Join Our Garter Stitch KAL!
My Sister Knits is officially announcing our second KAL of this ‘stay at home’ season! We hope that you will join us in making a garter stitch Faroese Shawl starting next Tuesday, April 21st! Never fear if you haven’t finished your Meditate Cowl, it will be the same group!
Jenny’s Faroese shawl with Fibonacci sequence stripes
These shawls originated in the Faroe Islands and were specifically designed to stay on the shoulders. As you can imagine, this came in useful when working outside on farms! They were a no-nonsense working woman’s garment.
The Faroe Islands are between Iceland and Norway and are part of the Kingdom of Denmark. These 18 rocky, volcanic islands are connected by tunnels, ferries, causeways, and bridges. The Faroes have their own language and currency.
Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair is an excellent possibility for this shawl. Plus, treat yourself to some new stitch markers just for fun! You’ll need four for this project.
Faroese shawls have several distinguishing characteristics. Traditionally they are created with garter stitch. They’re shaped like butterfly wings with two triangular side panels and a trapezoid shaped center back gusset which helps the shawl stay on the wearer’s shoulders. They have a bit of shoulder shaping that allows the shawl to drape over the shoulders and stay in place without being fastened.
Normally they start at the bottom with hundreds of cast on stitches but the one we’re going to make starts at the top with a garter tab cast on. We’re putting together a tutorial post with tips and tricks to make this super easy; watch for it in the next few days!
Biches & Buches Le gros Lambswool and Hudson + West Co Forge are good options.
These shawls have evolved to be lacy, delicate, and beautiful or rustic and utilitarian. Ours is the rustic type! It’s knit with aran or worsted weight yarn at a loose gauge using size 8 - 10 needles, depending on your yarn. The pattern we’ve chosen is a very forgiving one and adapts easily to different weights, yarn combinations, and needle sizes. A loose fabric is key here.
The pattern we’re using is free on Ravelry: the Top Down Faroese Shawl with Garter Rib Variation. Jenny made it years ago and she wears it most mornings instead of a robe! It really does stay on!
This shawl lends itself to a variety of design elements. The garter rib variation at the bottom can be done in a second color, stripes can be added, let your imagination run wild! The stripes in the photo are in a Fibonacci sequence which is always pleasing to the eye.
Queensland Collection Kathmandu, Stone Wool American Cheviot, and Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok would all be great in this shawl.
We’ve made some helpful notes to the pattern that will make it easier to follow. These will be posted on our Facebook KAL page.
This KAL will be a continuation of our first one which started a few weeks ago. Look for the KAL group on our Facebook page.
Last week’s blog post was about combining different weights of yarn from your stash to create an aran or worsted weight. However, if you need yarn or needles call the shop at 970.407.1461 or email julie@mysisterknits.com and she will help you. You might want to treat yourself to a new set of stitch markers while you’re at it!
We offer delivery, porch pick-up, or free mailing during this time. We know that knitters and crocheters need a yarn source and we’re here to help you make the best of staying at home!
