The Hawthorn tree, or May tree, was used in many spring celebrations. Hawthorn has often been seen as an emblem of hope, and was said to heal a broken heart. In ancient Celtic folklore, hawthorn trees would mark the entrance to the fairy world and is strongly associated with fairies. Perhaps the most famous hawthorn tree, the Glastonbury Thorn, was associated with legends in early Britain and a flowering twig from this species of hawthorn (which blooms twice a year) is still sent to the British monarch every year for Christmas.

This semi-circular shawl features geometric lace and beaded sections inspired by the tree’s small multi-petaled flowers, a section representing the serrated-edge leaves, and a beaded lace border with hawthorn berry motifs. The shawl is shaped with increases worked between pattern bands using yarn-overs. It is worked beginning at the neck with a garter-stitch tab start, down to the hem. Note that all the motifs are presented in chart form only.

You will need approximately 750 yards of a fingering-weight yarn to complete this project as written. If substituting yarns, choose one with a nice drape when blocked and limited halo. The sample used 433 size-6 seed beads, which are applied with a crochet hook; these are optional.

This shawl was designed for the Ogham collection for The Yarn Guys. It is available in kit form through their shop as well. Please contact them at The Yarn Guys to order kits.