Cygnus, which is both the Latin word for “swan” and one of the oldest and most recognizable constellations (the swan constellation) of the northern hemisphere, is a rectangular lace wrap featuring a variety of knitted lace constructions that create the overall effect of an heirloom piece to be treasured for generations. The body of this wrap is composed of eight lace panels which repeat across the length of the fabric, including two center panels of “Wings of the Swan” lace. The Fairfax lace edging that begins and ends this wrap is an heirloom lace pattern that first appeared in print form in the 1800s in Weldon’s Practical Knitter. The overall pattern contains both charts and written instructions.

In relation to the heirloom quality of the design, the shawl is knit in a natural, undyed, single-ply, American-raised wool. This yarn, Cedar Hill Farm Company’s Single Sheep, has a slightly rustic hand and is exceedingly luminous and soft. Single-ply and finely-plied fingering weight handspun yarns are recommended for this pattern.

This pattern is featured in John Martin’s book Wool and Wine: People, Passions, and Conversations., as well.