This shawl has been included in my most recent blog post.

This gorgeous pattern and I were off to a rocky start at the beginning of the summer holidays. I had to frog three quarters of the way through as I realised that a forgotten yarnover had resulted in the veins, which divide the lower part of the shawl (like a leaf), were out of place. I returned from holidays refreshed and all the more determined to try again; I knew this pattern had potential. And then I discovered and fell for the undeniable charms of Skein Merino Cashmere Fingering. Have you seen their website? It’s a work of art and so is their yarn. I’m not a fan of speckled/variegated yarns but this one, Sunspot, really appealed to me. It calls to mind late summer meadow flowers, the mellow light of an Indian Summer, bright yellow Linden leaves falling to the ground and those ripening grapes in our surrounding vinyards.

Skein Merino Cashmere is soft and luxurious with just enough stretch to make lace-knitting a joy. And this pattern? I love the different textures. The variety makes for entertaining knitting. There are four sections, some of which are repeated before moving onto the next. My initial mistake took place in Section C. The second time round I realised that each row is divided into twelve stitch sequences; each one beginning with a vein. Naturally, once I had understood this, it made it easier to avoid slip-ups.

I broke into the second skein for the last eight rows. I noticed that this yarn was very quick to block; it took only around five to six hours for the shawl to dry completely once blocked.

I will most certainly knit Alaria again.

Thank you Héloïse for these pictures taken on the weekend when you discovered the School of Dramatic Arts in Tours had offered you a place. Hurrah!