Bewilderness

Bewilderness Crescent Shawl by Nim Teasdale

What is Being Made

Bewilderness is a striking crescent-shaped shawl designed by independent knitter Nim Teasdale. This intermediate-level knitting project combines textural elements with elegant lace detailing, resulting in a finished piece measuring 170x50cm (67x20 inches) after blocking. The shawl works as a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions and styling preferences.

Design Features and Construction

The shawl showcases a thoughtfully layered design combining multiple knitting techniques. At its foundation lies a snuggly garter stitch base, which provides warmth and a classic, textured appearance. Over this base, the designer has incorporated a cable and slipped stitch motif that creates visual interest and dimension throughout the central body of the shawl. The piece is further enhanced by a unique lace edging based on Naomi Parkhurst's 'Wilderness' secret code stitch pattern, which adds an elegant finishing touch.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – forms the foundational base of the shawl, creating a reversible, textured fabric
• Cable stitches – worked over the garter base to create dimensional rope-like textures
• Slipped stitch motif – adds visual pattern and texture variation alongside the cables
• Lace edging – based on the 'Wilderness' pattern, featuring adaptable modular construction for customization
• Beading – optional embellishment; the pictured sample includes beads on the central 3 repeats only, though the full pattern allows for approximately 400 beads if worked as written

Yarn and Materials

Bewilderness is worked in 4-ply fingering weight yarn, requiring approximately 510 meters (560 yards) total. The pattern accommodates flexible yarn choices: it can be worked in either two contrasting yarns or a single gradient cake worked from both ends, allowing knitters to customize the colorway to their preferences. The pictured sample was created using 367 meters (400 yards) of Twisted Fiber Art Arial Evolution paired with 140 meters (150 yards) of Rosy Green Wool Cheeky Merino Joy.

Needles and Tools

This project requires 3.5mm (US size 4) needles, appropriate for working with fingering weight yarn. Beads are optional but recommended for those wishing to recreate the pictured design.

Pattern Flexibility

The lace edging features a unique modular construction, allowing knitters to work the 'Wilderness' pattern in a series of adaptable modules. This means the lace can be worked more or less extensively as preferred, giving crafters control over the final appearance and complexity of their finished shawl.