Ard Banríon Kit | Townhouse Yarns

To celebrate 20 years of This is Knit, we’re bringing back some of our most loved designs as special Gift Box Editions. Ard Banríon, meaning High Queen in Irish, is one of those favourites. Inspired by Irish storytelling, design and yarn, this anniversary kit celebrates the creativity that has shaped our community over the years.

A Collaboration Between Two Designers

Designed by Julie Knits in Paris, this elegant shawl is the knitted companion to Aoibhe Ní’s crochet design Ard Rí – High King, created to celebrate the harmony between knitting and crochet.

When Aoibhe and Julie set out to design these companion shawls, they wanted each piece to reflect both designers. Two exclusive Townhouse Yarns shades were created for the project:

• Rosie’s Gold, inspired by Aoibhe Ní’s beloved dog Rosie

• Pure Majesty, inspired by Julie’s favourite colour

Each designer used their own shade as the main colour and the other as contrast, creating two shawls that mirror one another — different crafts, beautifully connected.

For this special anniversary return, we’ve also created a new shade combination in Rosie’s Gold and Cloak, giving this much-loved design a fresh twist for our 20-year celebration.

The Design

The name Ard Banríon draws from Irish tradition, where the High Queen symbolised creativity, wisdom and harmony. The design reflects that spirit.

This generous half-pi shawl features slipped stitch motifs and gentle colourwork, creating a fabric that feels elegant yet easy to wear.

The Yarn

The kit pairs the rich softness of Townhouse Yarns Tara 4ply with a strand of Abbey Lace, a delicate mohair and silk blend that adds a soft halo and airy lightness to the finished shawl.

Each Gift box includes

• Beautifully presented in a This is Knit 20th Anniversary gift box
• 2 skeins of Tara 4ply
• 1 skein of Abbey Lace
• Printed Copy of the Ard Banríon pattern.
• A small surprise gift inspired by Irish design and storytelling

Not included

4mm circular needle.

Please note kits are exclusively available online.

If you would like to pick up a kit in store then please use our "Click and Collect" option. You will then receive a notification when your kit is assembled and ready to collect.