I was once lucky enough to go on an Alaskan cruise where experienced the beauty of Alaska’s towns, rainforest and glaciers, and of course, I also went whale-watching. On one whale-watching tour, our guide identified a large humpback whale, well-known to locals as Flame, by the unique patterning of her fluke. Since the lace pattern of this shawl resembles the shape of whale’s tale and the sample is worked in a wonderful shade of crimson, I thought it appropriate to name it after Flame.

This crescent shawl is worked top-down in one piece and shaped with short rows and edge bind-offs. I designed the patterning to be reversible, so it’ll be attractive no matter how you choose to wear it. The twisted decreases used to form the lace pattern may be a newer technique for most knitters. However, with some patience and care, you will surely be rewarded with your end result.

Sizes / Finished Measurements
M (L)
Span: 49.25 (59)“

Materials

• Approximately 364 (436)yds/ 333 (398.5)m lace weight yarn; please allow for extra yardage if you choose to subsitute yarn of a different weight ^
• US 3/ 3.25mm 24”/ 40cm or longer circular needles
• Stitch markers (optional)
• Darning needle

Gauge

• 23 sts and 38 rows = 4”/ 10cm in St st.
• 28 sts and 32 rows = 3.75” in stitch pattern (1 repeat of Chart A worked 4 times), measured at edge. While it’s still advisable to check your gauge, it’s not as critical in this project.

Skills and Techniques Used in Pattern
Basic shaping, lace, twisted stitches, twisted decreases

Other Pattern Details

• Detailed knitting instructions in a professionally designed layout
• Instructions include both US standard and Metric measurements
• Easy-to-read font, instructions, charts and diagrams
• Lace pattern is charted and also written out
• 4 pages, full color with active links
• pattern file enabled for notations on e-readers

^ Sample worked in size L using 2 balls Windy Valley Musk Ox Luxury Blend (45% qiviut, 45% merino, 10% silk; 1oz, 218yds); Color: 2016 Autumn Crimson. Note: I used almost the entire yardage of 2 balls in the sample yarn, and I used my yarn conservatively. While I calculated 5% extra yardage to account for usage differences among different knitters, you should definitely plan with extra yarn, especially if you are substituting or plan to modify the depth or wingspan.