Calamity Shawl

**Finished measurements after blocking:** **A (bottom span):** 200 cm [78¾‘’] **B (wing length):** 108 cm [42½‘’] **C (shawl depth, not including fringe):** 75 cm [29½‘’] (Shawl sketch to be included) **Yarn:** 1 strand of Lang Yarns “Suri Alpaca” (100% Alpaca, 25 g [0.88 oz] = 100m [109 yd]); 1200m [1308 yd] = 12 balls of Lang Yarns “Suri Alpaca”. In my sample, I used Suri Alpaca in colorway 1082.0061, “dark red”. **Needles:** 3.25 mm / US3 or needle size to reach gauge **Blocked gauge:** 30 sts x 34 rows = 10 cm [4’’] in basic Calamity cable pattern. **Notions:** stitch markers, tapestry needle, cable needle **Construction notes:** The Calamity Shawl is a shallow triangle with rhythmic cables expanding outward. You begin by casting on at the bottom point of the shawl using a long-tail cast-on and establishing the triangular base through a series of setup rows. From there, you’ll shape the shawl by working outward in concentric rows, incorporating mirrored cables, slipped stitches, and regular center and edge increases to build both the width and depth of the triangle. The body of the shawl is knit flat in rows. The final edge can be finished with either a fringed border (as in the sample) for texture and movement, or a neat I-cord bind-off for a cleaner look. Worked in airy Suri Alpaca, the result is a featherlight yet structured shawl—delicate in drape, bold in form. **Stitch information & knitting techniques:** The shawl body and basic cables are both charted and written. **Inspiration: ** This shawl is inspired by the legendary frontierswoman Calamity Jane, known for her courage, resilience, and refusal to be defined by convention. The bold cable structure and expanding shape reflect her defiance and spirit of independence. As she once said: *“I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.”* This piece is a tribute to carving your own path—with strength, softness, and a little rebellion.