Since I’ve got the lovely Octavia Wrap on sale in my Ravelry shop this week, I thought we’d take a closer look. Octavia has been one of my favorite patterns to knit and is the fruit of many happy collaborative efforts. Use coupon code B3SHAWL at checkout.
Many thanks to the nice folks at Harrisville Designs who provided yarn support. A BIG HUG to my talented sample/test knitter and gorgeous model Natasha. And special thanks to my tech editor Kathie.
Through Friday, February 25, the Octavia Wrap (along with two other triangular shawls) is 30% off in my Ravelry shop. Use the coupon code B3SHAWL at checkout.
How it started…
For the last couple of years, I’ve been very intrigued by the idea of cold-weather wraps. Those densely knitted, wooly layers offer a canvas for varied stitch patterns. My interest began with Craghill which was published in conjunction with Hudson+West as part of their Deep Winter 2020 collection. Working through the design process with Craghill whetted my appetite for using toothsome and fleecy yarns to knit imaginative layering pieces.
Stitches Defined
I found that traditional wool yarns bring enormous benefits to stitch patterns that are usually used in finer work. Stitches bloom and flourish in unexpected ways with rustic yarns, creating rugged and durable homespun fabrics. Even simple ribbing is brought to life in a lovely way.
With all stitch patterns based on the number eight, the Octavia Wrap begins with simple punch work. Eyelet diamonds and an intriguing slip stitch pattern follow. A band of simple ribbing forms the bottom border and is finished in a contrast garter edge.
Color Play
As a designer who appreciates the subtle beauty of a neutral palette, Octavia was a real challenge for me. Since it was rather a big step, I decided to keep to a three-color range. As a backdrop, I chose a creamy white. Then, I added a more defined neutral, in one case, camel, in the other, a rustic spring green. Then I had some fun choosing a feature color – russet red and aubergine. Focussing on color interaction, I chose the first two Octavia color ways, white-camel-russet and white-tundra-aubergine. I hope you’ll enjoy the color play that Octavia invites!
<I got a comment on Instagram the other day from gorgeous @thebluebrickish suggesting that Octavia would look great in a gradient. What a concept!>
The Yarn
Octavia is designed specifically for the warm yet airy qualities of woolen spun yarn. This generously sized cold weather wrap integrates four fun-to-knit stitch patterns in one traditional triangle.
I can’t say enough about Harrisville Designs Shetland. It is the perfect rustic woolen spun yarn, feathery light, beautifully spun and soaked in a million muted shades. Round, bumpy and wooly, every stitch was a delight in this sheepy classic. Shetland is available online at Harrisville Designs, from The Woolery in Frankfort, KY, The Knitting Loft in Toronto and Eat.Sleep.Knit in Dallas, GA.
I hope you’ll enjoy knitting and wearing the Octavia Wrap as much as I have enjoyed creating it!
Cheers!
Cheryl
Francene H. Barrett
It is absolutely beautiful!