by M K Nance

Tartessos may have inspired the legends of El Dorado, Atlantis, or Tarshish. It was a culture located on the southwest edge of the Iberian Peninsula. They traded with the Greeks and Phoneticians. The region was rich with silver and gold deposits and its people were known for ornate metal work. These people slipped in obscurity as their cities were lost and their written language is indecipherable.

This shawl was inspired by the Treasure of El Carambolo. This gold hoard dates back to the 8th century BCE. The lace mimics the intricate metal work of the breast pieces. As the shawl is worked from the top down, one could use up almost every ounce of precious yarn.

SIZE
One

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Depth: 15.75 inches
Width at Bottom Edge: 57.75 inches
Width at Top edge: 26.75 inches

MATERIALS
Yarn
Lakes Yarn and Fiber Alturas [60% Merino, 20% Silk, 20% Yak 400 yards / 100 grams]; Framboise; 1 skein

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below — every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 32 -inch US #4/3.5mm circular needle

Notions
stitch markers
yarn needle

GAUGE
23 sts/30 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES
[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

The shawl is worked from the top down.

To change the finished dimensions of the shawl, add or subtract groups of 14 stitches from the cast on number, to increase or decrease the number of repeats. Each repeat adds 3 1/2 inches to the top edge, and 9 inches to the bottom edge.

CDD: Slip 2 sts together (as if to k2tog), k1, then pass 2 slipped stitches over.

DIRECTIONS
Cast on 105 sts.

Work to Rows 1-10 of Setup Chart. 147 sts when chart is complete.

Work Rows 11-65 of Main Chart. 273 sts when chart is complete.

Work Rows 66-73 of Bottom Chart twice, or to desired length.

Knit 2 rows.

Bind off loosely.

FINISHING
Weave in ends and block to desired measurements.

M K Nance has been knitting since before she could tie her shoes. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Her blog can be found here and her Twitter, Instagram, and Ravelry handles are Kathynancygirl.