The paths you take in life are often unpredictable. They twist and turn. Suddenly new possibilities appear and you have to choose the correct path. This shawl symbolizes these paths of life.
The cables become larger and wider, as many paths in life do. They twist and turn and separate themselves and new paths come into existence. During some stages of life the path continues evenly. This is symbolised by the cables and braids continuing in the same width and distance.
Then right at the end, when it seems that everything is running smoothly, they split up again to form new small cables, just as new paths and new chances can appear later in life. Those only end when you take your last breath.

By the way, my favourite poem is “Stufen” (Steps) by Hermann Hesse.

You can knit this shawl just in one go. Or you pick it up whenever you want to knit a “new path” out of a difficult situation. Just the way you need it in that special moment.

There are two versions of this shawl. The beginning is the same for both versions up to row 76. Version 1 is asymmetrical and for advanced knitters. Version 2 can also be done by ambitious beginners, with charts in the beginning as well as a written pattern of the charts.

You will find detailed instructions with charts and written patterns to the charts.
The written patterns of the charts are at the end of the pattern. Thus you can print them if needed, or just skip them in your print out.
Step by step photos.

Detailed legend for cable knitting.

Skill level:
version 1: advanced knitter
version 2: ambitious beginner

Skills:
knit
purl
yarnover
knitting cables

Sizes: (1 x 2 x 3)
Light green: 194 x 172 x 80 cm; 76 ½ x 67 ¾ x 31 ½˝
Blue: 184 x 170 x 88 cm; 72 ½ x 67 x 34 ½˝
Emerald: 182 x 161 x 90 cm; 71 ½ x 63 ½ x 35 ½˝

Materials:
Version 1:
Light green: 300 g Katia Merino 100% (102 m/50 g), (about 600 m yardage); circular needles 5,5 mm (US9), cable needle or additional needle, 3 sets of beads for the corners if desired

Blue: 300 g Lana Grossa Merino Air (130 m/50 g), (about 680 m yardage); circular needles 6 mm (US10), cable needle or additional needle, 3 sets of beads for the corners if desired

Version 2:
Emerald: 300 g Schachenmayr Regia 6-fach Tweed Trend 100% (375 m/150 g), (about 700 m yardage); circular needles 4.5 mm (US7), cable needle or additional needle, 3 sets of beads for the corners if desired

or: any other desired yarn that meets the gauges

Gauge: (10 x 10 cm, 4 x 4˝)
Light green: 25 stitches x 28 rows
Blue: 22 stitches x 28 rows
Emerald: 28 stitches x 33 rows