Gillan is inspired by the (almost) 100 year old skein winder I worked with at the John Arbon Textiles spinning mill. If you looked through the skein winder whilst it was winding coloured yarn, you were greeted with a whirl of colour, shapes and shadows. I also have the added joy that I would have been skeining Rachel’s very first batch of Daughter of a Shepherd yarn at some point on these beautiful old machines.

The construction of Gillan is started by knitting the centre octagon first in garter stitch, increasing as instructed. Stitches are then picked up around the edge and the rest of the shawl is knit in the round using a combination of increases and decreases to create a striking lace pattern and bold stripes. Some increases happen within the stitch markers, and some happen on the outside. The shawl is finished off with a subtle scalloped edge as a nod to the traditional hap.

Charts are provided in addition to the written instructions for Sections 5 and 8.

YARN
A: Daughter of a Shepherd Hebridean / Zwartbles (4ply/ fingering weight; 75% Hebridean wool, 25% Zwartbles wool; 400m / 437yds per 100g skein)
Shade: Natural undyed; 2 skeins (approx. 640m)
B: Jill Draper Makes Stuff Mohonk Light (light fingering weight; 100% unregistered NYS Cormo Wool; 503m / 550yds per 113g skein)
Shade: Orchid; 2 Skeins (approx. 580m)

GAUGE
24 sts x 38 rows over garter stitch knitted flat on 4mm needles
Always use a needle size that will result in correct gauge.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
4mm / US 6 circular needle, minimum 100cm / 40” length
16 stitch markers; one unique to indicate beginning of round plus 1 spare for use when moving markers