Valley Yarns Cold Spring Oasis Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Cold Spring Oasis Shawl

What is Being Made

The Cold Spring Oasis is a lightweight shawl designed by Susan Baron, measuring 24 inches wide and 64 inches long when finished. This elegant wrap is crafted to add both color and warmth to any outfit, making it an ideal layering piece for various occasions and seasons. The shawl's airy construction makes it suitable for wearing across the shoulders or draping over the arms.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl is knit using Valley Yarns Southampton, a luxurious blend of 72% Kid Mohair and 28% Mulberry Silk. Each ball contains 230 yards and weighs 25 grams. The pattern calls for holding two strands of yarn together throughout the entire project, requiring a total of 8 balls of yarn distributed across three coordinating colors. Two colorway options are provided: Option 1 features Chocolate, Terracotta, and Tang, while Option 2 offers Bright Blue, Sky, and Olive. Knitting needles required are US size 10 (6.00mm) in a 24-inch circular needle size.

Techniques and Construction

The Cold Spring Oasis is worked flat from a single cast-on edge, using the Long-Tail Cast-On method to establish 96 stitches. The shawl employs a stripe pattern created by strategically changing yarn colors every 7 inches throughout the construction. This technique involves holding two strands of yarn together and gradually transitioning between colors by dropping one strand and introducing a new one, creating a sophisticated color-blocked effect without the need for complex color-work techniques.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body of the shawl, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side. This stitch is worked with the yarn held double, creating a dense, fabric-like texture.
• Garter Stitch: A narrow garter stitch border is maintained along all four sides of the shawl by knitting 2 stitches at the beginning and end of each row. This creates a finished edge and prevents curling.

Skill Level and Gauge

This pattern is rated at Beginner skill level, making it accessible to knitters who are new to the craft or returning to knitting after a break. The gauge is 16 stitches over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked with the yarn held double and properly blocked. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements of 24 inches wide by 64 inches long.

Pattern Structure

The shawl follows a straightforward two-row repeat pattern that is maintained throughout the project. After the initial cast-on and 4 garter stitch rows, the pattern alternates between a wrong-side row (knit 2, purl to last 2 stitches, knit 2) and a right-side row (knit all stitches). This simple repeat is continued for 7-inch sections as the yarn colors change, creating the distinctive striped design without requiring the knitter to follow complex stitch patterns or color-work charts.