Times are harder than ever. It seems there’s something new in the news every day to make you think the world is coming to an end. And while I can’t claim to be able to stave off the apocalypse, I wanted something to carry with me to the end of the world that can comfort and protect me. That’s where the Calamity Shawl comes in.

The Calamity Shawl is a simple yet engaging knit, inspired both by the music of the Decemberists and by a love for subtle textures. A triangle shawl knitted from the top down, it consists of stripes of eyelets, mesh and solids that come together to make the perfect addition to any outfit.

Techniques: This is a pattern for an adventurous beginner. If you can knit, purl, hold two yarns together, yarn over and decrease, you can make this shawl! It begins with a garter tab cast-on.

Yarn: The first sample was made with 1570 yards of Knit Picks Stroll Tweed, a fingering weight yarn, held double to make 785 yards of worsted weight yarn, without tassels.

The original sample was made with 690 yards of Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Natural Heather, not counting what I used for tassels. Even with tassels, I used less than 4 skeins. You can omit the tassels, add fringe instead, improvise a decorative bind-off, or something else completely - I encourage you to play around and make it your own, staying aware that this will increase your final yarn yardage.

Needles: Size 9/5.5mm for the body, size 10/6.0mm for a loose bind-off

Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, 4 stitch markers

Final Measurements: 70in (178cm) wide by 31in (79cm) deep after blocking

Enjoy! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.