In 2016, the Cold Moon occurs on December 24 - Christmas Eve! Because of this, the Cold Moon is also known as the Yule Moon, or, when it falls before Christmas, the Moon before Yule. Among some First Nations peoples, it is also known as the Full Long Nights Moon, referencing the fact this moon often falls very close to the Winter Solstice.

The Cold Moon shawl is crescent-shaped and features a very simple cable pattern, which is inspired by snow-covered fields sparkling under a moonlit sky. The border is gently ruffled with a textured slip-stitch pattern, and is edged with a picot bind-off in an optional secondary colour.

The sample was knitting in Madelinetosh’s Tosh Merino Light (colourway for the body: Dustweaver) and trimmed with Lotus Mimi (colourway: Royal Purple). It measures 67” along the straight edge, 14.5” deep, and 77” along the curved edge (170 x 37 x 196 cm).

Options for both a shawl in a single colour, and a shawl with a secondary colour trim are provided. The pattern also includes both written and charted instructions, a guide to customization, and a row-by-row stitch count chart.

Skill level: advanced beginner

Yarn required:
For a solid colour shawl:
* 475 - 500 yards of fingering weight yarn

For a shawl with a trim in a secondary colour:

• 450-475 yards of fingering weight yarn in the main colour
• 75 yards of fingering weight yarn in a secondary colour

Many thanks to Dana Gervais for tech editing this pattern!