Ispirazione

ISPIRAZIONE
EXPRESSION1 FIBER ARTS Expression Fiber Arts
 -Ispirazione-

Ispirazione means “inspiration” in Italian. This shawl was inspired by the many brilliant designers with Expression
Fiber Arts. Their beautiful creations motivated me to be a better and more creative designer. This shawl is constructed
with increase rows and beautiful, yet simple textured stitches throughout. The placement of these stitches is what
gives this shawl the delicate and owing look of elegance. This shawl is truly a joy to knit, and I hope you have as
much fun knitting it as I did creating it.

E M I LY O ' D E L L CHANDI AGEE

Designer Expression Fiber Arts

Instagram: www.expression berarts.com
gwendoliam_park_yarnandcoffee

We appreciate you downloading our pattern! We pour tons of time and love into each one and hope you enjoy it.
Should you have any questions, please contact info@expressionfiberarts.com for assistance.

Ispirazione 2 Expression Fiber Arts

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 -DETAILS-

SIZE: 81” x 39” (206 cm x 99 cm), blocked

DIMENSIONS

Expression Fiber Arts Alpaca Silk Lace

Shown in colors: Fly Away Hues – Color A: Blue, Color B: Green, Color C: Gold, Color
D: Pink, & Color E: Purple [604 yds/552 m per skein (3,020 yds 2,760 m per kit)]
If those colors aren’t available, any from this category will work.
MATERIALS

US size 5 (3.75 mm) or size needed to achieve gauge

NEEDLE

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, 40” cable (minimum) to accommodate

large number of stitches, cable needle or DPN of size matching working
needles (DPN could additionally be used for border stitches), 33 stitch
markers (recommended) for marking repeats
TOOLS

24 sts and 32 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Twisted Rib stitch pattern

GAUGE

Advanced: For the adventurous knitter who loves to tackle something a bit
more complicated. Skills/concepts include marling, color changes, lace
stitches, gauge, and yarn usage.
SKILL LEVEL

Ispirazione 3 Expression Fiber Arts

 -ABBREVIATIONS-

BO bind off S2kp2 slip 2 sts together knitwise,

knit the next st, pass the 2
CN cable needle slipped sts together over
the knit st (centered double
CO cast on decrease)

DPN double-pointed needle Sl slip

K knit SM slip marker

K2tog knit 2 sts together Ssk (slip 1 st knitwise) x2, insert LN

into these 2 sts, and knit them
LN/RN left needle/right needle together through back loops

P purl Ssp (slip 1 st knitwise) x2; pass those

2 sts together purlwise back to
P2tog purl 2 sts together left needle, and purl together
through the back loop
PM place marker
St(s) stitch(es)
Prev previous
Tbl through the back loop
PW purlwise
Wyif with yarn in front
Rep repeat
WS wrong/back side of work
RM remove marker
YO yarn over
RS right/front side of work

Ispirazione 4 Expression Fiber Arts

 -PATTERN-
NOTES

• The sample shown used approximately 2,905 yds / 2,656 m total: Color A: 583 yds / 533 m, Color
B: 584 yds / 534 m, Color C: 567 yds / 518 m, Color D: 584 yds / 534 m, and Color E: 587 yds /
537 m.
• Most of this pattern is worked holding two strands of yarn together. Sometimes this requires two
strands of the same color. You do not need to cut separate balls of yarn if you wind center-pull
balls. Simply use the tail from the outside as one strand and the tail from the center of the ball as
the other.
• The Star Anise and border sections are the only portions that use just one strand.
• The marling effect is accomplished through multiple color changes. Each of these will only
change one of the strands. Color changes are listed above the row in which they begin.
• Stitch count increases in this semi-circular shawl occur on only a few rows. In the span between
two increase rows, gauge will consistently expand a bit each row when blocked.
• When checking pre-blocked gauge, do not measure on a row close to the cable. Stitches on
these rows can appear more spaced out.
• The approximate pre-blocked stitch gauge is listed before the instructions for each section. Each
stitch pattern opens more/less aggressively during blocking, which is why the stitch gauge varies.
Check that you are matching gauge for each section. During blocking, gauge will increase
slightly each row within these sections, so the overall gauge listed in the pattern is that of the
center row for that stitch pattern. The slight variances in row gauge will not affect the overall
patterning and are not listed.
• Stitch markers are not required, but are highly recommended. Each repeat within the 30
Japanese Lace rows will contain 16 stitches.
• The shawl uses most of each of the ve skeins of the recommended yarn base. To help ensure
that you will not run out of yarn, a Usage Check can be found at the top of each section,
beginning at Row 37.
• Having an accurate kitchen or postage scale is very helpful when making this pattern. It is
suggested that you weigh each skein after it is wound.
• Charts for these designs can be found in Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by
Hitomi Shida. If you prefer to work from charts instead of written instructions, please consider
purchasing a copy of this book.
• Click here to watch a tutorial on how to hand-wind a center-pull ball of yarn.

PATTERN

Set Up: Note: Row 17 is a WS row; this is the reason for

Using 1 strand Color A and 1 strand Color D knitting through the far leg. You will also want
(held together), CO 3 sts. to keep your tail located on this side of the
Rows 1 - 16: K across, turn. work. These steps will create a smooth,
After Row 16, do not turn work. nished appearance on the RS.

Ispirazione 5 Expression Fiber Arts

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Set-Up Row 17: With all 3 sts still on the RN, needle into 4 loops on this rst iteration, as the
turn your work clockwise 90º. Locate the 8 strands were held double for the prev row. Rep
garter ridges. Insert your LN into the outside from * to * until m; sm, k3. (134 total sts)
leg of the purl st at the end of the closest Row 20: K3, sm; (p2tog) to m; sm, k3. Note:
ridge. This leg will be mounted backwards, so Each p2tog is worked into 1 k and 1 yo from
knit it tbl. Rep this process on the other 7 the prev row. (70 total sts)
garter ridges. Turn you work clockwise 90º Row 21: K3, sm; k, *yo, insert RN into the back
again. Locate the 3 CO sts. Insert your LN into loops of the next 2 sts (as if to k2tog tbl); k, yo,
the closest one and knit it. (If it is mounted k into these 2 sts.* Rep from * to * until 1 st
backwards, knit it tbl). Rep this process with the before m; k, sm, k3. (132 total sts)
other 2 CO sts. When completed, you should Row 22: K3, sm; p, (p2tog) to 1 st before m; p,
have 14 sts on your RN. At this point, you will sm, k3. (70 total sts)
turn your work and resume knitting in your Rows 23 - 34: Rep Rows19 - 22 three more
usual manner. times.
Join a second strand of Color A. Continue,
Twisted Rib: (gauge: approx. 24 sts/4") again holding the yarn double.
Row 1 (RS) Increase Row: K3, pm; (ktbl, yo) to Rows 35 (Increase Row): K3, sm; (k, yo) to m;
last 3 sts; pm, k3. (16 Body sts, 22 total sts) sm, k3. (128 Body sts, 134 total sts)
Row 2 (WS): K3, sm; (k, ptbl) to m; sm, k3. Row 36: K3, sm; p to m; sm, k3.
Row 3: K3, sm; (ktbl, p) to m; sm, k3.
Row 4: K3, sm; (k, ptbl) to m; sm, k3. Japanese Knit Openwork: (gauge: approx. 32
Rows 5 - 6: Rep Rows 3 - 4. sts/4", approx. 2.5" per rep blocked)
Row 7 (Increase Row): K3, sm; (ktbl, yo) to m; *Usage check* To ensure you don't run out of
sm, k3. (32 Body sts, 38 total sts) yarn later, check that you are averaging about
Row 8: Rep Row 2. 0.87g (of the recommended yarn base) every
Rows 9 - 16: Rep Rows 3 - 4 four times. two Rows throughout this section. (Row 57 will
Row 17 (Increase Row): Rep Row 7. (64 Body use slightly more).
sts, 70 total sts) Row 37: K3, sm; *yo, (ktbl, p) twice, ktbl, k2tog,
Row 18: Rep Row 2. p, ssk, (ktbl, p) twice, ktbl, yo, p, pm.* Rep from
Cut Color D, leaving a 5 - 6” tail for weaving. * to * until m ( nal rep will end at border m, so
no additional m is needed); sm, k3.
Star Anise: (gauge: approx. 24 sts/4") Row 38: K3; *sm, k, p, (ptbl, k) twice, ptbl, p, k,
NOTE: This stitch pattern will result in a tighter p, (ptbl, k) twice, ptbl, p.* Rep from * to * until
pre-blocked gauge than other sections. Please last m; sm, k3.
ensure your gauge matches, changing needle Row 39: K3; *sm, k, yo, (ktbl, p) twice, k2tog, p,
size if necessary. The smaller gauge will cause ssk, (p, ktbl) twice, yo, k, p.* Rep from * to * until
the overall pattern to have less width here. The last m; sm, k3.
sections will even out during blocking. Row 40: K3; *sm, k, p2; (ptbl, k) twice, p, k, p,
(k, ptbl) twice, p2.* Rep from * to * until last m;
Continue with Color A, holding only a single sm, k3.
strand for this section. Row 41: K3; *sm, k2, yo, ktbl, p, ktbl, k2tog, p,
ssk, ktbl, p, ktbl, yo, k2, p.* Rep from * to * until
Row 19: K3, sm; *yo, insert RN into the back last m; sm, k3.
loops of next 2 sts (as if to k2tog tbl), k, yo, k,
into these 2 sts.* Note: You’ll be inserting the
Ispirazione 6 Expression Fiber Arts
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Row 42: K3; *sm, k, p3, ptbl, k, ptbl, p, k, p, Row 58: K3; *sm, k, ptbl, k, p, k2, p2, k, p2, k2,
ptbl, k, ptbl, p3.* Rep from * to * until last m; p, k, ptbl.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3.
sm, k3. Row 59: K3; *sm, ktbl, p, yo, ssk, k2tog, k, yo, p,
Row 43: K3; *sm, k3, yo, ktbl, p, k2tog, p, ssk, p, yo, k, ssk, k2tog, yo, p, ktbl, p.* Rep from * to *
ktbl, yo, k3, p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, until last m; sm, k3.
k3. Row 60: K3; *sm, k, ptbl, k, p4, ptbl, k, ptbl, p4,
Row 44: K3; *sm, k, p4, ptbl, (k, p) twice, k, ptbl, k, ptbl.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3.
p4.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. Row 61: K3; *sm, ktbl, p, ktbl, yo, ssk, k, p3, k,
Row 45: K3; *sm, k4, yo, ktbl, k2tog, p, ssk, ktbl, k2tog, yo, (ktbl, p) twice.* Rep from * to * until
yo, k4, p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. last m; sm, k3.
Row 46: K3; *sm, k, p5, ptbl, p, k, p, ptbl, p5.* Row 62: K3; *sm, k, (ptbl, k) twice, p2, k3, p2,
Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. (k, ptbl) twice.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm,
Row 47: K3; *sm, k5, yo, k2tog, p, ssk, yo, k5, k3.
p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. Row 63: K3; *sm, (ktbl, p) twice, yo, ssk, p3,
Row 48: K3; *sm, (k, p7) twice.* Rep from * to * k2tog, yo, p, (ktbl, p) twice.* Rep from * to *
until last m; sm, k3. until last m; sm, k3.
Row 49: K3; *sm, ssk, k5, yo, p, yo, k5, k2tog, Row 64: K3; *sm, k, (ptbl, k) twice, p2, k3, p2,
p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. (k, ptbl) twice.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm,
Row 50: K3; *sm, k, p2tog, p4, yo, k3, yo, p4, k3.
ssp.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. Row 65: K3; *sm, (ktbl, p) twice, ktbl, yo, ssk, p,
Row 51: K3; *sm, ssk, k3, yo, k, p3, k, yo, k3, k2tog, yo, (ktbl, p) three times.* Rep from * to *
k2tog, p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. until last m; sm, k3.
Row 52: K3; *sm, k, p2tog, p2, yo, p2, k3, p2, Row 66: K3, sm; *k, (ptbl, k) 3 times, p, k, p, (k,
yo, p2, ssp.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. ptbl) 3 times, rm.* Rep from * to * across
Row 53: K3; *sm, ssk, k, yo, p, k2, p3, k2, p, yo, through last m; pm, k3.
k, k2tog, p.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3.
Row 54: K3; *sm, k, p2tog, yo, k2, p2, k3, p2, Rows 67 - 68: Rep Rows 35 - 36. (256 Body sts,
k2, yo, ssp.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. 262 total sts)
Row 55: K3; *sm, yo, ssk, p2, yo, k, ssk, p,
k2tog, k, yo, p2, k2tog, yo, p.* Rep from * to * Irish Mesh: (gauge: approx. 22 sts/4", approx.
until last m; sm, k3. same gauge blocked)
Row 56: K3; *sm, k, p2, k2, ptbl, p2, k, p2, ptbl,
k2, p2.* Rep from * to * until last m; sm, k3. *Usage check* To ensure you don't run out of
Row 57: K3; *sm, ktbl, yo, ssk, p2; [k2, p1, k2] yarn later, check that you are using about 3.0 -
then slide these 5 sts together from RN onto 3.1g (of the recommended yarn base) for
CN or DPN, being careful not to twist them. every two rows throughout this section.
Keep these sts spaced to the same gauge as
the others in the row (do not cinch them). Row 69: K3, sm, (yo, k2tog) to m; sm, k3.
Wrap the working yarn around all 5 of these sts Row 70: K3, sm; p to m; sm, k3.
(together) counterclockwise three total times. Row 71: K3, sm; k, (yo, k2tog) to 1 st before m,
Slide the 5 sts back to RN, again being careful k1; sm, k3.
to keep them in order and not to twist. P2, Row 72: Rep Row 70.
k2tog, yo, ktbl, p.* Rep from * to * until last m; Rows 73 - 80: Rep Rows 69 - 72 two more
sm, k3. times.
Rows 81 - 83: Rep Rows 69 - 71.
Ispirazione 7 Expression Fiber Arts
Drop one strand of Color A, but do not cut. Cut Color A, leaving a 5 - 6” tail for weaving.
Join one strand Color B. Join a second strand of Color B.
Row 84: Rep Row 70.
Row 130: Rep Row 36.
Star Anise: (gauge: approx. 22 sts/4", approx.
20 sts/4" blocked) Japanese Knit Openwork:
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove markers
NOTE: This stitch pattern is again worked on each iteration of Row 66, as you would be
holding only one single strand. To carry the replacing them in the rst row of the next rep.
free strand each row, work both the rst stitch
and the last stitch holding the carried and *Usage check* To ensure you don't run out of
working yarns together. yarn, check that you are averaging 3.1 - 3.2g
(of the recommended yarn base) every two
For this section, you will work the rst row in rows throughout this section. (Reps of Row 57
Color B, followed by two rows in Color A. Rep will use slightly more).
this pattern of B - A - A through Row 111. (Rows
85, 88, 91, 94, 97, 100, 103, 106, and 109 Rows 131 - 145: (Still using two strands of
should be worked using Color B). You can use Color B), Rep Rows 37 - 51.
either of the Color A strands following rows
that end with both on the same side. Cut one strand of Color B, leaving a 5 - 6” tail
*Usage check* To ensure you don't run out of for weaving. Join a strand of Color C.
yarn later, check that you are using Rows 146 - 160: Rep Rows 52 - 66.
approximately 5g total (of recommended yarn
base) every four-row rep throughout this Cut Color B, leaving a 5 - 6” tail for weaving.
section. (RS rows will use more than WS rows). Join a second strand of Color C.
Rows 161 - 175: Rep Rows 37 - 51.
Rows 85 - 108: Rep Rows 19 - 22 six times.
Rows 109 - 110: Rep Rows 19 - 20. Cut one strand of Color C, leaving a 5 - 6” tail
Row 111: Rep Row 21. Use both strands of for weaving. Join a strand of Color D.
Color A to work the rst st, and then cut one Rows 176 - 190: Rep Rows 52 - 66.
strand leaving a 5 - 6” tail for weaving. Use the
remaining strand to complete the rest of the Cut Color C, leaving a 5 - 6” tail for weaving.
row. Work the nal stitch with A and B held Join a second strand of Color D.
together, as before. Rows 191 - 205: Rep Rows 37 - 51.
Row 112: Using both Color A and Color B
(yarn held double), rep Row 22. Cut one strand of Color D, leaving a 5 - 6” tail
for weaving. Join a strand of Color E.
Irish Mesh: (gauge: approx. 22 sts/4", approx. Rows 206 - 220: Rep Rows 52 - 66.
20 sts/4" blocked) (You may wish to leave markers in place for
You will now resume holding the yarn double border; this will help to count sts).
every row. Work this section by using one
strand each of Colors A and B. Peaked Lace Border:
Rows 113 - 128: Rep Rows 69 - 72 four times. The Border is made perpendicular to the Body
Row 129: Rep Row 35. (512 Body sts, 518 total of the shawl. First, sts are CO to establish the
sts) side edge of the shawl; this will nalize the
Ispirazione 8 Expression Fiber Arts
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 shawl's total height. Then rows are worked of the rst rep), move the m to mark the next 7
back and forth (this would look like up and Body sts. Each time you work Row 14, you
down if the shawl was displayed as if being should be joining the 7th st. Continue marking
worn). The nal st of every even (RS) row will 7 sts each time you begin a new rep. The nal
join a st from the Border and a st from the rep will have only 6 sts remaining.
Body; this will BO a Body stitch.
*Usage check* To ensure you don't run out of
You may nd it easier to use a DPN (of the yarn, check that you are using no more than 1g
same size as the working needles) instead of (of recommended yarn base) for each rep of
the needle at the non-working end of the the border (Rows 1 - 14). There will be a total
cable. This would help avoid ipping the entire of 74 reps.
shawl after each Border row and reduce the
friction on the held Body sts. Set-Up Row (RS): (Working back down the CO
sts): K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k2, k2tog, yo, k,
The Border is worked holding a single strand yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog with 1
of yarn. While you could hold the yarn double, Body st. Turn.
it will produce a much stiffer, more dense Row 1 (WS): P3, ssp, yo, k18, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
fabric. It would also require an extra skein of Row 2 (RS): K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k2, k2tog,
yarn, as this section uses approximately 70 - yo, k3, yo, ssk, k2, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog
75g (423 - 453 yds) of the suggested yarn with 1 body st. Turn.
base, as written. Row 3: P3, ssp, yo, k19, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
Row 4: K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k2, k2tog, yo,
You should be beginning a RS row here. Using k5, yo, ssk, k, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog with 1
a single strand of Color E and the knitted-on body st. Turn.
CO method, CO 23 extra sts onto the Row 5: P3, ssp, yo, k20, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
beginning of the row. You may nd it helpful to Row 6: K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k2, k2tog, yo,
add a marker between the body sts and these k7, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog with 1
border sts to keep track of each. For the next body st. Turn.
row, you will work back down these CO sts, Row 7: P3, ssp, yo, k21, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
beginning at the last st you CO. Row 8: K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k5, yo, ssk, k3,
k2tog, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog with 1
NOTE: Each RS row will end by knitting one body st. Turn.
Border st together with one Body st. Row 9: P3, ssp, yo, k22, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
Remember that the Body sts were worked with Row 10: K2, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k7, yo, ssk, k,
the yarn held double, so you will be working k2tog, yo, k3, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st tog with 1
through three total loops on those sts. It is very body st. Turn.
important to join the stitches correctly. The Row 11: P3, ssp, yo, k23, sl1 pw wyif. Turn.
Border will end on a speci c row, completing Row 12: K1, (k1 then loosely BO the prev st) 5
the nal wedge. If you miss a Body st, that times (at this point you should have 1 live stitch
column will unravel. If you join an extra, the and 5 BO sts), k9, yo, s2kp2, yo, k4, k2tog, yo,
nal wedge will not line up. To help check you k4, k last st tog with 1 body st. Turn.
are connecting the sts properly, you can place Row 13: P3, ssp, yo, k19. Turn.
a removable marker after the rst 8 sts of the Row 14: K2tog, k, yo, (k2tog, yo) twice, k2,
Body to begin. This is the only wedge that k2tog, yo, k, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k4, k last st
joins 8 sts. After joining the 8th st (on Row 14 together with 1 body st. Turn.
Ispirazione 9 Expression Fiber Arts
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 Rep Rows 1 - 14 across the bottom of the For the nal rep, work Rows 1 - 12 only; then
shawl, joining 7 total Body sts each rep. BO all sts on the WS.

FINISHING
Soak in cool water for 30 minutes with wool wash, or steam block. If using dark or saturated colors,
you may wish to soak one section at a time. Squeeze (don’t wring), and press between towels to
remove excess water. Use blocking wires to set curvature and pins to hold shape. Remember that
the listed gauge is that of the center row of each section, and the stitch gauge increases slightly
from the top to bottom of that section. The higher rows will have a tighter stitch gauge, and the
lower rows will have a wider stitch gauge.

Ispirazione 10 Expression Fiber Arts

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Ispirazione 11 Expression Fiber Arts
 -CONNECT-
"There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that re ects
it.” – Edith Wharton

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©Expression Fiber Arts 2025. Finished items made using this pattern may be sold so long as pattern attribution is ascribed to Expression Fiber Arts.
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Ispirazione 12 Expression Fiber Arts

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