Hálfmáni

***Hálfmáni was part of my [Icelandic Yarn Club 4][1] It is now released to the general public as single PDF.*** Hálfmáni starts like a typical *skakki*, a traditional triangular garter stitch shawl that was common to start at the nape of the neck in the Westfjords of Iceland. Those *skakkar* were traditionally worn crossed over the chest and bound at the back and, paired with long wrist warmers, were the women´s sweaters of those times. They very often had some sort of a simple decoration, stripes, open work or fringes. Hálfmáni is knitted with one strand of unspun lopi from Feldfé lamb, a very special breed of Icelandic sheep. It follows the same recipe than the *skakki* in soothing garter stitch, starting with just a few stitches and gradually increasing to create 2 perfectly symmetrical triangles separated by a central line of eyelet. Until all of a sudden, this line splits in two and dramatically changes the shape of the shawl as it continues to grow. The bottom of the shawl is a bit fancier that the common *skakki*, with its undulating lacy motif and arches at the edge, typical of the more refine Icelandic lace shawls. The new shape created, more modern, is a large hálfmáni or half-moon, in which you will want to wrap yourself and cuddle. And because it´s knitted with the plötulopi from the special Icelandic Feldfé breed, it will be just as light as it is soft and warm! **Size**: one size. Wingspan at top: 195 cm / 77” Center depth: 70 cm / 27.5” **Gauge** 10 cm / 4” = 20 sts and 26 rows in garter st on 4.5 mm / US6 needle Check your gauge and if necessary, change needle size to obtain the correct gauge. Gauge is not essential but will affect the yardage required; you may run out of yarn if your gauge is too loose. **Wool** Any sport/DK such as: Einrúm E plötulopi 1 strand (possibly doubled with a lace weight like Love Story) Shalw shown: Feldfé lopi: pure new wool, 100% Icelandic lambswool from the special Feldfé breed, unspun, plate approx. 110 g = 300 m/328 yds: 2 plates Yardage used (1 strand): 553 m / 605 yds **Needles**: 4.5 mm / US 6 circular needle (suitable for lace with pointy tips) or size to obtain the gauge. 3 mm / US D3 crochet hook for BO (can also be knitted). **Notions**: darning needle, optional stitch markers, blocking wires and pins. Towel, pinning board (you can also use a mattress, the back of a sofa, etc...). [1]: https://icelandicknitter.com/product/icelandic-yarn-club-4/