♫ The Music ♫
The Old Blackthorn is a sprightly traditional reel that is a session favorite but whose origins are lost in the mists of time. The blackthorn shrub has large thorns and was traditionally used in Europe to make animal proof hedges. Perhaps this lively reel is the result of a farmer accidentally being caught by its vicious thorns, instigating some fancy footwork?

This beautifully cabled pillow is knit in the round. The cable pattern is identical on the front and back of the pillow, while broken rib stripes define each side. The top edge is finished with a cabled button band. Stitches are then picked up around the cast on edge and a matching button band edging is worked. Button holes are worked on one half of the edging only, leaving a solid knit surface on the second half where the buttons will be attached. Buttons are attached in pairs, one on each side of the non-buttonhole part of the edging, so that no matter if the front or back of the pillow is facing, the buttons will always be visible. This also provides a very secure method for attaching the buttons.

Stitch pattern is charted with written directions for the chart provided.

Size
With edging: 18 x 20” / 45.5 x 51cm
Without edgings: 18 x 18” / 45.5 x 45.5cm

Yarn
Knit Picks Simply Wool (worsted; 100% Eco Wool; 218yds per 100g): Wendy 27469, 3 hanks.
Individual yardage requirements: 645yds / 590m.

Needles
4mm / US6 circular needle 24” / 60cm long or size required to obtain gauge.

Gauge
(in the round, blocked)
20 sts x 26 rows = 4” / 10cm in Stockinette stitch.
16 sts = 2.5” / 6.5cm in Blackthorn pattern.
24 rows = 3.5” / 9cm in Blackthorn pattern.

Notions
Stitch markers, cable needle, large-eyed needle, 2 pins (for marking button placement), pillow form 20 x 20” / 51 x 51cm, 28 buttons 7/8” / 22mm in diameter.

Credits
Tech Editing: RedSquirrel; FirSprite.
Charting Software: Stitchmastery.

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