This shawl looks breath-taking in a gradient yarn. In the pattern, I have used a custom 200g gradient in black to turquoise, from Wollelfe on etsy. However you could easily use any other yarn weight as you can finish the shawl after any shell row (the earlier to finish, the smaller the shells).

You can create the subtle ‘illuminated heart’ effect by starting with a dark shade, then switching to the brighter end of the gradient yarn when the heart is complete. Alternatively, you could let the heart take the limelight by starting with the brighter end of the gradient, then changing to the deeper end.

We begin this shawl with solid rows of US Double Crochet stitches, increasing in certain areas to establish the shape. This first half of the shawl is interspersed with very simple lace rows, to create the look of a growing heart. We then work our way into the second half of the shawl which is made up of shell stitches, which grow as you work!

The Story Behind The Pattern
The Ultimate Sacrifice shawl is the sister pattern of my very first design, ‘Flight Of The Fabled Romance’.One day I wrote a bittersweet story that was playing through my mind. It would later inspire these designs. Here is that story:

“As she felt the fierce chilling winds all around her dangling body and spits of icy ocean numbing her skin, there was the warmth of her sister’s embracing hand. Raucous caws of boisterous jackdaws and the black of the wet jagged rocks beneath her. Above, the light, elegant beauty of her younger sibling, whose charm and grace stole the heart of many, including that of the man they both loved.

The cliff edge began to crumble even more, putting them both in danger. In that moment she knew. To hold on would undoubtedly leave their aging father forever searching for 2 lost souls. It would deny a young man children with his one true love. But, if she let go, she would save the life of her beloved sister, and thus, the story of a blossoming family could unfold…“

I hope you like my pattern,
Much Love,
Lorraine Xx