note: this purchase is for a pdf pattern. you will receive a download link upon purchase.

the forage collection digs deeper into canada’s fibresheds by highlighting multiple players within each region through a combination of interviews and accompanying patterns. the inaugural collection focuses on upper canada fibreshed. my interview with romy can be watched here.

burdock’s burrs are an important source of food for pollinators between summer and early fall blooms, but you wouldn’t guess it walking past their sticky bristles and oversized leaves. burdock has been used for medical remedies for centuries, and goes through phases in the west of being a popular kitchen ingredient, but do yourself a favour and snack on younger plants if you choose to nibble.

burdock may not be your favourite plant to encounter on hikes due to its persistently prickly nature, but hopefully this shawl’s gentler nod to the textures found on this weed will be a more welcome addition to your wardrobe. surprise yourself by sourcing wool from a local meat sheep farm and see just how perfectly those fleeces can hold textured stitches. experiment with different yarns to pick your favourite!

needles: US 8 (5mm) 32” (80cm) circular needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

yarn: 416 yards (380 metres), 200g of worsted weight yarn 
sample shown in circle r’s 3 ply worsted (100% dorset, 208 yards 190 metres, 100g) x 2 skeins in undyed

notions: tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers

gauge: 20 stitches x 36 rows = 4” (10cm), over stockinette, blocked

TRY THIS YARN: canadian worsted