Free Pattern Friday: Boneyard Shawl

Happy June 1st everyone! This post is going to be the first in a long line of posts that will be going out every Friday! We're calling it, Free Pattern Friday! What does that mean for you? Every Friday, we'll be posting a wonderful free pattern for you to get inspired by! Patterns will range from knit, crochet, simple and complex. We're trying to keep everyone involved in the fun.

Stephen West with his Boneyard Shawl

This week's pattern is called Boneyard. It's a shawl designed by Stephen West of the one and only Westknits, and is just as simple as it is elegant. The pattern is your standard stockinette stitch shawl, with ridges every 12th row which provides the shawl with a clean and interesting look.

The beautiful thing about this pattern is that it can be made in any weight yarn you can think of, all you need to do is adjust the needle size, and viola! Want to use that lovely skein of Cascade 220 you just bought at Knit Picky? Go for it! Is a skein of Malabrigo Sock calling your name, but you have no idea what to make with it? Here's the perfect project! The shawl's simple look plays perfectly with solid, tonal and verigated yarns!People have even knit the shawl in one color, and used a contrasting color for the ridges! How cool is that?

If you want a nice, airy feel, go up a needle size or two. If you want it to be tight and warm, go with a needle size down! You can't go wrong with this pattern! It's great for not only beginning knitters who want to explore shawl making, but also for the experienced knitter looking for a great, relaxing knit!

If you can't seem to think of any yarn you'd like to use for this, here are some suggestions! These are yarns used by other knitters and each provide a great look.

A Picture of Mike's very own Boneyard. Made from Cascade 220 Heathers

Cascade 220: This yarn is great for almost any project, and it's no different for Boneyard! You can choose between solid, heathers, superwash, sport weight, superwash sport and many more! You can create any look you dream of with this yarn!

Madelinetosh Tosh DK: Working up at a versatile dk to light worsted gauge Tosh DK is perfect for accessory projects like shawls. Each squishy soft skein is hand-dyed in small dye lots and machine washable.


Galler Yarns Peruvian Tweed: This lofty and luxurious 100% alpaca yarn is beautiful to work with. Mike is making a store sample of this shawl in this yarn and should be in the store sometime soon! Keep an eye out!

Berroco Ultra Alpaca: Made with 50% Wool and 50% Alpaca, this yarn is sure to please!

Malabrigo Rios: Another great yarn! This superwash yarn is dyed is rich, vibrant colors with are sure to please!

Malabrigo Sock: This yarn is a bit hit in the shop, and is superwash as well! Don't let the name of the yarn fool you, Malabrigo Sock is great for shawls too! The colors are just as vibrant as the Malabrigo Rios and you won't be disappointed if you choose this for your Boneyard shawl.

A close up of the shawl's boarder

If you'd like to make this your very next project, you can download the pattern for free on Ravlery (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boneyard-shawl) or on Stephen West's website (http://westknits.com/index.php/pattern/shawls/boneyard-shawl/). And as always, you can always stop by the shop and one of the staff members can print it out for you as you pick out a great yarn!