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This pattern originally appeared in Knotions, April 2019 shawl issue. Rights have reverted to the designer.

The Boone Valley Historic Railroad takes passengers on a scenic ride through the Des Moines river valley. The highlight of the excursion is when the train emerges from a thick tunnel of trees and out onto an open-side trestle bridge with a breathtaking view out over the treetops and hills in the valley below. It’s a vista I won’t soon forget and the inspiration for this shawl.



The wide spine with its elongated caliper cable mimics the train tracks, cutting through an asymmetric shawl patterned in a meandering Japanese lace, reminiscent of the tree-tops. The shape of the shawl is achieved with uneven increases on every right side row. The lace offers no rest for the weary, as the pattern is worked on both sides. Advanced beginners will find the pattern a fun challenge that grows their lace skills, and experienced knitters will enjoy a pattern that keeps their attention throughout, while offering something new in the shaping.



I strive to distill my patterns down to their simplest, repeatable form. However, this pattern proved difficult when it came to repeats, so every row of the pattern is both written and charted. If you plan to print this pattern and want to save valuable ink; the written directions are on pgs 5-12, the charts are on pgs 13-16.

Yarn:
You will need approximately 1,350 yds (1,235 m) of DK weight yarn. I recommend choosing a smooth yarn with little to no color variation to give the lace stitches definition.
The sample was knit using Jill Draper Kingston (DK weight 100% Targhee Wool; 270 yds/247 m, 4oz/113 g) in the Lucas Ave colorway, 5 skeins.

Needles:
Size US 5 (3.75 mm): 40” (102 cm) circular needle, or size to obtain gauge.

Gauge:
20 st x 24 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in Stockinette st.

21 sts x 18 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in Pattern st.

Sizes:
While the pattern offers one size, it can easily be modified. Notes about the best places to stop early or add rows are included in the pattern. See the schematic for measurements.

Notions:
Stitch markers, removable stitch marker or cable needle, tapestry needle, wires and pins for blocking.

Special Techniques:
Lace knitting on the right and wrong sides with yarn overs and directional decreases, cable stitches, and directional increases. Video tutorials for the cable, and cast on are linked in the pattern.