Lights in the Harbour

Introducing... the Harbour Lights shawl, currently at its halfway point.



The story of the shawl: After inviting me to be guest speaker at this summer's FibreFest in Victoria B.C., certain people had the brilliant idea of unveiling a shawl design as a focal point in the proceedings. They left the field wide open as far as the shawl design went, wise folks that they are. Even I never know how and where inspiration will hit...

What I love most about Victoria is the watery brilliance of the coast and the beautiful quality of the sky above the water. So... not even knowing that two lighthouses flank the harbour, I apparently channeled lighthouse vibrations and the beacon-like central lace pattern arrived. I wanted to include the old "Candlelight" lace pattern because it conjured fond memories of nighttime ferry passages over the Georgia Strait. After some swatching and several attempts later, this design was born. The central beacon is mirrored in the centre of both side panels, flanked by Candlelight, which looks uncannily like waves crashing against rocks where it merges with the beacons. The beads are inserted at points with a crochet hook. I know you hookers will be happy that I finally came up with some beads that aren't prestrung.

Here are the actual lighthouses within view of Saxe Point Park in Victoria. First, the Fisgard Lighthouse:

And here is the Trial Island Lighthouse:
And here is my little knitting gremlin, checking out the floor shawl action.


For my sample, I am using Alberta Rose natural fingering weight alpaca yarn, which is just lovely and takes beads nicely too. The "final" piece will be in cashmere silk yarn from Fun Knits. Beads are size 6/0 silver lined crystal seed beads. I tried to use smaller beads at first and I liked the subtlety, but it was just a bit of a struggle to fit onto the yarn. I think either size would work fine, depending on the look desired.

The pattern should be ready by June... more updates before long!