“Elizabeth - or Beth, as everyone called her - was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression, which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her ‘Little Tranquility’, and the name suited her excellently…” Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

Little Tranquility Shawl is a triangular shawl, knit in two complimentary colours. Stocking stitch alternates with three different stitch patterns to keep the knitter’s interest, and a central mock cable runs down the centre of the shawl.

The pattern developed out of a love for the Little Women story, the release of Giddy Yarns Little Women collection and my own daughters reaction to seeing the Little Women movie in 2019 (she is also called Beth).

The first stitch panel depicts the musical stave, as Beth was a keen pianist. The second stitch panel comes again after a smooth repetition of the stocking stitch panel and represents that life is not always easy and smooth; there are many bumps along the way.

Beth’s life in the Little Women story was anything but smooth sailing, and so this part of the shawl represents the bumps that often make up life.

The final patterned section is full of pretty lace flowers. As a thank you to Mr Laurence for letting her use his piano, Beth embroidered flowers on to slippers as a gift for Mr Laurence, this panel represents the sweet nature that Beth had.

The shawl is finished with an applied border, it takes time to complete but it gives a simple edge to the item, in fitting with the character that Beth had.

The pattern has been designed to use two complimentary colours. It has written instruction and a chart for the lace. Please read all instructions before commencing pattern.

Finished Measurements: 60 inches wide x 27 inches deep

Gauge: 21 sts x 37 rows per 4 inches in stocking stitch using 3.75 mm (US5) needle blocked (while gauge is not vital in this pattern it will alter the amount of yarn needed.)

Needles: 3.75mm (US 5) long circular needle (or size needed to get gauge).

Yarn: 100 g (425m/464yds) x 2 complimentary colours fingering weight
I used: Colour 1 - 88g “Beth” from Little Women Collection, Colour 2 - 56g Plum Chutney, both from Giddy Yarns 75/25 superwash merino (425m/464yds)
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