So I've had my eye on a shawl pattern - one that's a bit intricate, and definitely out of my knitting comfort zone. Therefore, it's one that will surely take me a very, very long time (this one, for those interested). Before committing to such a project, though, I wondered if I'm really even a 'shawl person' at all. Oddly, I wear shawls in the summer but never winter months. Would I wear a wool shawl? In the winter? I wasn't sure. And I knew it was a mystery needing solving before I spent such time (and precious yarn!) on a lace pattern.
And so this was my Test Shawl to determine just that. It's the Simple, Yet Effective Shawl (pattern available for purchase here), knit in just one skein of Noro Silk Garden sock yarn. It was a ridiculously quick and happily mindless (or maybe - mindful?) project. And I love the way the pattern calls for the stripes to stripe themselves. That's right, they 'stripe themselves,' just like magic. Two sticks. Some yarn. And a magic word or two. Voila.
And it turns out - I am indeed a Shawl Person. How could I not be? Lover of baby toes, rocking chairs, woodstoves, knitting, and kneading bread. Seems almost obligatory that shawl-wearer fit right in there, doesn't it (not that any of those things must go together, of course)? Since I cast off, I don't think I've been without this shawl for at least some part of everyday. And during the past week in particular, it hugged tight around my shoulders keeping the fevery chills at bay.
Oh, shawls. They are good for so very many things. Not only around the Mama's shoulders, but sometimes....they're just right as a quick nap blanket for a little one who's fallen asleep in the middle of the day.
Yes, I think I do see more shawls in my future.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
