New Pattern: The Dreamscape Shawl
The Dreamscape Shawl started as a study in lace and beads. I'm always fascinated with the idea of using different stitches and techniques as drawing tools. There are many lace patterns that use negative space to create images. There are also many patterns that use beads in the same way, they almost create a sort of color work in glass and crystal.
My goal was to combine these two techniques to draw on a shawl, creating shapes in two different textures. Throughout the project, beads and lace intertwine to highlight each other. This is not simply a design where eyelets are accentuated with the addition of beads. In places, the beads are more abundant than the accompanying lace stitches.
Work on the design started with a swatch for a beaded bind off. It looked like a nice border for a shawl, almost like eyelashes. The only sensible way to fill the rest of the design was with the images that appear beneath my eyelids while dreaming.
The name of the shawl is taken from the place where I saw this creation first: My dreams.
I took a nap and when I woke up, I drew my dream as a shawl. Shining rays of light reflected in water, arrows pointing in a new direction and mountain tops.
This project is well suited for those who are familiar with knitting, purling, pattern reading, simple lace, and beaded knitting. When knitting the Dreamscape Shawl pattern, be sure to take your time and pay attention to the details. The lace motifs are easy and generally straight forward, but you may want to practice the heavily beaded sections on a swatch before starting the shawl.
Size info (image shows all charts and schematics)
This shawl pattern includes 4 sizes, all with the same depth. Each size is a different percentage of a circle. The goal is to ensure everyone can find a fit that they can comfortably fasten around their shoulders without having a lot of extra fabric.
Size A is best suited for those who want to wear this project around their neck, like a scarf. It is designed to make a generous accessory using under 200 grams of fingering weight yarn, but is not sized to fit around most people's shoulders. Some people will recognize this size as a shawlette. Even as a smaller shawl, this pattern makes a big impact.
Sizes B, C and D are sized to be worn around the shoulders and are loosely based on body measurements. To find your size, measure around your shoulders with your arms down and compare the measurement to the "Shoulder" row of the table below. Pattern includes at least 2" [5cm] of overlap at the front of the shawl. The "Percent" measurement shows how much of a circle you are knitting in the style of a pie chart.
When finding your size, keep in mind that the drapey fabric can easily stretch and flow, all measurements are approximate.
Instructions are included for adding and removing length from the shawl. If you plan to add extra rows to your project, you will need more yarn than listed in the pattern. This will change the percentage of circle you end up with, but it does not change the shoulder measurement.
Lace and Drape
Any fingering weight yarn is suitable for this pattern. Achieving the exact gauge is not crucial, but make sure the fabric has a drapey quality. Stiff fabric may be awkward to wear or have areas of puckering or bunching. Drapey fabric allows the increases to lay flat. If the shawl edges curl excessively, consider using a larger needle size. If the fabric is too loose, it may be difficult to see the patterns in the lace stitches. If this is the case, size down your needle.
For Handspun Yarn
When using handspun yarn, the yardage in each skein may vary. Use the yardage guidelines to determine how many skeins you need. Cashmere People lists their fingering weight yarn as 360-469 yards per skein. The skeins in the sample (size B) contained a total of 866 yards and I finished with just enough yarn. Skeins with lower yardage are slightly thicker; make sure your beads are easy to string before casting on. You may also choose to use a larger needle for thicker yarn. It is better to get slightly more yarn than you think you need in order to ensure dye lots match.
Beads
When it comes to choosing beads for your knitting projects, it's essential to select beads with a hole large enough to accommodate your yarn. Most 6/0 beads fit on fingering weight yarn. Don't force a bead onto the yarn, this may break the bead, creating sharp edges that can cut you or your yarn. If you have trouble stringing beads, try a smaller hook. Good quality beads are more likely to have consistent holes which are easier to string. It's always better to get extra beads in case some are hard to string, If you use 4mm bicone crystal beads, you will need to use a light fingering weight yarn as the holes in these beads are smaller.
Always wash your beads before using them, Beads can come into contact with various substances during the manufacturing and packaging process. Dust, dirt, oils, and other residues may be present on the surface of the beads, which can affect the quality of your final product. By washing your beads, you can remove these contaminants and ensure that your finished project is clean and free from any unwanted substances. Rarely, you may discover that a metallic coating tarnishes in water or a finish washes off. In these unfortunate cases, your beads may discolor the yarn or change color during the blocking process and you must find different beads.
Stringing beads on knitting with a crochet hook is easy. There are many resources that show how to place the beads on a small hook, grab a stitch from the needle and pull it though the bead. Don't be intimidated. Adding beads takes a little extra time, but it isn't a hard skill to master. The blue sample is only my 3rd large beaded project and the first where I added beads to lace!
Pattern Stats
Finished Size: See schematic for more info.
Yarn: Sizes A (B, C, D) use approx. 820 (920, 1019, 1119) yards / 749, [840, 931, 1022] m of fingering weight yarn.
Pink, Size A - Mollygirl Yarn Bouncer, 435 yards / 398 m per 100g; 100% Superwash Merino. Shown in color Champagne Supernova.
Blue, Size B - Cashmere People Fingering, 360-469 yards / 329 - 428m per 100g; 100% Cashgora. Shown in color Atlantic, spun by Sevara.
Beads: Sizes A (B, C, D) use 1481 (1652, 1826, 1994) size 6/0 Czech seed beads, shown in Frosted Neon Green and Pearl Pink.
Needles: Size 7 (4.5mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 22 sts x 32 rows = 4 x 4" (10 x 10 cm) square in stockinette stitch.
Other Materials: Yarn needle, locking stitch markers, pins, blocking surface.
With its intricate lace and captivating beaded motifs, the Dreamscape Shawl pattern is a beautiful geometric lace pattern for any knitter looking to challenge themselves. Grab your needles, find a good yarn and bead combo, and embark on a knitting journey that will transport you to a world of dreams and creativity.
