pattern requires 400-475 yards of fingering weight yarn. The sample shown uses Ewe3 Juliana Fingering, a luxury blend composed of 70% alpaca, 20% cashmere, and 10% silk with 430 yards per 100 grams. The color shown is Ripe on the Vine.
Needles and Tools: US Size 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches or larger are required, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for finishing and one stitch marker (optional).
Gauge
The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch before blocking. While gauge is noted as not being critically important since the fit is not crucial for a shawl, achieving the specified gauge will help ensure the finished dimensions match the pattern specifications.
Difficulty Level
Rated as intermediate, the Cala Shawl is suitable for knitters with some experience. The combination of lace stitches and shawl construction techniques requires familiarity with reading lace charts and managing increases typical of shawl patterns.
```Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Designer: | Mindy Wilkes |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.