Fée Marraine is French for fairy godmother – the shawl and yarn are both inspired by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Although many of us know the version from popular films, I have tried to keep my inspiration to those of the written versions of the tale, particularly that of Charles Perrault (originally in French, hence the French name for the shawl). It is a morality story, aiming to teach young women how to behave nicely in order to attract a husband and to emphasise the importance of proper guidance (from a godmother or godfather). This side of it is decidedly outdated for many of us! But here I am focusing on the kindness and compassion of Cinderella’s godmother.
The shawl is inspired by the comfort of receiving love and compassion from someone when we are feeling low or having a difficult time. The garter stitch gives a snuggly hug element, but the drape and laciness feeds into the fairy and magical elements. And, of course, for Cinderella, it needs to be elegant and sparkly!
This is the fourth pattern in my Fairies in Literature collection, and part of the collaboration with Tami from Eternity Ranch Knits.
This pattern has been test knit and professionally tech edited.
PATTERN INFORMATION
YARN
1 skein Eternity Ranch Knits Luccicare yarn (4ply / fingering; 92% Superwash Merino, 8% Lurex). 374 metres (409 yards) / 115 grams in Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.
Amount of yarn used: 329 metres (360 yards).
Good substitutions would include any yarn of a similar weight.
NEEDLES
4.5 mm (US size 7) 100 cm (40 in) circular needle for working flat or size needed to obtain gauge.
GAUGE
13 stitches and 39 rows to 10 cm / 4 in worked in stocking stitch on 4.5 mm (US size 7) needle after blocking.
Gauge is not crucial to this project, but varying gauges will affect fabric, yardage and final measurements.
NOTIONS
Darning/tapestry needle.
2 Stitch markers.
SIZE
152 cm (60 in) wingspan, 42 cm (16.5 in) depth at centre point