From Misunderstanding to Masterpiece: The Story Behind the Eternity Shawl

With the 2024 Eternity Shawl Experience in full swing, I thought I’d share a little story – one that not everyone knows. It’s the story of how this shawl came to life.

It begins not with a design plan, but with a moment of collaboration… and a little bit of miscommunication.

A Summer in Norway, 2020

It was the summer of 2020, during one of our Norwegian knitting events. We were deep into our Level 2 course, celebrating the Festival cardigan and sweater, when I asked a simple question:

"What would you like to knit next?"

The vote was clear:
A shawl.

What many imagined, I later learned, was a simple triangle-shaped piece – a cozy, accessible wrap. But what I heard… was something else entirely.

A Shawl Person? Not Exactly.

I’ll admit – I'm not usually a shawl person. But the enthusiasm from my community, especially my Norwegian knitters, was contagious. So I got to work.

And instead of a triangle scarf, I dreamed up something bold, rich in tradition, and filled with symbolism and technical beauty. That “shawl” idea transformed into a grand colorwork design: the Eternity Shawl.

It was the kind of mix-up that turned into magic.

From Roses to Round Knitting

Of course, I wanted to include our beloved Mountain Roses, a recurring motif in my work. But I quickly hit a design decision: there was no way I was going to knit flat stranded colorwork. It’s simply not enjoyable – and not very Norwegian either!

So I designed it in the round and included steeking – cutting your knitting after it’s done – which allowed the design to sing. It also gave the shawl structure, rhythm, and a beautiful drape.

It was a risk. But one that turned into something truly unique.

A Community Creation

This shawl didn’t come from one mind alone.
It came from a spark between all of us – a shared vision that, even through crossed wires, led to something more beautiful than any of us expected.

The Eternity Shawl isn’t just a colorwork project. It’s a heirloom.
A journey in stitches.
A love letter to tradition, design, and the joy of knitting something that lasts.

Ready to Cast On?

If this story speaks to you, maybe it's your time to begin.

We’d love to welcome you into the Eternity Shawl Experience – a guided adventure filled with tutorials, support, and all the inspiration you need to bring your own version of the shawl to life.

👉 Click here to learn more and join the Experience

With warmth,
Anne