Meet this nameless black shawl. It is very warm. It is very soft. It is rather more fun to knit than you might expect for this yardage of stockinet.
It is worked from end to end, beginning with a strip of cable and a pick-up along the edge of said strip, with short rows to curve the cable up around both long sides so that the edging can continue right along with the knitting. The piece widens gradually as you proceed toward the center.
From the back, it looks like a triangle. This bit is accomplished with short rows. I promise they are not as difficult as you might fear. You might even enjoy them.
(Please pardon the glowing weirdness of my forehead. No amount of post-production can eliminate it. I am a beacon. The British are coming by land.)
The fronts are generous in length. There’s plenty of fabric to wrap over one or both shoulders (your favorite shawl pin would look just right here), or you can leave them to dangle. I don’t know if securing them with a belt is currently an approved fashion, but why not? It’s comfortable and convenient and I think it looks rather smart, really.
This shawl used exactly 3.5 skeins of Cascade EcoCloud wool, or approximately 575 yards. I knit it on a US #10.5 (6.5mm) needle, which really makes the project fly. If you’d like to test it, let me know here or on Ravelry. I am working up numbers for a lighter gauge (same dimensions) and should have a draft pattern ready by the end of the week! Maybe I’ll have thought of a name by then…
I would like to test knit – especially one in a smaller gauge. I’m Cygnet81 on Ravelry.
Your forehead is just fine! Actually, I was distracted by those beautiful flowers in the background. Lovely shawl! I’ve been thinking I need more shawls. I certainly have the yarn to use. It’s been perfect shawl weather here.
Very elegant! I love how understated the cable is in black.
Just beautiful! So versatile and cozy, and very elegant. I don’t think I could handle knitting all that black yarn, though.
Thanks, everyone! Jodi, I didn’t think I’d survive all that black, either, and it’s really not a color I wear — luckily the yarn is really nice to work with, I got excited about the construction, and it truly did go fast. And you know, I liked the black more than I’d expected in the end.
Also, those spring flowers in the background? Swoon! Every spring I develop a strong urge to move to Portland. Chicago’s still grey and dreary (and chilly!).
Not sure if you’re all set on test knitters, but I’d be very interested in test knitting this one — I may have even splurged on a bundle of Eco-Cloud in the evocatively named ‘Otter’ destined for this whenever I have the opportunity to knit it! (It also looks like it could be a lovely and smart nursing shawl…)
Hi Sarah,
I, too, would be interested in testing your new pattern if you’re still in need. The shape reminds me of the flight silhouette of an osprey or falcon.
Anita