In the remote glens of Scotland today, you can find the remnants of the ancient Caledonian pinewoods. These are one of the most important forest ecosystems in the UK, providing a home for a wide range of species. There are 84 pinewoods in the north and west of Scotland, covering approximately 18,000 ha. The characteristic tree of these pinewoods is the Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris var scotia), a unique variety that has adapted to Scotland’s wet and windy weather conditions. A walk through these forests is a walk back in time, as some of these trees are more than 300 years old.

I had the privilege of spending some time in the magnificent pinewoods of the Cairngorms. The Caledonian Pine Shawl was designed there, as a memory of long walks through snow-covered trees, embracing the stillness – a place where the day-to-day chores are far away, and where you can just be, enjoying some time on your own.

The repeating diamond-shaped pattern of the Caledonian Pine Shawl takes its inspiration from the pine cone. The solid-cable pattern reflects the closed pine cone and the lace-cable pattern depicts the opening of the cone to release its seeds. The deep orange colour of the yarn is taken from the rich colours of the bark of the Scots Pine.

Wrap yourself in the stillness of the pinewoods and enjoy the quiet and peaceful moments whilst you knit.

Finished measurements:
Wingspan:
142 cm / 55.9 in

Centre depth:
55 cm / 21.7 in

Measurements are approximate and are given at widest points after blocking.

Yarn:
3 skeins of Iolair Yarn Raasay
(50 % yak, 50 % silk, 200 m/ 219 yds per 50 g) or use any 4ply yarn as a substitute. Approximate yardage used:
600 m / 657 yds

Gauge:
Using suggested needles, 28 stitches and 36 rows over 10 cm / 4 in pattern, blocked.

The tension is not critical for this shawl, but it will affect the amount of yarn used and the size of the finished shawl.

Needles & Notions:
3.25mm / US 3 (to knit the shawl) and 4mm / US 6 (for binding off) circular needles 80 cm / 32 in long.
Use the needle size that achieves the best gauge.
2 cable needles, scissors, tapestry needle

Construction notes:
The Caledonian Pine Shawl is a triangular shawl worked sideways, starting from a small point and gradually increasing along one edge to the bind-off edge. Increases occur on both RS and WS rows. The shawl is knitted with edge stitches on both sides and is bound off using the Icelandic bind off method.

Written and chartered instructions are provided.