Through the Loops!: Cerasifera Shawl

Prunus Cerasifera: Purple Leaf Plum

My small purple leaf plum was at the peak of its glorous bloom when I cast on for this shawl. How could I help but name the pattern after it?

While I was out at the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling in April, Sheri kindly took the teachers for a private trip to her amazing shop. There is so much spectacular yarn at the Loopy Ewe it was hard to know where to turn, but the instant I saw the shelf of String Theory Caper Sock I knew a skein or two would have to come live with me. The two skeins of Jade that I chose were cast on almost immediately after I returned home. Between the color and the softness of the yarn I couldn't stop knitting and the shawl flew off the needles. I don't remember exactly how long it took, but I'm pretty sure I designed and knit this in under a week.

Since I knit the first so fast I thought I should probably make a second just to double check my notes. I've had two skeins of handspun that I've wanted to use together in a shawl waiting for the right project. So while my mother was here last week I cast on a second Cerasifera. My mom and I sat and chatting and knitting and the second Cerasifera flew off the needles as quickly as the first. The colors of the Funky Carolina fiber really seem to suit the pattern.

The handspun yarn was a worsted weight so I went up a needle size to keep the lace from being too tight. The gauge is much bigger on this version so the blocked shawl measures 67x27" as opposed to the original which is 53x21". I ran out of yarn after only 10 rows of ribbing so I bound off sooner than on the original. It's nice to see that this pattern can adapt.

It turns out that it's quite perfect for taking an early morning walk around the garden with coffee in hand.

To see more photos visit the Cerasifera Raverly page or my Flickr photostream.

Thank you as always to my amazing test knitters: Monika, Holly, Julie & Karyn. I asked them to have their test knitting completed between July 1 & 15th and all four of these talented knitters finished way ahead of schedule! Each of their Cerasifera shawls are unique since the all chose very different yarns.

Cerasifera Shawl

Size: One Size

Finished Measurements: 53” across top edge, 21” from top edge to bottom at center - can be made larger or smaller by adjusting the gauge.

Yarn: Fingering Weight approximately 500 yards. Shown in: String Theory Caper Sock, 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yards/366m per 4 oz/113g skein; color: Jade; 1.25 skeins

Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 32” circular needle or size to obtain gauge

Gauge: 15 sts & 30 rows = 4” in openwork lace pattern (see notes) - blocked, always take the time to check gauge

Other Materials: Scrap Yarn, 13 Place Markers (PM), tapestry needle

Price: $6.00 US