Friday, March 25, 2011

FO Friday: Mara . . .

 . . . . or Why I've Grown to Like Knitting Wraps and Shawlettes

A few days ago I was rushing out of the house without having had enough time to pull myself together.  I had an old pair of khaki pants on, and a plain top, with some hand knit socks and a pair of clogs.  I hadn't taken time to do anything with my hair, much less put on makeup.  At the last minute, I wrapped my new Mara around my shoulders and neck.  My husband looked at me and said "You're looking stylish today."
Granted, this statement was coming from a guy who doesn't mind mixing stripes with plaid, but I do think the Mara shawl made all the difference.  Besides, according to the Problem Ladies, "Converting a shawl into a scarf takes off ten years and ten pounds."  Who am I to scoff at that kind of advice?


Pattern:  Mara by Madelinetosh
Source:  free download from the Madelinetosh website
Materials:  2 skeins of madelinetosh pashmina in "fig", and US size 6 needles
Modifications:  After taking a poll, I decided to add extra stitches to the ruffle by increasing to a (k3, p2) ribbing after the first couple of inches.  I'm happy with how it came out!

Last but not least, a knitter working on a shawl doesn't have to worry quite as much about gauge, fit, or even finishing work such as seams!  I have a number of gift knitting projects I need to work on, but I don't think it will be long before I am casting on for another shawl such as Daybreak or Whippoorwill!  

P.S.  Do you blog for comments?  If so, join the FO Friday party over at Tami's Amis!
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19 comments:

  1. Tami KlockauMarch 25, 2011 at 9:44 AM

    Wow, it turned out beautiful and the color looks striking on you! I can see why your husband made a comment.

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  2. nursenikkiknitsMarch 25, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Your shawl looks gorgeous on you. I really love the richness of all the brown tones. I have a serious soft spot for pashmina : )

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  3. AngieMarch 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    I love that shawl! The color is gorgeous on you too. I agree with those Problem Ladies....hence all my shawl projects!!! Can't wait to see your next project.

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  4. Word LilyMarch 25, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    I love wraps and shawls/shawlettes, too! That one looks great.

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  5. AndriaMarch 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    That looks great, I really must give shawls a try!

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  6. Jeannie MarieMarch 25, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    It's gorgeous!

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  7. RhondaMarch 25, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    The Mara IS stylish. I've been thinking of making a shawl. This looks like a great pattern.

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  8. Marushka C.March 25, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    It is beautiful. Kudos to your husband for noticing!

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  9. ZondaMarch 25, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    So nice when they still notice huh ;) It's beautiful :)

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  10. PaulaMarch 25, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    Gorgeous! I'm loving knitting my first shawl. I cam totally see why you're itching to cast on another!

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  11. AlittlebitsheepishMarch 26, 2011 at 1:40 AM

    It looks wonderful and hurrah for lovely men that make compliments

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  12. wrchiliMarch 26, 2011 at 5:17 AM

    That looks stunning! Maybe I need to make a shawl if It will make me look ten pounds thinner.

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  13. AnonymousMarch 26, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    ooo its lovely!! Im noticing a lot of browns at the monet...this must be in :-)

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  14. GekniticsMarch 26, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Your hubby was right, you do look smashing in your shawl. Don't you just love men you know good knitting when they see it?

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  15. LeahMarch 26, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    That looks awesome. I agree - shawls/shawlettes are great no-stress projects.

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  16. Nature-DrunkMarch 26, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    What a beautiful color : ) I want one!

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  17. AimeeMarch 27, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    You look very glam in your shawl-- and P.S. I gave you an award :)

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  18. autumngeishaApril 4, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    You look so stylish! The color is wonderful on you. I love what you did with the ruffles. Mara is going on my future shawl knitting list for sure.

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  19. khaki pants for menMay 19, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    That looks great, I really must give shawls a try!

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