Die Eerste is Afrikaans for “The First.” This is my first shawl design and I wanted to reflect that in the name. Also, I have a love and connection to the people of South Africa and this is my small way of giving a nod to that. It is pronounced “dee air-stuh” (like the beginning of stuff).

This shawl is knit from the top down and can use any amount of yarn you would like. The small size in the pictures took only 330 yards, and the large was 700. Because of the edging chosen, the shawl can be stopped at any time, so you can use the entire skein with as little leftover as possible. There are directions for customizing your shawl size included.

The pattern works well with all types of yarn colors as well. It looks great in solid, tonal and even (gasp!) variegated yarn!

I would like to say thank you to all my test knitters. Your feedback was very valuable to me and you were all so helpful.

Please join other Ravelers knitting Mel-Tran Designs patterns in the Mel-Tran Designs group.