The Bide Shawl is the first of 6 surprise patterns in the Knitvent 2019 Collection!

Bide is such a quiet word. It speaks of stillness, steadiness, and learning to stay. Sometimes it means being able to endure: to bide a winter storm is to withstand its mighty winds. Sometimes it’s just a gentle visit: bide awhile, put your feet up, get comfortable, catch up on all the chat. One definition for bide is “to wait calmly for a good opportunity to do something” which is delightfully specific. There’s so much in that one line. Patience, wisdom and also a kind of peaceful optimism. If you know how to bide your time, you must trust that something wonderful is on the way.

The pressure to rush around in an exciting holiday whirl seems to come just at the time when the urge to remain close to home and loved ones and quiet pursuits is strongest. It requires a calm and steady intention to stay put instead of saying yes to every invitation and opportunity that comes along. It takes a willingness to bide.

Knit from bulky yarn with simple texture and eyelet rows, a smart garter border and playful tassels, this triangular shawl is a deeply satisfying, quick knit. There are two sizes to choose from, and the pattern is easily adaptable. It makes an exceptional present as it’s achievable even at the last minute but is substantial enough to make quite the impression. It would also be a lovely thing to knit for yourself, for those cosy moments biding by the fire.

Finished Measurements
Medium
132cm (52”) diameter across top edge
51cm (20”) neck to bottom edge

Large
173cm (68”) diameter across top edge
69cm (27”) neck to bottom edge

Yarn
Medium:
The Fibre Co Tundra 60% alpaca, 30% wool, 10% silk; 110m/120yds per 100g skein, 3 x 100g skeins,
Colour: Red Arctic
OR
300g of bulky weight yarn totalling approximately 330m/360yds
Large:
The Fibre Co Tundra 60% alpaca, 30% wool, 10% silk; 110m/120yds per 100g skein, 4 x 100g skeins,
Colour: Baby Beluga
OR
400g of bulky weight yarn totalling approximately 440m/480yds

Needles
7mm (US Not available – closest US size is 10½ ie 6.5mm), 80/100cm (32/40”) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

Notions
Tapestry needle
1 Stitch marker

Gauge
12 sts/18 rows = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch after blocking

Purchase the Knitvent 2019 Collection Here!

Come home for the holidays with Knitvent this year. As the year draws to its end, we’ll celebrate all the quiet joys of hibernation and gather close in gratitude for our own cosy nests.

The word “home” can have a hundred different meanings. It might be where you grew up: a place rich with treasured memories, priceless heirlooms, and familiar customs handed down through generations. It can be somewhere brand new, a space you carve out for yourself and fill with chosen family and your own fresh traditions. It may simply be a feeling of safety, hard-won and precious, which you carry with you wherever you go. Whatever home means to you, and wherever your home might be, the six mystery patterns we share this season will spark your love for the life of a homebody. Let the outside world bustle and rush. We’ll be right here in our favourite corner, peacefully knitting to our hearts’ content.

For the past six years, Knitvent has held a special place in the Curious Handmade community. It’s now a favourite holiday that brings us all together by mixing the old-fashioned anticipation of an Advent calendar with all the excitement and fun of a mystery knit along. Over a span of four festive weeks, six secret knitting patterns will make their way to your Ravelry library. It’s an irresistible mix of presents for the most knitworthy people you know, special touches for your home, and treats for yourself to help make this holiday season warm and wonderful.

Level of pattern difficulty - adventurous beginner to intermediate.

IG hashtag is #knitvent2019