Turtle Dove Shawl by Sari Nordlund
Every now and then a project comes along that feels a little extra special right from the start. The Turtle Dove Shawl by Sari Nordlund has been one of those projects for me.
This is a pattern I’ve had on my list for a while, and once I finally cast it on, I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable it feels to knit.
The pattern is charted, which might look a little intimidating at first glance, but once you settle into the rhythm of the charts, it’s actually very manageable. After a few repeats, the stitches begin to make sense and the pattern starts to flow naturally.
A Truly Luxurious Yarn Pairing
One of the reasons this project feels so special is the yarn combination.
I’m holding together two yarns that complement each other beautifully.
First is Island Dyeworks Mohair from the Stitchery of Saint Simons, hand dyed by Ms. Bo herself. This mohair is incredibly soft and creates a delicate halo that gives the fabric that dreamy, airy quality many knitters love in shawls.
This yarn is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not something you can easily find online — you typically have to call the shop or visit in person to see what Ms. Bo has dyed.
To pair with the mohair, I’m using Araucania Yarns Nuble, a beautiful wool and silk blend that adds structure and drape to the fabric.
Together, the two yarns create something that feels genuinely luxurious. The silk blend provides strength and sheen, while the mohair adds softness and that gentle halo effect.
The fabric feels light, airy, and elegant — exactly what I hoped for in this shawl.
Getting Comfortable with the Charts
Like many shawls, the Turtle Dove Shawl relies on charts for the stitch pattern.
At first, the chart requires a little attention, but it’s not overly complicated. Once I worked through the first few repeats and understood how the stitches interacted with each other, it became much easier to follow.
In fact, I’d describe it as one of those patterns that becomes surprisingly relaxing once it clicks.
It keeps you engaged without feeling stressful, which makes it a great project for evenings when you want to focus on something creative but still unwind.
A Project I’m Enjoying Slowing Down With
So far, this shawl has been a joy to knit. The combination of the soft halo from the mohair, the subtle sheen of the silk blend, and the elegant lace pattern makes each section feel rewarding as it grows.
It’s one of those projects where you pause every now and then just to look at the fabric and appreciate how the stitches are coming together.
If you enjoy textured shawls and beautiful yarn pairings, the Turtle Dove Shawl by Sari Nordlund is definitely worth exploring. The pattern is available on Ravelry, and once you get comfortable with the charts, it’s a surprisingly approachable knit.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this one continues to grow!