Memories in Colour

Memories in Colour Knitted Shawl by Helen Kennedy

What is Being Made

Memories in Colour is a knitted shawl design created by Helen Kennedy. This is a downloadable PDF pattern for an intermediate-level knitter seeking to create a substantial, colourwork-focused shawl. The finished shawl features an impressive wingspan of approximately 74 inches (188 cm) with a depth of around 20 inches (51 cm) after blocking, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is executed entirely through knitting, the primary craft method. The shawl is worked flat using circular needles in the round or back-and-forth, depending on the knitter's preference and the pattern construction. The design incorporates colourwork elements that require managing multiple yarn colours throughout the knitting process, adding visual interest and complexity to the finished piece.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches and shaping techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters:

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the fabric in stocking stitch
• Yarn overs (yo) create decorative lace or openwork sections and contribute to shawl shaping
• Decreases including knit two together (k2tog), knit two together through the back loops (k2tog tbl), purl two stitches together (p2tog), and purl two stitches together through the back loops (p2tog tbl) for structured shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) in modified form for additional decrease options
• Stitch markers (pm/rm) to track pattern repeats and construction sections
• Blocking is essential to achieve the final dimensions and even out the colourwork

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The pattern is designed for sock weight yarn, a fine 3-ply or 4-ply yarn category that creates delicate, detailed fabric. Knitters have two options for yarn composition:

• Multi-colour option: One main colour yarn (MC) requiring approximately 80 grams or 292 metres (315 yards), combined with eight separate coloured yarns (C1 through C8) in graduated yardage amounts ranging from approximately 30 metres (33 yards) for C1 up to 50 metres (55 yards) for C8
• Single skein option: Alternatively, a single gradient or variegated sock weight skein of approximately 360 metres (394 yards) can be substituted for the multi-colour approach, simplifying yarn management while maintaining the colourwork aesthetic

The pattern requires 3.75 mm (US 5) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80 cm) in length, or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. A needle for weaving in ends completes the notions required.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 24 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches (10 cm) in stocking stitch before blocking. Achieving this gauge is critical for obtaining the intended finished dimensions. The shawl expands significantly during blocking to reach its full wingspan of 74 inches (188 cm) and depth of 20 inches (51 cm), demonstrating the importance of proper finishing techniques in shawl construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle colourwork integration, multiple yarn management, and shaping techniques. The combination of stocking stitch, decreases, yarn overs, and colour changes presents an engaging challenge without requiring advanced techniques such as cables or complex lace patterns.