“Sock yarn” is really pretty, but I’ve never knit a pair of socks. Many knitters use it to create beautiful shawls, so I am trying my hand at shawl knitting.
Since I live in Florida, when will I ever wear a shawl? Possibly walking the beach in winter … or else I’ll take it with me to New Hampshire on a visit. It’s quite possible that I will knit a wardrobe that can only be used one week a year!
Oh well, I love knitting.
This shawl is called the No Fuss Shade-Loving Shawl and the Free Pattern (not mine) is available for download at Ravelry.
The stitches are easy enough, with a written pattern that is easy to follow. The stitches you need to know are knit, purl, yarn-over and knit-2-together. Not too tough. As a beginner knitter (or someone with poor eyesight), you may want to choose a light color yarn which makes the stitches easier to see.

I began it using sock yarn by Madeline Tosh in color “Arch” which is dark gray-black with some blue. You can see it in the photo above at the top of the shawl. It was too dark for my liking. I had a similar weight yarn, by Malabrigo, in color “cielo y tierra” which is more brown, but still had the blue. The last color I used for the edging, which is done in seed stitch, was Malabrigo mechita in “Marte”, which I loved.
I knit a few rows alternating the yarns to make the change over, and then I knitted to about the edging rows and changed yarn once again. I like the feel of the Malabrigo yarn, so I am now using the color “Marte” which has some bright rust-orange.
I have joined Ravelry, which I have enjoyed until recently (I have since been disappointed by their policy which calls all supporters of the POTUS as bigots and racists).
I’m not an experienced knitter, so buying a pattern is a bit scary. Also, I can’t easily understand a chart. I like directions written out. Once I feel more comfortable using all those increase and decrease stitches, I will look for something more advanced. I have no problem paying for a pattern. People work hard to create them. I just don’t want to waste money on something that ends up frustrating me. I need more practice.
I’ll post a photo once it’s finished……… And now it’s done! …….. I consider myself a beginner knitter, maybe even an intermediate. I can’t read a graph pattern, only written ones. This shawl was easy and fun to knit, and the only problems I had was with my own mistakes.
I would recommend this pattern to anyone wanting to try a shawl, and it’s perfect for beginners who need practice. It even begins easily and not with that strange way some shawls begin. I loved the Malabrigo Marte yarn which I used for the last rows / border.
Will continue with the pattern longer next time before doing the border. The shawl is a bit small for me.

Mary Kasper
I just finished my 2nd shade loving shawl and I am hooked!! I tried sending a photo to Ms Ashcroft but the address did not work. Thank you for sharing this wonderful pattern!!! Bless your heart!!
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Mary
Oh my … I have been knitting on and off for years, but I think I am most proud of this shawl!! You are so right… easy and fun to do. No stress. I just finished it and I canāt wait to wear it. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pattern and great directions. I plan to make another one, for sure!,
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Anonymous
Thank you for mentioning Ravelry’s negative statements toward POTUS supporters. So sad that the tolerant party has chosen to be so intolerant.
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Pam
It’s unfortunate that politics has to be brought into such a fun place for crafters. Ravelry has so much good, that I simply must ignore the prejudice toward anyone and everyone who supports the leader of our country, and carry on knitting. Thanks for your comment.
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