Following a move to the Cotswolds, I wanted to knit with wool from Cotswolds sheep, and was inspired by the topography of the area, especially the ridge and furrow fields that date back, like the sheep, to Medieval times. So here is the Absolutely Cotswolds shawl - which is as Cotswolds as it gets!

I used Totally Cotswolds Knitwear 4 ply, with three skeins of denim blue sourced specially for me - the natural wool is a light golden cream colour, and lustrous. Please note that my skeins were 100g / 350m - you will need at least 800m to make a smaller version of this shawl, and to make the same size as mine, 1,050m. My larger shawl measures approx 190cm / 75” wingspan, and 70cm / 27.5” at the deepest point. I used 4mm needles.

The shawl is an asymmetrical triangular shape, with textural patterns to represent the local Cotswolds topography. Eyelets suggest the rivers and the rain, which keep the fields green for the sheep, and the undulating ridges and furrows are created with bands of stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch. This also gives the shawl a bit of “bounce” - not unlike gambolling spring lambs…… The shawl will have a tendency to curl and spiral, like the locks of wool on the Cotswold Lion sheep.

I hope you enjoy knitting and wearing your shawl - perhaps it’s a special souvenir of your visit to this lovely area?