A deeper journey through the design by Olga Buraya-Kefelian

Sometimes it’s not the loudest thing that moves us. But what flows. What is constant. What has depth. The SAWA Shawl – named after the Japanese word for brook or small river – is exactly that: a textile meditation in motion.

 

 

The Aesthetic of Silence

Olga Buraya-Kefelian is not a designer for quick effects. Her designs carry intelligence, structure, and meaning. SAWA is more than a triangular shawl. It is a tribute to the flow of life, to texture as a narrative form, and to color harmony as an inner rhythm.


The shape: an elongated triangle, worked from side to side. Not a classic construction, but a deliberate break with convention – elegant, modern, poetic.

The pattern: a slip-stitch play that creates waves – like light on water.

The colors: three voices in a conversation. No conflict, but resonance.

 

 

Technique as Poetry

Experienced knitters will quickly notice: SAWA is technically well thought out – but not unnecessarily complicated. The I-cord edge? Perfect for clean lines when blocking. And the way the stitches shift is almost choreographic.


The real magic lies in the rhythm: Ten rows of color A. Ten rows of B. Ten rows of C. And again and again the changing play of increases, decreases, and the characteristic slip pattern. Like music in stitch form.

 

 

Three Sizes, One Promise

Whether you wear the small version as a delicate statement shawl or the large one as a warming embrace: SAWA adapts to you. It is a design with space. For individuality. For Yarn Choice. For interpretation. Exactly what modern knitters are looking for – Pattern yes, but with freedom.

 

 

Which Yarn suits SAWA?

The designer suggests mYak Tibetan Cloud – a buttery soft, lightly plied yarn made from Tibetan Virgin Wool. And that makes sense: it has the bounce to make the pattern stand out, but enough softness for smooth draping.


But you can experiment – that’s the Bonifaktur way. Think of:

‱ Rosy Green Wool Cheeky Merino Joy : as soft as the waves is also the yarn

 

Who is SAWA for?

For everyone who doesn’t want mass-produced goods.

For knitters who don’t think “quick finish” but “long connection.”

For people who write stories with their hands – stitch by stitch.

 

 

Why you should knit SAWA

Because it slows you down.

Because it challenges you – not through complexity, but through patience.

Because in the end you hold a shawl in your hands that is not just beautiful.

But real.

 

 

Inspiration you can feel

We at Bonifaktur love Patterns like SAWA. Because they are not just Patterns – but invitations. To more mindful knitting. To deeper creation. To a creative practice that grounds, uplifts, and strengthens you.

 

 

Your Challenge:

Choose three yarns from our Assortment that you would use for your very own SAWA. Think in color harmonies, not just contrasts. Then plan: Which size do you want? When will you start? And – very important – for whom are you knitting?


Because every SAWA tells a story. Which one will yours be?

 

You can find the Pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sawa-3