Patternum Novum :: Versus

Way back in November, before our family embarked on an epic journey to the Southeast to visit friends and family and (gasp!) even relax on the beach a little bit, I released a shawl pattern that is really a favorite of mine. I mean, I know I say that about everything I design, but this time I really  mean it. Garter stitch, stripes, an asymmetrical triangular shape, eyelets...these are a few of my favorite things. I loved it so much, I did two versions. I really didn't mean for it to take so long to update here on the ol' blog, but with the baby crawling around and the holidays and all, I seem to be dropping packets right and left! But at long last, here it is...

Versus - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)


Versus is really about opposites. Take a light and a dark or a neon and a neutral, knit an eyeleted, stripey triangle, then join a thick, perpendicular extension that is a negative of the original pattern. Versus begins with a single stitch and is knit in one piece with two skeins of fingering weight yarn all in garter stitch, save for the rows of eyelets occasionally placed throughout. Simple increases and decreases and one strategically placed cast on form contradicting lines, and the perfect unsymmetrical triangular shape to wrap up in. Notes on modification have been included at the end of the pattern, as well as instructions for a three-color version.

The specs...

Finished measurements: 64”/ 162.5 cm wingspan; 27”/ 68.5 cm height at center

Yarn: 2 colors of fingering weight yarn: 420 yds/ 385 m of MC and 300 yds/ 275 m of CC
Two-color version shown in: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Merino; 420 yds/ 384 m per 114g); 1 skein each of Faded Parka, green (MC), and Fluoro Rose, pink (CC)
OR, 3 colors of fingering weight yarn: 390 yds/ 357 m of MC, 290 yds/ 267 m of CC, and 115 yds/ 105 m of a 3rd color
Three-color version shown in: The Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering (75% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 5% Nylon; 390 yds/ 357 m per 101g); 1 skein each of Lonesome Highway/ grey (MC), Twill/ natural (CC), and Lightning Bug/ neon green (3rd color)

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, at least 24”/ 60 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in Garter Stitch
Meeting this exact gauge is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished shawl and yardage required.

For more information on Versus, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Versus discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.