Subversive Knitting

Pattern: Aunt Phebe's Comfort Shawl

I made this shawl for a friend whose son recently died. She is 80 and he was 50, but that doesn't make the loss of a child any less tragic or distressing. I hope this shawl brings her some iota of comfort.

Size: Approx 28 inches long by 66 inches wide

Gauge: Approx 8 sts = 4"/10cm

Exact gauge is not critical. Make sure the fabric is light and airy. The shawl should be like a cloud.

Skill Level: Easy

Yarn: 1 skein of Plymouth Yarn's Outback Mohair (70% Mohair, 26% Wool, 4% Nylon, 218 yds/100g skein)

Needles: Size 15 circular needle, at least 24" long

Instructions

CO 7 sts.

Begin Garter Stitch Pattern

Row 1: K2, yo, knit to end of row (8 sts).

Put a safety pin on this row to mark the right side (RS).

Repeat row 1 until you have have used up approx half of the yarn. Piece should measure approx 20 inches long. End after working a WS row.

Begin Eyelet Pattern

Row 1 (RS): K2, yo, k1, (yo, k2tog) to last 3 sts, k3.

If you have an extra plain stitch at the end of the row before the last 3 sts, don't worry. Just knit it. This pattern is very forgiving and you should not get stressed out over having an extra stitch! I had one a couple of times on my shawl, but I couldn't find any mistakes after I finished knitting and examined the shawl.

Rows 2, 3, and 4: K2, yo, knit to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 to 4 until you have approx 12 yards of yarn remaining. End after a plain row.

(Design tip: If you prefer, switch back to plain garter stitch in the center after working 5 or 6 eyelet rows. This will create a solid border at the top edge of the shawl.)

Finishing

BO loosely. Weave in ends.

There is no need to block this shawl. Wash and lay flat to dry, if desired.