Autumn Berries is a beautifully versatile shawl and full of scrumptious texture. Wear it in the traditional way, draped around chilly shoulders or wrap it snuggly around your neck as a flattering scarf.

It was inspired by the local hedgerows laden with September blackberries in all their ripening hues from green to rich purple and the wicker baskets in which they are often collected. The top of the shawl is reminiscent of these lovely baskets, its criss-crossing weaves lead into pretty ribs of floral/leaf-like designs, that represent the bramble leaves and the wildflowers that often clamber up them. These in turn are followed by the luscious berries themselves and a looser ‘basket weave’ pattern provides the final section. A pretty, berry cast-off then completes your lovely project.
Make it in Aran weight yarn for a cosy garment to keep out the cold of the deepest winter days or choose a gorgeous lace weight for a light as a feather version that still adds warmth and looks equally as fabulous over that special party frock as it does layered with jeans and sweaters….

Materials:
250g/580 yards of Aran/Worsted Weight Yarn.
(Pictured example made using Red Heart Niki)
OR
150g/573 yards of Lace Weight Yarn.
(Pictured example made using Drops Delight)
5.00 mm circular needle to accommodate all the stitches. (The same sized needles are used for both sizes/yarn weights)
Stitch Markers or small lengths of spare contrasting yarn.

Finished Size (After Blocking):
Aran Weight:
Length from tip to tip approx 64 inches/163 cms.
Centre back from top to point: approx 18 inches/45.5 cms.

Lace Weight:
Length from tip to tip approx 72 inches/184 cms.
Centre back from top to point: approx 19 inches/48.5 cms.
Gauge is not critical for this garment.

Method:
Autumn Berries is knitted from the top down, in rows, turning after every row. It is seamless.
Increases either side of the centre stitch on every right-side row and at both outer edges on every row, produce the main body of the shawl. For the lower section, increases are worked on the outer edges only. It is essential that both versions are blocked to straighten the top edge, however, pinning at the point is optional and if you prefer not to, then instead of a shallow triangle shape your shawl will be more crescent shaped with a softly ‘gathered’ edge.
The berry cast-off reflects the previously worked berry section and although it might feel like it takes forever, it soon shows the loveliness of itself and is well worth the effort to complete your beautiful work.