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Iceland has inspired me to design a series of shawls all of which reflect my journey through this majestic land. Mrydalur – meaning marsh valley, encompasses a large area and lies in the southern region of Iceland, ending at black sand beaches of Vík, meaning inlet or bay. Its stunning landscapes of black snow-capped mountains, lichen covered lava fields, wildflowers, and fast flowing streams, had me wanting to express the stark contrast between colours, landforms and flora.

This classical, triangular shawl is knit with natural coloured Icelandic Einband Lopi yarn, a lace weight, feather-light, lofty yarn that has a crisp handle, and which is perfect for lace knitting. It blooms wonderfully after blocking. Light yet warm, it’s a perfect accessory for any time of the year.

The Myrdalur Shawl is knit top down beginning with a Garter Tab. Garter stitch is the traditional choice for shawl bodies and using large 4.5mm needles, makes this a quick knit.
The border features coloured bands of reversed Horse Lace, creating a floral effect of stems and leaves, reminding me of the pretty, white wildflowers blooming amongst the magnificent lava fields. Horse Lace is an easy lace pattern, where wrong side rows are simply purled an is ideal for beginner lace knitters.
The bands of flowing eyelet rows depict the many, lava pebbles on the black sand beaches along the southern coastline, that are polished smooth by the pounding surf.

Pattern support is given through charts, written instructions and videos. YouTube tutorials are available for the following techniques: Garter Tab and the Icelandic Bind Off.

YARN: Exactly720m/ 787yd using Einband Lopi yarn, using gauge. Please check gauge as this will affect meterage. If substituting yarn, add 20% extra to be safe.

Main Colour for Body: 2 x 50g ball of Einband Lopi in Black Heather #0151, 250m/273yd.
Used 380m/415yd:
Contrast Colour 1: 1 x 50g ball of Einband Lopi in Beige Heather #0866, 250m/273yd.
Used: 140m/ 153yd
Contrast Colour 2: 1 x 50g ball of Einband Lopi in White #0851, 250m/273yd. Used: 200m/218 yd

NEEDLES: 4.5mm /US 7 circular needles (length: 100cm/39”).

NOTIONS: 34 markers, 1 removable stitch marker for RS of work, darning needle to tidy loose ends.

GAUGE: Not critical for wearing, but differences will affect meterage and size. After blocking:
Garter stitch: 16 sts x 28 rows = 10cm/4”.
Horse Lace: I full repeat is 10sts x 8ows = 7.5cm/3” long x 3.5cm/1.25” wide.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: Wingspan: 203cm/80” long. Depth of spine: 84cm/33”.

Fully tech edited. Test knitting thread is here