You know how some projects just make you feel good? Joy is that kind of project.

I wanted the experience of knitting it to reflect the happy satisfaction and quiet delight deep joy can bring. The shape and construction are a little offbeat, with a lace pattern that’s easy to memorize and little bursts of color throughout—just the kind of mood lifter that’s great to have on the needles. The finished piece—part shawl, part bias-knit wrap—evokes a flower-filled field and is easy to wear without the yardage requirements of a larger piece, making it a sweet little project from start to finish.

The inspiration for Joy came from J. Ruth Gendler’s The Book of Qualtities, a delightful and surprisingly profound collection that personifies qualities like Excitement, Change, and Pleasure. When Debi of Blue Skin Yarns and I connected over it, a collaboration was inevitably born! We chose to translate three qualities that spoke to us into colorways and patterns: Courage, Forgiveness, and Joy. This pattern, of course, is Joy.

Knit from one end to the other, Joy’s bias switches direction at the center to give it its shape. The length is easy to modify to suit your preference (or your yardage), and the pattern includes a note about how to do so. The pattern includes both written and charted instructions, and Joy has been tech edited and test knit, so you can cast on with confidence.

May your version bring a little of its namesake to your day-to-day :)

SIZE (see schematic image)
Width from point to point: 57.5” / 146 cm
Center depth: 18.5” / 47 cm
Length of side: 46” / 117 cm
Measurements taken after firm blocking.

YARN
MC: approximately 850 yd / 777 m of fingering weight yarn
CC1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7: approximately 15 yd / 14 m of six different fingering weight yarns
CC4: approximately 8 yd / 8 m of fingering weight yarn

Totals include a 15% buffer. Pattern includes a note about altering the size to accommodate different put-ups and a link to receive a free planning worksheet to help with color placement.

Shown in Blue Skin Yarns Oliver (75% Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk; 497 yd / 454 m per 115 g / 4.06 oz skein):
MC: 2 skeins, shown in Joy
CC1-7: 1 skein each, shown in Draft No. 87, Katsa, Alice Alice, Raffin, Forgiveness, Evensong, and Arizona

NEEDLES
US 4 / 3.5 mm needles of choice for working flat, or size needed to obtain gauge

NOTIONS
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
20 stitches and 36 rows= 4” 10 cm in garter stitch after firm blocking. Gauge is not crucial but will affect yardage used and final dimensions.

TECHNIQUES
Single and double decreases, yarn overs, several simple specialty stitches. Pattern includes links to more information about required stitches and techniques.

Here’s what testers had to say about knitting Joy: satisfying, engaging, uncomplicated, quick, easy to follow, versatile, interesting construction, a pleasure to knit, relaxing, timeless, good for color play, flexible, flowing, enjoyable, rewarding, educative, and a great shape to wear.

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