Robach Lace Shawl by Alison Mayne

Robach Lace Shawl

Knitting
May 2023
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 38 rows = 4 inches
in Garter Stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
711 yards (650 m)
1
English

The Robach Shawl is named for a special area of conservation on North Uist - one of the most botanically diverse systems in the Hebrides. Only in the machair along this island coastline can the Hebridean Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza Ebudensis) be seen in spring. The lace sections of the shawl echo the short, sword like leaves and delicate stacked flowers of this rare plant which grows in this special place.

The construction of the shawl is also inspired by Elizabeth Zimmerman’s ‘unventing’ of the Pi shawl, where increases double the stitch count in a regular pattern to create a generous half-circle.

This shawl is knitted from the top-down, alternating bands of garter stitch and lace.

Use recommended yarn or 4ply and lace yarns which knit to the specified gauge and have similar characteristics for drape and comfort next to the skin, and soft definition for lacework in mohair silk.

SIZE

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

  • Finished width A: 170 cm / 67 in
  • Finished depth B: 60 cm / 23.5 in

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

Colours shown
1 - MC & CC Seelie
2 - MC: Moorlands, CC: Heather in Bloom
3 - MC & CC Marsh Orchid
4 - MC & CC Coral Dahlia