A deeper journey through the design of Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Sometimes it's not the loudest thing that moves us. But rather what flows. What is steady. What has depth. The SAWA Shawl – named after the Japanese word for stream or small river – is exactly that: a textile meditation in motion.
The aesthetics of silence
Olga Buraya-Kefelian isn't a designer who creates quick fixes. Her designs carry intelligence, structure, and meaning. SAWA is more than a triangular shawl. It's a homage to the flow of life, to texture as a narrative form, and to color harmony as an inner rhythm.
The form: 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 pattern that creates waves – like light on water.
The Colors: three voices in conversation. Not an argument, but a resonance.
Technology as poetry
Experienced knitters will quickly notice: SAWA is technically sophisticated—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 ever-changing interplay 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 version as a warm hug, SAWA adapts to your needs. It's a design with space. For individuality. For yarn choice. For interpretation. Exactly what modern knitters are looking for – instructions, yes, but with freedom.
Which yarn is suitable for SAWA?
The designer suggests mYak Tibetan Cloud —a buttery soft, lightly twisted yarn made from Tibetan virgin wool. And that makes sense: It has the bounce to give the pattern a three-dimensional look, but enough softness for smooth draping.
But you can experiment—that's the Bonifaktur way. Think about:
• Rosy Green Wool Cheeky Merino Joy : the yarn is as soft as the waves
Who is SAWA for?
For those who don't want mass-produced goods.
For knitters who don’t think “quickly finished” but rather “long-lasting knits”.
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 with complexity, but with patience.
Because in the end you are holding a scarf in your hands that is not simply beautiful .
But real .
Inspiration you can feel
At Bonifaktur, we love patterns like SAWA. Because they're not just patterns—they're invitations. To more conscious knitting. To deeper design. To a creative practice that grounds, uplifts, and strengthens you.
Your challenge:
Choose three yarns from our range that you would use for your very own SAWA. Think about color harmonies, not just contrasts. Then plan: What size do you want? When will you start? And – most importantly – who are you knitting for?
Because every SAWA tells a story. Which one will be yours?
You can find the pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sawa-3
ELF WORKSHOP No. 4
The Magic of Poppies