I love Shakespeare comedies. Even though they are predictable, and (in the current liberated climate) dreadfully un-PC, there is just something universally appealing about the Bard’s sense of humor. Throw in a few cross-dressing women, add some gender-bending repartee and sneak in a practical joke or two and you just can’t go wrong.

I also love to make and wear well-fitting shawls. Unfortunately I find so many patterns (including several of my own) are beautiful when they are flat but put them on and they bunch and gather. If I spend untold hours creating a wrap, I want my work to actually show!

When I created the structure used for all the shawlettes in this series –a half-circle which conforms lovingly to the shoulders– I knew I needed to dedicate the series to Good Old Bill’s ladies. Like the comedies, the framework is the same for all the shawls but each has its own unique pattern.

Both written and charted formats are provided.

About Beatrice

Difficulty: Intermediate

In Much Ado About Nothing, the faithful Beatrice is sharp tongued, forthright, brilliant and passionately devoted to her family. When she’s not trading scathing insults with Benedic she’s smoothing the way for her cousin’s marriage to the handsome Claude. When the wedding is halted and scandal ensues Beatrice’s rage is both powerful and pointed.

Like its namesake this shawl gains its beauty with angled lines and interesting texture. Its pattern is bold and strong while still being utterly feminine.