1st cousin/s to TINSELITIS both versions of this symmetrical, triangular shawl, CHRISTMAS JOY, are knit from the TOP down, & begin by casting on the highest number of stitches required, knitting a foundation row, & then working simple decreases on each row, all the way to the end. You’re finished before you know it!

There are 2, easy eyelet row variations used in both versions of the design, along with some very simple, textured rows. The pattern is clearly written & all decreases are included in the row instructions.

VERSION 1 - the original design, (Christmas Colours) was knit using Fingering Weight Yarn.
(approx 533m/583 yds)

BLOCKED MEASUREMENTS:
Width across top: 190cm / 75’’
Depth at centre: 47cm / 18 ½ ‘’

VERSION 2 is knit in 2 Colours of Fingering/Sport Weight, stranded together on a 5.5mm / US 9 needle, producing the equivalent of a DK / Light Worsted Weight fabric. As a result of the 2 colours being marled together in a couple of areas within the shawl, a 3rd ‘contrast’ results to add more interest. This version may of course also be knit using DK/Light Worsted Weight, with additional options being included in the pattern.
(approx 706m/773 yds in DK - twice that length if double stranding fingering/sport weight))
BLOCKED MEASUREMENTS:
Width across top 256cm /101’’
Depth at centre: 53cm / 21’’

So many Christmas memories from my childhood, started surfacing as I knit the Version 1 sample …

Particularly memorable & special to me … is the Salvation Army Band (on the back of a truck) playing carols, or providing the music for “Carols by Candlelight.” The Salvation Army, & the band, has been a strong, consistent influence throughout my life. Both my parents played in the band, and the Salvation Army has played, & continues to play, an important role in my Christian faith.

An old, but always delightfully received piece of music that most Salvation Army bands play annually at Christmas, has been coming to mind a lot … Christmas Joy and … for me, this design is ALL about CHRISTMAS JOY. (I hope you click on the link & let yourself be uplifted by the music).

We all need JOY in our lives, which can be found in even the most difficult of circumstances, if we look for it. Sometimes, finding joy can be as simple as picking out some yarn & knitting a fun shawl. I wish YOU joy - in abundance!