Lifelines Shawl

*Lifelines Shawl* is a celebration of the power of knitting, craftivism, and the endurance of the human spirit. It is designed in three colors of Kingdom Fleece & Fiberworks Forest Sport, a 3-ply, breed-specific yarn sourced from Vermont farms. Mill owner Elizabeth Conway’s personal story is honored in the shawl design, which features horizontal stitch patterns that depict lifelines, both the literal type we see on medical machines and the figurative ones that represent the ebb and flow of life events. Learn more about her story here: https://www.kingdomfleeceandfiberworks.net/my-story and about the design process here: https://youtu.be/G-Dej52xiLc?si=xO4YEKgeJOpj4UBJ The Clun Forest breed produces a medium wool that wears well and has a rustic feel yet is next-to-skin soft for many people. The round, 3-ply yarn construction is versatile and well suited for textured stitch patterns as well as cables. When substituting yarn, seek one with similar characteristics. North Bay Fiber’s Elemental Sport, a 3-ply, non-superwash, worsted spun, Cormo breed-specific yarn with a micron count of 20 is an excellent option. Techniques used include slip stitch colorwork, 1x1 cable crosses (with or without a cable needle), textured stitches, and an icord edge and bind off. Instructions are both charted and written. Exact gauge is flexible but will affect finished dimensions and yardage (meterage) requirements. Gauges of stitch patterns used range from 18–22 sts in 4” (10 cm) and are evened out through blocking. Garter stitch gauge is 21 sts x 42 rows in 4” (10 cm) squared. Yardage Requirements: 880 yards (805 meters) total; 315 yards (288 meters) each of C1 and C2; 250 yards (229 meters) of C3. Needles: US5, 40” (3.75 mm, 102 cm) or whatever needle meets gauge or creates desired fabric; modifying gauge may affect yardage (meterage). Notions: 2 stitch markers to separate edge sts, cable needle (optional), tapestry needle. Pattern also includes an addendum with suggested gauges for DK weight yarn and a 4-color palette layout, as shown in the sample made with Sew Happy Jane Delightful DK. This pattern has been professionally tech edited and tested.