Mamaku
Mamaku, scientifically known as Cyathea medullaris, is a striking black tree fern native to the lush landscapes of New Zealand. This beautiful fern is often found in damp gullies throughout the country’s forested areas, inspiring knitters worldwide. While I haven’t personally visited New Zealand, the exquisite lace edging of this shawl brilliantly resembles the delicate fronds of the Mamaku fern. The Mamaku shawl artfully combines this enchanting lace detail with a soothing, textured body that makes it a joy to knit and wear.
This stunning shawl is skillfully knitted from the top-down in one continuous piece, starting at the neck edge with a convenient garter stitch tab. The pattern provides clear instructions for the intricate lace edging, which are available both in charted and written formats, catering to different knitting preferences.
Difficulty Level
The Mamaku shawl is crafted from the top down, beginning with a garter stitch tab that sets the foundation for this beautiful piece. Knitters will utilize a variety of techniques, including knit, purl, yarn overs (yo), k2tog, slip knit purl (skp), knit front back (kfb), and make one left/right (m1l & m1r) increases. This means that the pattern is well-suited for intermediate knitters who are looking to refine their skills and embrace new challenges in their knitting journey.
Yarn
For the sample, we used 554 meters (606 yards) of Ice Yarns Afro Wool, a luxurious 100% wool yarn, with a weight of 100 grams (277 meters / 303 yards per 50 grams) in a deep Black color. To achieve a similar result, you can substitute a 2-ply wool (light) fingering to sport weight yarn in a solid or tonal colorway. This flexibility allows you to express your personal style while knitting a shawl that evokes the natural beauty of New Zealand's unique flora.
Embark on your knitting adventure with the Mamaku shawl, a perfect blend of elegance and artistry that will not only enhance your knitting skills but also provide you with an exquisite accessory to enjoy for years to come!
