My Southwestern Shawl

This is not a new project. Someone asked me questions about the use of the freeform yarns, so I thought I would share it here also. This is one way to wear the shawl and it is great for either a tall or short person.

And this is another - a taller person can get away with this version.

A closeup of the beginning section with the southwestern buttons that were my theme and color inspiration.

When knitting with novelty yarns, you can change needles for each type of texture or go withthe same size throughout. I chose a size 10.5 US needle for this shawl, but have used 11 and 13 needles. You can see where the thicker yarns distort the fabric, but the overall effect is to be abstract, so I don't worry about it. All of the novelties end up on the back side of each row, so they need to be pushed to the side that you will consider to be the outside. If your needle is too large, the smaller beads and buttons might not stay where you want them.

You also need to consider drape. Some people's inclination is to go with a smaller sized needle to make it firmer, but then you will have areas that are very stiff and others that are not. You need to think about the materials used int he yarn. If you have mohair in the garment, use at least a size 10.5 or larger. The mohair will bloom and then be too hot to wear, if you go with a smaller needle. The joy of the larger needles is that you use less yarn and get done quicker!

I do not block the shawls. The curve that you see on one side was created by the natural curve of a neck. The first photo shows how the shawl was draped on the mannequin and how the drape of the shawl accommodated the body under it. I currently have the shawl hanging as it is in the second photo. It is going to cause the fibers to shift to accommodate that shape.