ABOUT:
The “Fox Whisperer” is a triangular shaped, top-down shawl with a simple hood. Knit in contrasting colors using beautifully rustic Nutiden wool, this hooded shawl is perfect for the coldest of days. A “cloak clasp” helps hold the top of the shawl together and adds the perfect touch of whimsy! I spend a considerable amount of time in the woods and there are plenty of foxes in the area, hence the name, the “Fox Whisperer.”
YARN:
Nutiden wool by Honer Och Eir. I used 2.5 plates/cakes or approximately 800 yards in the color “Rosehip” and I used 1.25 plates/cakes or approximately 400 yards in the color, “Linen” held double.
Feel free to use ANY rustic, unspun wool you like in a DK or worsted weight such as Plotulopi.
*Some of my testers used 1 strand of Plotulopi, approx. 450 g of main color + 180 g of contrasting color (630 g total) on US size 6/4 mm needles at a tighter gauge.
*Many testers used a total of 400-500 g using US size 7/4.5 mm needles at a normal gauge.
**A note from the maker of Nutiden: “As Nutiden is unique and each plate has different yardage per 100 grams, it’s better to just assume you need a little more than the pattern calls for.” ~Caroline H.
NEEDLES:
US 4/3.5 mm and US 6/4.00 mm circular knitting needles (start with a 24”/60 cm length, then change to a 32”/80 cm cable or longer when you have too many sts on your needles).
**IMPORTANT: If you are using Plotulopi or another yarn besides Nutiden, you WILL most definitely need to use larger needles, such as US 7 and US 9 like so many of the test knitters used. Just be sure you like your knitted fabric before you proceed.
NOTIONS:
- Darning needle to weave in ends
- Two stitch markers
- Cloak clasp(s) I purchased my 2” fox cloak clasp from an Etsy seller, Treasure Cast. *Some testers used 2 cloak clasps rather than one.
GAUGE:
In stockinette stitch, blocked, using 1-2 strands of Nutiden wool held together as one (since each plate of Nutiden may be a different weight, your gauge will determine whether or not you’ll need to use 1 or 2 strands):
16 sts and 22 rows = 4”/10 cm on US 4/3.5mm needles blocked in stockinette st (OR SIZE NEEDED TO OBTAIN GAUGE).