I know it is not the season for summer shawls made in cotton, but a huge dose of color is necessary at this time of year, hence I am releasing my Zest Shawl in English as a downloadable pattern on Ravelry. Beautifully worn by dancer Francesca Golfetto, brilliantly styled by Line Sekkingstad and stunningly captured by photographer Kim Müller. The Norwegian pattern was published in Familien Strikk at the end of August. The sample is knitted in Rowan Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds) using a 4.5 mm/US 7 needles, but can easily be worked in a different fiber such as wool as long as it has the same gauge. The dark lime color and the cable structure of Softknit Cotton made it so attractive to make a shawl. Sew on buttons if you want to button it into a shrug, and why not add a gorgeous brooch by Siri Berrefjord. See the play on color on the two different brooches photographed lying on the swatch, by Siri herself. The right side of the swatch is on the cover above, while the wrong side of the swatch is below. You can find more of her jewelry in Siris Skattkammer/Siri’s Treasure Trove. The cowls in two different sizes, make attractive collars.

Sizes: Shawl: One Size. Cowl: Small (Large)

Finished measurements: Shawl: 60 cm/23.5″ wide and 150 cm/59″ long                       Cowl: 44 (88) cm/17.25 (34.75)” wide and 25 (30) cm/9.75 (11.75)” high

Yarn: Rowan Softknit Cotton (92% cotton, 8% polyamide, 50 g, 105 m/115 yds). Sample is knitted in Dark Lime 579, Rowan Softknit Cotton                                                                  Shawl: 9 skeins; 935 m/1023 yds                                                                                            Cowl: 2 (3) skeins; 126 (263) m/138 (288) yds

Needles: 4.5 mm/US 7 circular needles (80 cm/32″) or straight needles. Adjust needles to match gauge.

Notions: 8 buttons (21 mm/082″): Two toned colored mother of pearl buttons from Perlehuset for the shawl. Perlehuset

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows in garter st measures 10 cm/4″ square. 14 sts and 26 rows in Ridge Lace meaures 10 cm/4″ square.