Shawls are a great fashion accessory any time of the year for women of all ages. The Melia Lace Shawl from Caron, made in Caron's Spa yarn, is a winner for several reasons. Its relatively small size makes it quick to knit, it is elegantly lacy, very soft with a nice drape, and the only finishing after binding off is weaving in the ends of the yarn. Make it for a beautiful handmade gift, sure to please any girl or woman for Christmas, her birthday, or just because. Add a special shawl pin for a finishing touch.
Selecting the Yarn
Caron's Spa yarn is a 12 ply cable yarn made of 75% microdenier acrylic and 25% rayon from bamboo. Microdenier acrylic is a very fine fiber, finer even than silk, with a natural, soft feel and great drape. This sets it apart from most acrylic yarn, which I have always avoided. This product makes reconsideration of acrylic yarn worthwhile. It does tend to split now and then when being knit, requiring care and patience.
This pattern would also be beautiful in a lace weight yarn, adjusting the needle size to obtain the gauge. It would knit a more open and light weight shawl, perfect for a summer wrap.
There was an error in the directions on row 37, which has been corrected in the online directions. For those with the printed leaflet, check row 37 online for the update.
Alternate Bind Off Directions
I was about a third of the way through binding off following the directions and decided I didn't like the way the bound off edge looked. It didn't match the other two sides, and was overly stretchy and rolled. In the middle of the night I was inspired how to improve the bound off edge, choose whichever option you prefer.
K1,*Chain loop, leaving the base stitch of the loop on the left hand needle. Pass the previous stitch from the right hand needle over the chain loop, then move the base stitch to the right hand needle, and pass the last stitch of the chain loop over the base stitch, BO 1, and repeat from *.
The edge created is much firmer and has only a slight roll, which can be steamed out, if desired, and I think it looks more finished. To steam, place the shawl on a flat surface, and steam lightly with a fabric steamer or an iron, being very careful not to touch the shawl with the iron. Leave it to dry thoroughly.
This free pattern is a good one, it inspired me to try a yarn I wouldn't have otherwise tried. The knitted lace shawl is wonderfully soft and beautiful. Make it in lots of colors and for gifts. Be sure to check out the other free patterns at Caron.
Source:
Lyttle, David A., Growth of Acrylic Fibers Tied to Penetration of New Markets
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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