The Saltburn Shawl is the first pattern in my paint-to-pattern series,
where each design begins as a painting and becomes a piece of
knitwear.
The painting behind this shawl came from a short trip to Saltburn with
my siblings during the final weeks of my mum’s life. A space, sea air,
and a break from waiting. When I got home, I painted what stayed
with me. Not the place itself, but the feeling of it. The calm inside
something unbearably hard.
Later, I looked at the painting and knew exactly what it wanted to be.
This shawl is not a literal copy of brushstrokes. It’s a translation. Bands
of texture and airy lace echo the movement in the painting, with
gentle shifts in colour that feel like light changing over water. It’s
designed to be soothing to knit, with repeats you can settle into, and a
finished piece that feels meaningful without needing to explain itself.
Optional beads add a quiet glimmer, like little flecks of light.

Suggested yarn: Any Aran
The yarn used in the photo is Rowan - Alpaca Haze shades 012, 010,
013 and 0122 and Rowan - Alpaca cotton 019. Working with two
yarns held together. If using normal Aran just one strand of yarn is
needed.
Yards/Meters needed: 150g
YARN WEIGHT
6mm (uk) Circular needle