Azzu's Shawl

The Fiber Arts Guild that I belong to is having a KAL (knit along).  We're knitting Azzu's Shawl by Emma Fassio, which is free on Ravelry.  It's a long shawl that can be twisted around the neck and knotted in front. 

                                                                        Azzu's Shawl

I used Berocco Ultra Alpaca Light, which is a sport weight yarn.  I had 3 skeins (432 yards), and I used most of it.  I used a size 7 needle.  Gauge was 5 stitches/inch in stockinette.  The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn, but this will be a bit warmer.

The shawl increases in width because every row increases at least 2 stitches on both the right side rows and the wrong side rows.  I added 5 rows to the end of the shawl, which added two extra eyelet rows: Row 5, star row, row 5, star row, row 5. 

I blocked the shawl on play mats with pins.  It blocked out to 72 inches wide.

I used the Russian bind off, which is also called Knitted Lace Bind off.  This is a stretchy bind off, which allows you to block the shawl out easily.

You knit the first 2 stitches, then place the LH needle into the front of the 2 stitches and knit them together from that position (K2togBL).  *Knit 1 stitch, place LH needle in the front of the two stitches, and knit them together from that position (knit 2 tog through back loop).  Repeat across from *.  Take the tail through the last stitch on the needle and then weave the tail in. 

The worksheet that is available with the pattern is very helpful for checking off rows as you work them.  It also provides stitch counts so you know you're on track. 

I did a garter stitch tab to begin the shawl so it looks similar to the garter stitch edging around the edges of the shawl.  Work 4 (or 5*) rows of garter stitch (Knit every row).  Turn your knitting sideways and pick up and knit 2 stitches (one stitch per garter row).  Turn sideways again and pick up and knit 2 stitches in the cast on edge.  6 stitches total.  Begin on row 3.  * Some directions say to knit 1 additional row before turning sideways.  This makes it easier to turn sideways and pick up and knit the stitches in the garter stitch rows.

This was a fun Knit along!