The canopy of the ancient rainforest is a magical, self contained world. Countless trees, some more than three centuries old and two hundred feet tall, filter the hazy sun into flickering beams and pools of light. Cool, damp, and dim, it is home to a dazzling, diverse ecosystem. In the shelter of these branches, dainty fairy wrens, clever catbirds, and flocks of rollicking parrots squabble and swing from the vines. Orchids, moss, and ferns flourish in every available space. A million tiny beings climb, scurry, and slither to safety, living out entire lives without once touching the forest floor. It is a place of immense beauty and unending inspiration.

Inspired by the lush textures of the natural world, the Rainforest Canopy Shawl was designed for the O’Reilly’s yarn retreat, held in Lamington National Park in Australia. Quiet stripes of stockinette or garter stitch alternate with sections of dappled lace for a romantic but understated accessory. This shawl is ideal social knitting: relaxing, simple, and easy to pick up between bursts of conversation.

Choose from two sizes and shapes: a single skein shawlette, or a generous 2 skein shawl in the triangular version or a rectangle scarf; and between stockinette or garter stitch for the background in any of the versions.

Finished measurements after blocking:

Small
127cm (50”) across top edge
97cm (38”) across cast off end

Medium
147cm (58”) across top edge
127cm (50”) across cast off end

Rectangular
20cm (8”) wide
185cm (73”) long

Actual yarn used:

Fingering weight merino single ply
Small: 366m/400yds; 100g
Medium: 622m/680yds; 170g
Rectangle: 494m/540yds; 135g

Needles:
4mm (US 6), 100cm (40”) long circular needles (or size to obtain gauge)

Notions
Tapestry needle
1 Removable stitch marker

Gauge
22sts/34 rows = 10cm (4”) in stockinette stitch after blocking
18sts/38 rows = 10cm (4”) in garter stitch after blocking