Scottish Thistles (Nova Scotia)

The pattern is both charted and written out, one file for each.

A row by row stitch count and percentage done is included in the written pattern, so if you need the stitch numbers, that's where you'll find them.

Difficulty

Medium to advanced. Most charts (but not all) have RS rows charted/described only, wrong side rows are purled (except for edge stitches). Final border chart and side edge charts are patterned both RS and WS rows. Patterned WS rows are very simple and consist of purl tbl, purl and knit sts. Provisional CO used (8 sts).

Yarn

Farbmasche Merino/silk 70/30 1-ply 437 yards (400 m) /100 g. Yarn is discontinued, but most fingering weight yarns will work. Take a look at www.Pookyarns.com for gradients in the same or similar base. Pattern uses about 160 g or 700 yards (639 m). If substituting yarn, go for something with a lot of body as the pattern has lots of twisted stitches and cable crossings.

Beads

Optional. When using beads, you will need 554 size 6/0 seed beads, or the size you think fits your yarn. More beads can be added, but as charted there are only beads in the last chart.

Size

One size only. 20 inches (50 cm) deep and 51 inches (129 cm) inner circle when worked in the stated yarn. Use heavier weight yarn and larger needles if you want a larger shawl (uses more yarn), skinnier yarn and smaller needles if you want a smaller shawl (uses less yarn). The pattern is 124 rows in all and cannot be extended.

Needles

US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle or the needle you need to get a fabric you like, and a needle one size larger than that for the BO. Cable needle.

Other notions

Stitch markers. Small crochet hook or other gizmo for placing beads (if using beads). Darning needle. Spare circular needle or waste yarn for provisional CO. If doing a crochet CO, crochet hook is needed too.

Construction

The shawl is worked from the neck and out, with a patterned tab cast on.