Wow, it’s hard to believe we’re at the halfway point of our Confident Knitting journey, but it’s true! Which means it’s time for me to introduce the sixth Confident Knitting pattern, the final one of the summer set … the almost unbelievably lush Lustrous Shawl by Noma Ndlovu (that’s a Ravelry link) which will teach us all about reversible cables!

With the Lustrous Shawl, Noma has created a real statement accessory. Squishy garter combines with sculptural and completely reversible cables to make a shawl that has no wrong side, just a subtly different look depending on how you wear it. And have I mentioned how easy it is to wear? It is one of those Really Useful Triangle Shapes that seems to fall perfectly no matter how you wrap up in it.

And, just as importantly, Noma’s designed a shawl that’s a real joy to knit. The cable repeats keep things really engaging (perfect for those of us who, ahem, like to tick off boxes as we go!) and the garter stitch provides periods of restful, meditative stitching. And, best of all, you begin with the longest row and work ever shorter ones to create that lovely asymmetrical triangle.

If you’ve ever known the frustration of pouring hours into a project, only to find that every time you wear it, you must constantly fuss with it to keep the right side showing, the appeal of reversible cables will be really obvious to you! Reversible cables, like all cables, are created by rearranging stitches before working them … but keeping everything in rib makes for a completely reversible fabric! This makes cables really well suited for scarves or shawls, where both sides of the fabric can be visible. At their simplest, reversible cables make a pattern that is nearly identical on both sides, but for this design, Noma has pushed the reversible cable envelope and created a fabric that looks attractive on both sides, but with interesting differences (see below). More advanced reversible cables like Noma’s could also be a great choice for a hat that you could turn inside out for a subtly different look.

Noma’s Lustrous Shawl is particularly breathtaking in Fyberspates Scrumptious DK. This yarn is a perennial favourite of mine … it’s plump and round with great stitch definition, meaning it works ever so well in a design that’s all about texture. Noma’s combination of cables and garter play so well with the hand-dyed shifts of this yarn … the result is a shawl where stitch pattern, texture and colour all come together to create an accessory with real movement and energy! It’s pictured here in Blueberry Imps, which is the colour from the Designer’s Choice Summer Kit (available in two colour options with all the yarn you’ll need to knit Noma’s shawl, as well as the Burnished Mittens and Patina Scarf!) And you’ll also find thirteen delightful shades of Viv DK in the online shop. You’ll need 3 of the 115g skeins for this project. And here’s your friendly reminder to check your washed and blocked gauge before you start this project … while we always allow a bit of wiggle room in our yarn to account for minor tension differences, if you do not match gauge on this project, you will risk running out of yarn. Because of the shape and construction of this shawl, there’s not an elegant way to cast off early if you run short. So to save yourself time and possible frustration, do check your tension!

And, on the subject of yarn …. Confident Knitting Autumn Kits are NOW ON SALE! Buckle up for the next three months of the Confident Knitting adventure with exclusive Fab Funky Fibres self-striping sock yarn, much-loved Jamieson & Smith 2ply and a tidy little pile of Coop Knits Socks Yeah! 4ply. It’s going to be good! As with all of our seasonal Confident Knitting kits, you’ll find two colourway options in the online shop. If you have purchased Confident Knitting, do check the latest welcome pack for your discount code…

Last but not least, we will, of course, be celebrating all things reversible cables over in the August Confident Knitting KAL over at The Knitalong Hub! Any project that uses this month’s technique is welcome, so do come join us if you’re planning to cast on! And if you share your progress on social media, do use the #ConfidentKnitting hashtag so we can ooh and ahh over your handiwork there!

And if you’ve not yet got your copy of Confident Knitting, you can purchase the print + eBook bundle or eBook only version in the online shop. When you purchase, you’ll receive the Lustrous Shawl pattern + a step-by-step reversible cables photo tutorial, plus the other five Confident Knitting patterns and tutorials that have already been released. The full eBook with the remaining six patterns will be released 1st September, with print books shipping next month too! Monthly knitalongs for each pattern + video tutorials will continue to launch on the first of each month through February 2022.

All Photos © Jesse Wild.