April 2020. We are living in a historic moment. A lot of life feels overwhelming right now; we are stressed and need positive distractions. One of my best coping mechanisms is knitting. I designed this pattern with the idea that a little concentration, a little repetition, and not an overwhelming amount of focus to complete suited the moment. The stitch patterns were inspired by rock erosions that take thousands of years to form from ripples into grand arches. It has helped me keep in mind the long game of humanity’s survival.
 
The April Distraction shawl is an asymmetrical bias lace triangle/crescent shape, begun with a 2-stitch cast on. The patterns are knit in vertical bands, and all shaping is done on one edge. The pattern features an unusual decrease called “bunny ears”, so you’ll have the opportunity to learn something new as well.
 
Designed for intermediate lace knitters.You will need about 500 yards of sport weight yarn. Sample was knit using Louet Gems sport weight merino, and used 470 yards.
 
Stitches: knit, purl, yo, centered double decrease, ssk, k2tog, m1, kfb, bunny ears decrease, cast on and bind off.
 
7 pages, pdf format. Charts only, no line-by-line instructions.
 
This pattern has been test knit by nine generous and talented volunteers on Yarnpond.com.