Who’s ready for a day at the beach?! It’s no secret that lounging in the sand and listening to the waves crash onto the shore is a great way to relax. Playing in the surf, swimming in the water, or paddling over the surface, there’s no limit to the fun to be had! Originally designed as a mystery wrap, Just Beachy is now available as a complete pattern. This opulent wrap combines simple, relaxing stitches with the thrill of underwater adventures. You’ll discover new techniques, play with garter and stockinette in new ways, and experience unique construction that, like any good beach read, will keep you guessing what comes next. There are  tutorial videos that will guide you along the way. Take a deep breath… it’s time to dive in!

This printed  pattern includes a code for a digital copy. You download this from Ravelry. 

What to expect:

While there are a lot of surprises hidden within this design, here are some things that you can expect:

• slip-stitch knitting
• lace
• elongated and/or unique stitches
• frequent color changes
• cable twists
• eyelets
• unique construction

Rest easy! All techniques with charts will also include written instructions. I’ve created tutorial videos to guide you through any new techniques. There will NOT be any stranded colorwork, short rows, or brioche. This design is intended for intermediate knitters, but could be suitable for an adventurous beginner.

Finished dimensions:
72.5”/184cm x 21.5”/54.5cm

Beach Supplies:
Needles:
Two sets of US 5 (3.75mm) circular needles, or as required to meet gauge; 40”/100cm or 47”/120cm recommended (NOTE: One of the two sets of needles can be smaller than gauge to put stitches on hold.)
One needle 1 or 2 sizes larger than gauge needles to use for binding off

Gauge:
BLOCKED: 20 sts and 40 rows = 4”/10cm in garter stitch after wet-blocking and pinning
UNBLOCKED: 24 sts and 48 rows = 4”/10cm in garter stitch before blocking
(NOTE: Gauge is not crucial, but it will affect finished dimensions and yardage)

Notions:
Required: 2 stitch markers, tapestry needle
Optional: 56 stitch markers (optional for lace repeats), blocking wires, pins, and mats

Yarn Requirements:  

MC: 800yds fingering weight yarn
C1-7: 133yds fingering weight yarn in EACH of 7 colors

The sample for this design uses Miss Babs Yummy 2-ply in ‘Lace Murex’ (MC) and ‘Just Beachy’ minis (C1-C7), though other dyers have created kits to give you LOTS of options. This project also works great with stash and leftover yarns! Included is a section on ‘Curating Your Own Kit’ with suggestions for compiling your own palette.

Choosing your colours - Lisa K Ross's comments

I recommend creating a combo that has some contrast between the MC and each individual CC. If choosing speckled or variegated yarns, I recommend using them for EITHER the MC or the CCs, using a solid or semi-solid for the other. Be sure there is little overlap in speckled/variegated colors between the MC and each CC (especially with C1, C2, C6, & C7). 
Arrange your mini-skeins C1-C7 so they have a flow to them that you love. For example:
ROYGBIV: Arrange your minis in a rainbow formation. This works best when working with yarns of all different hues. The sample uses this formation with a subset of the colors of the rainbow. Each color will get a chance to shine, but C4 and C5 play an especially prominent role.
Gradient Tone: This is perfect for gradient sets, working from light to dark or vice versa. You can also arrange ANY combination of colors by gradient tones. To do this, take a photo of your yarns using a black/white filter. Arrange them from lightest to darkest based on their black/white tones. This will create a gradient effect no matter what the hues may
be. The sample works from dark to light (C1-C4), then light to dark again (C5-C7).
Random: While everyone who knows my designs knows I love rainbows and gradients, this may not be your style! As long as you have some contrast between the MC and each CC, the results will be spectacular and eye-catching. Arrange the minis in whatever order makes YOU smile!
Color Pop: If using 6 colors from a family of colors (e.g. blues, greens, etc.) and have a seventh color that is dramatically different (e.g. hot pink), use this color pop for C5. This color creates the large zigzag that works its way across the length
of the shawl, distributing this color throughout.