20% off pattern launch, code: MM20

The North Norfolk Coast (UK) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), being comprised of wetlands of international importance for plants and wildlife. It is also a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, although it is not always an obvious beauty and one that can be treacherous for the unwary.

The area is a mosaic of low-lying meadows, reed beds, tidal salt marshes and freshwater lagoons. Stretches of the coast are under constant threat of flooding, particularly during winter storms, when the North Sea breaches the shingle ridge and surges across the marshes. The local long-term management plan for the area has been to protect where, and what is possible, but to acknowledge that a managed retreat is the only viable policy in some areas, developing plant and wildlife habits further inland.

The Marsh and Meadow Shawl seeks to capture the many facets of this changing and enigmatic area. The use of the bias, or tilt lace pattern throughout, mirrors the mosaic of marsh and meadow scenery, while the variety of possible yarn colour combinations, allow for celebration of bracing coastal salt flats or indulgent lush pasture – and much more in between.

Shawl dimensions: 232cm x 73cm

Needles: 3.5mm (US 4)

Yarn: overall the shawl requires 200g/800m sock/4-ply/fingering weight

2 x 100g/400m in two contrasting colours, or 4 x 50g/100m in four contrasting colours

All the shawls shown in the pictures are knitted using 200g/800m of 4-ply yarn.

The finished shawl is constructed from two triangles, knitted separately, then joined at their bind-off edges.

The pattern provides examples of three different ways colours can be combined to complete the shawl.

These are just ideas to get started with – any number of colours can be used.

Gauge: 20 sts and 32 rows = 10 cm square (lace section), after blocking. Gauge not essential.