Mariposa Shawl

The Mariposa Shawl is done, in plenty of time to wear to the wedding as planned on June 10. The pattern is by Merrily Parker for South West Trading Co., designed to be knit in their Bamboo yarn. I was just browsing (note: not shopping) at Yarns on First in Napa, CA when a sample of this shawl, in bright red, previously draped over the counter found itself on my shoulders. The sample was done in SWTC OPTIM wool. Since I couldn't have the sample and liked the purple color better the yarn and (free-with-yarn-purchase) pattern came home with me. Size 6 needles, a chart and magnetic board, 5 and a little bit of the 6th ball and 8 weeks later I had the shawl done.



Here it is on the needles - looking more blue than it really is. The pattern is a combination of frosted flowers and pebble stitch. It is my first attempt at lace knitting -patterning on both sides. The P 2 tog. through the back loop was a bit awkward at first but became easier and easier. The rhythm of the pattern was easy to learn.



I blocked it out before adding the crochet border called for in the pattern. It doesn't seem to curl and I don't think it needs the additional length. The back is knit in a parallelogram shape and finished at the top with ribbing. Then you pickup and knit sideways on both of the sides, one of which has a tube for the other side to fit through, which keeps the whole thing on your shoulders.


I am very pleased with the yarn which was lovely to work with, the pattern which was a bit skimpy on directions but understandable after a moment of panic resolved with a phone call to the shop, and the finished object. I might even consider doing this again, in black.