A Continual Smell of Steam Shawl

>This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way. "I agree with you, Mr. Hale!" said Fanny. "There is a continual smell of steam, and oily machinery--and the noise is perfectly deafening." This shawl is the first in a series of shawls inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1854-55 novel, North and South. Margaret Hale, a vicar’s daughter from the south of England, finds herself suddenly relocated to a northern mill town after a “matter of conscience” causes her father to leave his position. There are class tensions, regional differences, hard questions about industrialization, and a romance that sneaks up on the reader just when you need it most. In the 2004 miniseries adaptation, Margaret wears an absolutely magnificent, enormous shawl as she travels around Milton. Although hers is woven, it gave me the idea to design some knit shawls inspired by the book that has been so special to me. This shawl is an asymmetrical triangle knit from one point outward. It features a simple, all-over pattern that’s easily memorized. You can easily adjust the size by adding or removing repeats. **SIZES** One size, 55” (140 cm) long by 41” (104 cm) at its widest point **MATERIALS** Fingering weight yarn, 800 yds (732 m) Sample shown knit in Aimee Sher Makes Comfort Silk Linen, 50% Merino, 25% Mulberry Silk, 25% Linen, 400 yds (365 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) **GAUGE** 4” (10 cm) square = 21 stitches x 30 rows in pattern **NEEDLES** One set of 32” (80 cm) circular needles in a size to match gauge listed above Suggested needle size: US 4 (3.5 mm) **TOOLS** Optional stitch markers between pattern repeats Tapestry needle for weaving in ends **SKILL LEVEL** Adventurous beginner to intermediate. Techniques: decreases