Straif Shawl

A DK-weight shawl, knit from the top/back neck down to the hem. It features easy eyelet lace patterns and bobbles for texture. Note that the lace pattern is presented in charted form ONLY. You will need approximately 615 yards of a DK-weight yarn to knit the pattern as written. The sample was knit using a 50/50 SW merino/silk blend, so if substituting yarns, be sure to choose one with a good drape and limited halo that will block well.

The blackthorn is a tree associated with strong magic in the Ogham alphabet, where it is also called Straif. It is also called sloe plum (after its inky black fruit), fairy tree, wishing thorn and mother of the woods. The berries provide food for many types of birds, who often choose to nest in its protective branches, and also were the basis for sloe gin, a tonic used for medicinal purposes or to warm one on a cold winter night.