Mara, a Simple, Elegant Shawl

"Mara" is a simple triangular shawl, knit from the top down. It is a free pattern from Madelinetosh. The simplicity of the pleated border is the hallmark of this shawl. Though simple to knit, it is not for the faint of heart. I started the k1 p1 part of the border when I was 1/2 way through the yarn supply . Yes, that means the border is half the shawl. I did add some increasing on the side corners to make them longer and more fitting to the shoulders. Knit Picks Options needle points, one on each end of a long cable, were lifesavers. When I reached the k2 p2 part of the border, there were 550 stitches per row. "Wait until I finish this row," takes on a whole new meaning at this point.

There are more details on my Ravelry projects page. The colorway held my interest in this garter stitch extravaganza. This shawl will go in my shawl stash to be given away when someone needs it.

The photo of the completed shawl was taken in an unblocked state during one of the rare bits of sunshine we have had in recent months. Since the yarn is not 100% wool I probably won't block it. The only part that seemed a little lumpy was on the ends of the tails. A gentle burst of steam and a pat down might calm them a bit. I envision this shawl knitted in a tweedy gray or brown, similar to the shawls worn by the ladies of Cranford and Lark Rise. If you are fans of BBC productions, you know exactly what I am talking about. Cranford, Return to Cranford, and Lark Rise to Candleford (not related to the first two series mentioned) are high on my list of Netflix recommendations.