Catching Mermaid Waves Shawl by Justina McBride

Catching Mermaid Waves Shawl

Knitting
March 2017
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
10.5 stitches and 13 rows = 2 inches
in stockinette
US 6 - 4.0 mm
450 yards (411 m)
English
This pattern is available for $5.00 USD buy it now

Recently, I purchased my first skein of hand dyed super wash merino wool/nylon blend sock yarn from the very talented Witch Candy. I fell in love with the color of this yarn the first time I saw it and just had to have it. It reminded me of Mermaids and nautical magic, which inspired this design.

The name Catching Mermaid Waves is inspired by the alternating mesh netting and increasing purl waves blocks. These mermaid waves are elusive, never being caught but always pursued for the thrill of the chase. Some things in life may never be fully achieved, learned, or discovered, but we still chase after them, enjoying the journey.

I hope you will be equally inspired by this shawl!

This pattern includes written instructions ONLY. A simple schematic diagram/visual of the shawl IS included for the purpose of clarifying the construction process and aiding those that may choose to knit this in multi-colors.

Materials:
~U.S. 6 (4.00 mm) 36” Circular Knitting Needles
~Approximately 450 yards of super wash merino wool/nylon (75%/25%) blend fingering/sock yarn (weight category 1). The shawl on the cover page was made using Feathery Leaves on Sparkle, a hand dyed yarn by Witch Candy.
~Tapestry or Yarn Needle
~Your preferred blocking tools

Gauge (after blocking): (Using U.S. 6 needles and in stockinette stitch) 10.5 stitches = 2 inches; 13 rows = 2 inches

Finished Dimensions of Shawl (after blocking): Longest side approximately 61.5”; second longest side approximately 46”; shortest side approximately 38”; and approximately 26.5” from the top of the longest side to the bottom point.

Construction

This is an asymmetrical triangular shawl that begins with a small number of stitches and increases on one side.

Knitting Techniques you should be familiar with:
K2Tog, P2Tog, PSSO, sl1k, and YO.