Themes and Variations

Discover the elegance of knitting with our beautifully crafted pattern, Themes and Variations, which pays homage to Balanchine’s iconic ballet of the same name. This unique pattern explores the art of simple stitches transformed into intricate designs, guiding you to master a series of practice steps that challenge and delight. By knitting through fundamental stitches with slight variations, you’ll create a breathtaking masterpiece that showcases your skills and creativity. This exquisite design features a delicate pairing of a Speckled color and a Solid color, weaving together to form a stunning cable effect that elegantly traverses the piece, reminiscent of the dynamic movement seen in ballet.

The finished measurements of this stunning shawl are approximately 78”/198 cm in wingspan and 23.5”/59.5 cm deep, making it an eye-catching accessory that can enhance any outfit.

For this project, you will need The Fiber Seed Sprout yarn, which consists of 90% Merino and 10% Nylon, with a total of 510 yards (466 m). You will require 1 skein of Blue Orchid (Main Color - MC) and 1 skein of Celeste (Contrast Color - CC) to bring this design to life.

The recommended gauge for this pattern is 20 stitches and 28 rows, which equals 4”/10 cm in Pattern Stitch after washing and blocking. This ensures that your final piece will turn out beautifully!

To achieve the best results, we suggest using US size 6 (4 mm) needles, along with a 32” circular needle or your preferred method for working a large number of stitches flat. Remember, you may need a size adjustment to obtain your desired gauge.

Lastly, gather your essential notions, including 6 stitch markers, a tapestry needle, and a cable needle (optional) to make your knitting experience seamless and enjoyable.

Get ready to unleash your creativity, challenge yourself, and create a stunning addition to your knitting collection with our Themes and Variations pattern!