Web-Letter, Issue 167 – Giselle Shawl One of my favorite things about knitting (and crocheting) has always been the option to modify a pattern to match exactly what I have in mind. Picking a different color, using a different type of increase and changing the size of a piece are usually simple modifications that make my finished object unique. This week Susan presents the formula for a basic, triangular shawl in Giselle that can be knit in any size—specifically the size to match exactly what you have in mind. Knit it in garter stitch as she did, or add your own favorite stitch between the yarn over increases for a completely customized design.
The Story: I cast on for this simple shawl while waiting for a friend to arrive at the bus station. I arrived early to meet her bus and the bus arrived late. I didn’t have any knitting with me, or so I thought, until I looked in the back of the car and discovered a forgotten bag of odd skeins. It sometimes pays to keep a messy car because I also located a size 8 circular needle in the pocket behind the passenger seat. I grabbed a ball of Giselle, cast on, and with no particular plan in mind, started to knit a basic garter stitch shawl. This traditional triangle shawl shapes grows quickly at first and more slowly as the rows get longer. I kept the shawl-in-progress in the car and knit on it now and then. When I tired of working in garter stitch, I deemed the shawl large enough to wear and started the ruffled edge. The buttons add many options for wearing (see photos). You can omit the buttons—or add more buttons for even more styling options. This is a great mindless project—no need to count stitches—just keep knitting and working the yarn overs every other row. Also, this is one of the few projects where gauge doesn’t really matter—it would be lovely more loosely knit—just work the ruffle whenever the size looks right for you. The Yarn: Giselle 64% kid mohair, 25% wool, 11% nylon Giselle is a beautiful kid mohair and wool blend. It’s a little heavier than lace weight but plenty light and airy for floaty designs. Kid mohair is fine and lustrous and has many of the good qualities of wool. It’s soft and can absorb moisture yet still feel warm and dry. Mohair (the fiber) comes from Angora goats (the animal). Angora goats are small and friendly, and they’re shorn two times a year. Giselle has great body—it is silky smooth to touch and wear, but not so drapey that pieces will lose their shape. When knitted on a large needle, Giselle is lightweight and airy. The lustrous mohair also takes dyes beautifully as you can see in the dreamy colors of Giselle.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Giselle Shawl pattern. (file size: 420 KB) If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try these: page 1 - page 2
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	Gloriole in Giselle Pattern available in Booklet 9120 Heavenly.
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