Sabbat and Wheel are a pair of small and precious books, self-published by artist and pattern designer Caitlin ffrench. Wheel contains four Pi (circular) shawl knitting patterns in bulky weight yarn, each representing one of the solstices or equinoxes. Its sister book Sabbat contains art photographs of the shawls shot on film in the California Redwoods, as well as writings on the traditions Caitlin holds to mark each season.

Litha is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. This long hot day marks the first day of summer, and from this day until Yule the days will slowly grow shorter. Mabon is the autumn equinox, the balance between light and dark. Plants are heaving their last gasps, and the world is getting ready for darker times. Ostara is the spring equinox. The ground is waking up, and life is beginning. Yule is the end of the year. It is also the longest night, a time of darkness and reflection.

Each of the four shawls uses the same materials:

Yarn: 1000 yards / 915 meters of bulky wool (12-14st) such as Cascade Eco, Cascade Eco Heathers, Istex Alafosslopi or wool blended with alpaca or mohair such as Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky.

Needles: 6.5mm / US 10.5 needles for working in the round. Shawls are cast on in the center using double-pointed needles (DPNs) or the Magic Loop method, then circular needles with a progressively longer cord will be needed as the shawl grows outward. We recommend using 6.5mm (US10.5) interchangeable needle tips by Lykke, Knitter's Pride, or Addi with their respective interchangeable cord options. Extra-long cords may be made joining more than one cord together using cord connectors.

Gauge after blocking: 12 sts x 16 rows = 4”x4” (10cm x 10cm) in stockinette stitch

Size after blocking: 52” / 132cm diameter, blocked

Notions etc.: stitch marker, darning needle

"Litha" Pattern Errata Line 69: k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2. Repeat from to end of round.