Temenos, from the Greek verb “to cut,” is a sanctuary: a space separated from common uses and reserved for higher purposes. The term originally referred to physical spaces; the sacred valley of the Nile and the Acropolis of Athens are both temene. The term also has been used to describe a safe space for contemplation and connection with the unconscious and sacred.

Our Temenos is a triangular shawl with a garter-tab construction. Its design was inspired by the idea of consciously setting physical and mental boundaries to nurture our better lives. The shawl combines geometric and organic lace motifs in a steady transition to symbolize the connection between physical and spiritual. The stockinette fabric and simple shaping are easy to execute, but the progressive lace motifs keep the knitting interesting.

Variations: This pattern includes three sizes. The one-skein version is 44” across and 22” deep; the two-skein version is 60” across and 30 inches deep; the three-skein version is 76” across and 38 inches deep. All three versions include all of the different lace motifs, but for differing numbers of rows.

Yarn: Kitty Pride Fibers’ Alpaca Sock, a luminously hand-dyed merino-alpaca blend with a soft hand that belies its sturdy construction. One skein is needed for the shawlette; two skeins for the shawl; or three for the oversized shawl. Or, approximately 420(840, 1260) yards of fingering weight yarn.

Gauge: 19 stitches and 27 rows to 4 inches (10 cm), after blocking firmly, in lace pattern. Or, 19 sts and 34 rows to 4 inches (10 cm), after blocking firmly, in stockinette.

Notions: Four stitch markers and a tapestry needle. The markers aren’t strictly necessary, but I find having a few of them can make it easier to keep track of the pattern.

Techniques: Knit, purl, yarn over, knit through the back loop, purl through the back loop, knit two together, purl two together, slip-slip-knit, and slip two/knit one/pass the slipped stitches over. One section of lace has increases and decreases worked on the wrong-side rows; the remaining stitch patterns are only purled on the wrong-side rows.

Instructions: The lace motifs of Temenos are only charted. The instructions include standard abbreviations as defined by the Craft Yarn Council’s Master List.

As Modeled: The modeled Temenos is the medium-sized shawl in the Lepidolite colorway.

Thanks: To my test knitters. You’re the best!