Shown in child size, yarn is Malabrigo Sock in Primavera
Inspired by the wonderful series of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, I decided to design a lace shawl for our daughter, who recently started reading the books on her own. This surprisingly simple shawl is knit from the hem up, using very basic lace and shaping techniques. It makes for a great first lace or shawl project, as the only techniques needed to knit the Little House Shawl are: knit, purl, knit 2 together, and yarn over. Although it was designed specifically to fit the shoulders of a child, I was pleasantly surprised to find it makes a lovely shawlette for an adult, too, so I quickly cast on and made a second one for myself!
Shown in adult size, yarn is Lorna's Laces Honor in Hullaballoo
Size
Child~ 58 inches (147 cm) along lace edge at hem
Adult~ 68 inches (172 cm) along lace edge at hem
Yarn
Child~ 1 skein of Malabrigo Sock yarn; 100% merino, 440 yards (402 meters), 100 grams (3.5 ounces), shown in color #859, Primavera.
Adult~ 2 skeins of Lorna's Laces Honor; 70% baby alpaca, 30% silk, 275 yards (251 meters), 100 grams (3.5 ounces), shown in color Hullaballoo.
Needles
Child~ Size US 5 (3.75 mm) 24" circular needles
Adult~ Size US 6 (4 mm) 24" circular needles
Gauge
Child~ 22 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch
Adult~ 19 stitches over 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch
Knitting Instructions
Note: Pattern instructions are the same for both sizes; working the adult version in a slightly heavier yarn creates a larger finished shawl.
Cast on 396 sts.
Knit 2 rows.
Begin 4-row "Old Shale" lace pattern as follows:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: * k2tog 3 times; (yo, k1) 6 times; k2tog 3 times; repeat from * across row.
Row 4: Knit
Work this 4-row pattern a total of 5 times.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Next row: Purl 1 row.
Decrease row: k3, *k1, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 130 sts dec. 266 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 53 sts dec. 213 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 42 sts dec. 171 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 34 sts dec. 137 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 2 sts, k2. 27 sts dec. 110 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row. 22 sts dec. 88 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 3 sts, k3. 17 sts dec. 71 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last s, k1. 14 sts dec. 57 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last 2 sts, k2. 11 sts dec. 46 sts rem.
Knit 7 rows.
Decrease row: *k3, k2tog repeat from * across row to last st, k1. 9 sts dec. 37 sts rem.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Decrease row: k1, then, (k2tog) 18 times. 18 sts dec. 19 sts rem.
Next row: Knit 1 row.
Decrease row: k1, then (k2tog) 9 times. 9 sts dec. 10 sts rem.
Next row: K2tog 5 times. 5 sts dec. 5 sts rem.
Next row: K2tog, k1, k2tog. 2 sts dec. 3 sts rem.
Next row: Knit the last three stitches together. Tie off last stitch.
Abbreviations
CO cast on
dec decreased
K knit
K2tog knit 2 together
P purl
rem remain
rep repeat
sts stitches
yo yarn over
This pattern was originally published in the Autumn 2011 edition of Rhythm of the Home magazine.
This is a charming shawl and model. I've knit shawls with the old shale lace starting at the top and knitting down. These all seem to be triangular. I like the different look and possibilities of this shawl. Thank you for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome, I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI am thinking of making this lovely pattern but would like it a bit longer. Is it possible to add 1-3 rows in the (K 7 row) area that is just after each decrease row? Would it change the shape too much? Thank you for the pattern
ReplyDeleteBecause it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.
DeleteHappy Knitting!
Joanna
I have the same questions as kermn; can this be made longer and how would I go about doing that. Thank you. Pattie
ReplyDeleteBecause it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.
DeleteHappy Knitting!
Joanna
This is just so lovely. Definitely will be listed in my queue to do next.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Happy Knitting!
DeleteI think I would increase the number of stitches at the beginning. It looks like it would have to be in groups of 12? based on the wavy pattern...?
ReplyDeleteLisa
Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.
DeleteHappy Knitting!
Joanna
Lovely pattern -- thanks. Since Old Shale is a multiple of 18 stitches, seems to me that to make it longer by 4 rows I'd cast on 396 +18 ( and +18 +18 or for however much longer I'd want to make it.) There's also the possibility of adding another couple of rows to the "Knit 7" rows. I have some DK weight that may work up nicely in this once the husband's cardi from hades is done.
ReplyDeleteIt's also friendly for a "comfort shawl" type thing for chemo wards or just friendly hugs. This shape of shawl stays in place over the shoulders nicely. If it's not in Ravelry already I'll be linking it soon.
Because it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.
DeleteThank you, too, for asking about Ravelry. It is listed there in the database so you can look at the many other Little House Shawls that have already been made!
Happy Knitting!
can this be made bigger
ReplyDeleteBecause it would require me recalculating all of the decrease rows and having the pattern tech edited again, I would suggest rather than redoing all of the math, it would work beautifully for you to simply create the shawl using worsted weight yarn rather than dk weight yarn. Use the suggested needle size and about 800 yards of yarn for best results.
DeleteHappy Knitting!
Joanna
I think this will be a great first lace shawl for my grand daughter! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, enjoy!
DeleteThank you for this pattern. They're like potato chips, can't make just one... I'm on my third.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Julie in San Diego
Oh, Glad to hear it is so fun for you! Happy Knitting!
DeleteJoanna
It' s beautiful page...
ReplyDeleteCristina
Thank you, Cristina!
DeleteLOVE THIS LAURA INGALLS SHAWL DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT KIND OF YARN TO USE DO YOU MEAN USE SOCK YARN FOR THE CHILD AND ADULT ONE AS REALLY DONT KNOW WHAT SOCK YARN IS ETC THANKS LOVE THIS
ReplyDeleteSock yarn is a weight of yarn. For the child's shawl you will need fingering weight yarn. For the adult size you will need dk weight yarn. Yarn labels generally have the info you need to find the correct weight. I hope this helps!
DeleteFORGOT TO ASK DO YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS FOR THE LAURA INGALLS SHAWL FOR AN AMERICAN GIRL LAURA INGALLS DOLL OR 15 TO16 DOLL AND WHAT SIZE NEEDLE IF YTOU DO COULD YOU PUBLISH IT ON THIS SITE ON HOW MANY STITCHES ETC TO USE THANKS
ReplyDeleteThis pattern is not currently available in a doll size.
DeleteI have a customer who wants to see this
ReplyDeleteLovely pattern--thanks for sharing. One little fix: under Gauge, 4" should be 10 cm
ReplyDeleteThank you for catching that- it should be fixed now!
Delete~Joanna
Curious what style of cast-on you use or recommend for this pattern? Thanks in advance!
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I used the long-tail cast-on for this shawl. Happy Knitting!
DeleteHi...thanks so much for this pattern. It is a beautiful design with soft lines. It looks like it flows. And, having read thru the other questions and responses, you provided some good feedback that is valuable for me to know. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love that yarn - the color is gorgeous.
You are welcome, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for taking the time to read the comments... happy knitting!
Delete~Joanna
I just love this pattern. I am almost done knitting and wondering how/if you blocked the shawl?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like to use a soak method when blocking. My friend has a great tutorial on this:
Deletehttp://www.myzigzagstitch.com/2010/04/26/how-to-do-it-blocking-wool/
Happy Knitting!
HI, just found this pattern quite by accident and think it's wonderful. However I have already bought the yarn for another pattern which requires size 3 needles! I would prefer to make your shawl (adult) so I guess with my yarn it will come out much smaller, do you think it will still be suitable for an adult? (she's small and slim, 5ft 3)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Thank you, I am glad you like the pattern! I think you will be happiest making this shawl for someone 5' 3" using the instructions as written above for the adult size. I would hate to see you do all of the work and have it be too small for her! Happy Knitting!
Delete