About the pattern
The Reyna Shawl is popular in knitting groups I belong to. That is because the pattern is fairly simple. For example, it alternates between simple garter sections and mesh sections. Some skills are learned or practiced besides knits and purls. These knitting skills include KTBL; K2tog; ssk; and YO. You will learn that KTBL means to knit through the back loop of the stitch. While K2tog means to knit the next 2 stitches together. Then Ssk means to slip the next 2 stitches onto the right hand needle, one at a time, then knit them together. Finally, YO means to bring the yarn to the front of the work and knit1. A YO, or yarn over, forms an extra stitch and a hole. Conveniently, all of these abbreviations are explained in the pattern.
The pattern is written for fingering weight yarn. However, it can be adjusted for other yarn weights. To get the correct drape use the right size needle for the yarn you choose. The suggested needle size is found on the back of the ball band. Note that if you are using a thicker yarn and larger needle, the finished shawl will be larger than what the pattern is written for. For example, a size 4, or worsted weight yarn with a size US7 or US8 needle will produce a larger shawl.
I increased the size of two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit. Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. When I was finished I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. With a little bit of math and figuring, it is fairly simple to continue with an additional section in the pattern.
Reyna shawl stages
A friend of mine generously gifted me some Cascade Heritage Prints yarn from a LYS (Local Yarn Shop). Which, for months, I tried to decide what to make with this special gift. Eventually I came across the Reyna shawl pattern. Of course, I decided to create this design with my special yarn. As you can see, the three photos above and the three photos below show various moments throughout the knitting process of this piece.
My experience knitting the Reyna shawl
Originally I made this shawl as the pattern is written. Then when I was finished making it I decided I wanted a larger completed shawl. Therefore, I made two Reyna shawls by altering the pattern a little bit to increase the size of the finished piece. With a little bit of math it was fairly simple to make an additional section in the pattern.
The Reyna shawl pattern is written so that most color yarns work with it. Such color options include solids, stripes, tweeds, variegated, gradient, pooling and marled. However, because of the eyelets I prefer a solid color, or a slow gradient yarn. I like to make this, and most shawls, in a material that has some natural fibers. This is because the natural fibers make it easier to block and open up all of that lacework. I used a few different yarns to create the Reyna shawl, as mentioned below.
Below there are 2 pictures of this shawl in Yarn Bee Soft & Sleek DK yarn (grey). The third shawl below is in Lion Brand Moroccan Nights and has a little shimmer in it. This one I made for one of my neighbors. My favorite yarn for the Reyna shawl is Cascade Yarns Heritage Prints (75% Superwash Merino Wool and 25% Nylon). This yarn was given to me by a dear friend and I wanted to make something with that yarn that was useful. I looked for a pattern that would show off the beauty of the colors of this yarn. Finally, I found this shawl pattern to suit this yarn well. This pattern is found on Ravelry at Ravelry: Reyna pattern by Noora Backlund.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalms 107:1, NLT)