Want a shawl pattern--anyone tried this one?

#1

Hey guys–my grandmother is wanting me to knit a shawl for her and I’m really not sure what pattern to use. I want to challenge myself a bit but I don’t want something that I’m going to get frustrated with. Although I’ve done some things that look as if I know what I’m doing–most of the patterns I follow are fairly simple. I found this pattern on Lion Brand’s website–have any of you tried this pattern or do you have a pattern suggestion? I want something pretty and somewhat airy–I’ve never done lace though. I like the looks of this pattern and it’s rated easy although the directions for the “edging” is a little daunting…maybe it wouldn’t be so daunting if I were actually doing it??

I’d appreciate any and all input! :wink: Thanks in advance!

#2

Does it have to be a triangular shawl? [size=1]I hate Homespun.[/size] Have you looked at the shawls at www.knittingpatterncentral.com ? How about at www.knitty.com ? I’ve done Cozy from Knitty and it wasn’t difficult at all–4 row repeats, no increasing. I did use a lifeline, though, because I was carrying it around with me and often lost track.

#3

I detest Homespun. Really detest it. If you already have a different opinion then go ahead but I found it very difficult to knit with. :frowning:

#4

Ingrid–it doesn’t have to be a triangle shawl and I don’t think that pattern is a triangle, is it? I found another one on the lion brand site that looks easier and it led me to the one that I posted. All of the patterns I found came from KPC in some way or another (either a link, or a link that led me to a link). There was one other one that I really liked (from KPC) but the pic is not so good so I couldn’t get a good feel for what it looks like… this is it. What do you think? It looks like lace but it says its easy and the directions also seems straight forward. My only problem is finding a good yarn–I don’t have a LYS so I have to get whatever hobby lobby or michaels has available.

I’ve heard many people say they hate homespun–I suspect that I would too–I was considering a substitution.

#5

The second one you posted is a feather and fan lace, like the picture below. That would be very pretty and not too difficult.

#6

I just don’t know how to judge the width and since I usually use the long-tail cast on, I have to measure out the right amount of yarn for my width before casting on. I can’t decide what yarn to use–I was browsing knitpicks for sportweight yarn but there isn’t a lot to choose from. I’m looking at berroco’s patterns right now too–trying to see if I can find something else I like.

#7

When you have a lot of stitches to cast on and don’t know how much to take out of your ball, use 2 balls–one for the tail side and one for the ball side. When you’re done casting on, cut off the tail side ball. You’ll never run out of yarn for a long cast on that way.

#8

what a concept Ingy…I’d have never thought to do that myself! :wink:

I just spent some time looking through the archives at Knitty–I like the Cozy wrap. Supposedly is an easy lace pattern…what do you think O wise one? :thinking:

#9

:rofling: If you reread my first post, I linked to Cozy! I made it over the summer. It wasn’t hard at all, and it is very nice. I used the Reynolds that the pattern called for, but I wish I had used a softer yarn.

#10

Well, I am far from an experienced knitter, but I will say that from the one shawl I have knit (this easy one from FrugalHaus), don’t choose something that is TOO easy. It will get BORING!!

That knitty one looks like it would be fun, a challenge, but wouldn’t be so boring. The shawl I did was alllll garter stitch. By the end of it, I was HATING that thing (I hate it so much, I can’t stand to update the link to it in my siggy… LOL, just kidding, I’m just lazy).

So, while you might not want to choose some really complicated lace project, resist the temptation to get something TOO easy. That’s my advice, for what it’s worth.

Good luck with the shawl, I think they make wonderful gifts (hey, I need some knitting friends so I can get a shawl!).

#11

Hey Ingy–what yarn would you recommend for Cozy? I’m not very diversified in yarn b/c the selection around here stinks! I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg either…I was looking at the worsted weight selection on KP–hence my question re: color in the other thread.

I didn’t even notice that you linked to cozy–I’m sorry!

#12

okay, I found where you linked to cozy…maybe I’m color blind…

do you think a lifeline is necessary–I’ve neve done it before. I’m off to see if I can find a related video (I think I’ve seen one before).

#13

I have Cozy on my list…I have some Berrocco Softwist. Its really soft and shiny and pretty…and its only about $5 per hank! Wool/Rayon blend!

#14

okay, I found where you linked to cozy…maybe I’m color blind…

do you think a lifeline is necessary–I’ve neve done it before. I’m off to see if I can find a related video (I think I’ve seen one before).[/quote]

Let’s just say there’s a reason it’s called a lifeline :shock:

They’re really easy to do, it’s just inserting some yarn in the stitches so you can frog a few rows back easily if you need to.

There is a video, which you’ve probably seen by now.

Lifelines rock! I should use them more than I do…

#15

Oh, yes, lifelines are easy, and if you don’t use one and find that you should have, that’s hard.

#16

I noticed that I have a LOT of wool-ease worsted in fisherman…what do you think about that? I know it’s not the softest in the world but at least it’s washable, the right weight, the right color and would keep me from having to make a big investment…thoughts???

#17

Woolease is a decent yarn, and if you already have it, try it. The silk called for in the pattern isn’t fuzzy, so I’m not sure how a regular yarn will look. I think Kelly tried it and didn’t like it in the yarn she had.

Do a few repeats of the pattern and see if it shows up enough for you.

#18

on my thread about KP WOTA neutral colors–someone posted to say they are doing it in wool-ease. I asked if she’s liking it…I’ll see if she responds. Thanks for your help Ingrid.

#19

Don’t let the lace scare you from a pattern…just requires paying a little more attention.

#20

Hi,
I’ve made several of these shawls and it is soooo easy and soooo quick! I made one for myself to wear on the plane and I just finished one for my daughter - she wanted it so that she could use it as a cover-up while she is nursing!