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Needle is a small, slender sword that Jon Snow had made by Mikken for Arya Stark before he went away to the Night’s Watch. The sword is suitable to Arya’s slight build and the style of fencing known as “water dancing” used by the bravos of Braavos. Arya named it Needle as an ironic reference to her hatred of needlework. She sometimes refers to her use of the sword as needlework. Eventually, Needle also comes to represent her previous life at Winterfell and symbolizes the happy childhood with her family, which she still yearns for.

Earlier this year at Maryland Sheep & Wool I was able to spend a little bit of time chatting with Miss Babs. We talked about our favorite characters from Game of Thrones and tossed around a few ideas for a new Game of Thrones inspired pattern. Babs and I both really like Arya’s character. She’s smart, spunky, and doesn’t really back down from anything. On the trip home I worked up a small chart and some sketches of Arya’s Needle and then got to swatching. After a Skype meeting with Babs and Jen, Babs created a limited edition colorway called Arya in Yummy 2-ply. It will be available in limited quantities this weekend in her booth at Rhinebeck along with a hard copy version of both patterns. The Arya yarn will also be available for pre-order at missbabs.com.

Arya’s Needle is a versatile shawl pattern and can easily be knit with three different looks. The edging and center sections have the same number of stitches and can be interchanged if you would like. You could have a shawl with three swords, two swords and lace in the center only, or lace in all three sections. The choice is yours!

The long and slender point of needle will let you Subtly wield your sword with Arya’s Mitts. Instructions are included for a shorter version if you would prefer to wield a dagger rather than a sword! The pattern has two sizes: S/M and M/L and is very easily adjusted by going up or down a needle size.

The patterns can be purchased individually or in ebook format on Ravelry.