Ode to Charm

> If you like my work, please [**subscribe > to my newsletter**][1]! You’ll get exclusive > discount codes on new releases > directly in your inbox. The fuchsia has a particular kind of charm with its graceful stems and pendulous jewel-like flowers that have an almost enchanted quality, as though the plant had borrowed something from a fairy tale. Giving a fuchsia is said to be a tribute to elegance and charm and it seemed the perfect inspiration for this shawl. <big>**Construction**</big> Ode to Charm is worked bottom-up, beginning at the lower tip and growing towards the upper edge. The shawl is worked in Echo Knitting on a stockinette base. It is constructed as a large swatch worked in the round, with the right side always facing. Throughout the project, strands are carried across the back of the work to connect the two sides of the shawl. During finishing, these strands are cut and secured, creating the characteristic corded side edges. The lower border features a reinterpretation of a Japanese lace motif. This motif is repeated along the upper edge, where it forms a zigzag border that interrupts the vertical flow of the body and visually connects the two ends of the shawl. At the lower tip, the carried strands are intentionally left longer and gathered into a tassel, which forms an integral part of the construction. Optional tassels may also be added to the upper corners of the shawl if desired. <hr/> **Size:** One Size. **Finished measurements:** Wingspan 165 cm / 66”; depth 70 cm/28”. <big>**Yarn**</big> **Color 1:** *Expression Fiber Art CashSilk Sock* (75% SuperwashWool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk; 375 m[410 yards]/100 gr); col. Nectar Candy, approx 350 m/382 yards. **Color 2 (for background):** *Le Moire Yarn Driadi* (55% BFL, 45% Silk; 400 m [437 yards]/100 gr); col. Iron Blue, approx 330 m/361 yards. **Note:** *Choose two yarn colors with a good contrast between them. In my opionion, the shawl looks better with a light C1 and a darker C2.* <big>**Gauge**</big> 17 stitches and 36 rows = 10x10 cm (4”) in “Echo knitting” stockinette stitch (see below) worked in the round, measured after blocking. **Note:** *Gauge is not critical for this project but may affect yardage and final measurements.* <big>**Needles**</big> One 80 cm / 32” circular needle in size needed to obtain gauge. **Suggested needle size:** 3.25 mm /US 3. Optional: additional 80 cm / 32” circular needle in a smaller size, to pick up stitches for the folded hem. <big>**Notions**</big> 2 markers A, 2 markers B. Tapestry needle to weave in ends. Sewing needle to treat the selvedges. [1]: https://stats.sender.net/forms/erkRmK/view