The “Catching a Mermaid” shawl was released as a Mystery Knitalong (MKAL) in May, 2018. Now the pattern is available in a “non-mystery” format. It was so much fun that it was followed by the Gift of the Mermaid and The Mermaids’ Garden Shawl.

And because it was a knitalong, the pattern has a little story to accompany it :)

Dimensions/shape
The shawl is a bias triangle, sometimes referred to as kite shape. It starts with just a few stitches and has increases along one edge of the triangle and decreases along the other edge to create the shape. The finished shawl has a long edge of approximately 60”/ 150 cm, the second side about 45”/ 115 cm, and the third side about 40”/ 100 cm.

Difficulty level
This is an intermediate-level pattern. The stitch patterns are all described row by row, with pictures where helpful. A couple of the stitch patterns involve yarn overs. These are not complicated lace patterns where you have to pay attention every second, but I wouldn’t recommend it for knitting in the dark at the movies, either. With the yarn-over stitches, as with the others, you will find that you catch on very quickly to the pattern and after not too long, you won’t have to look down at the instructions very often.

Yarn selection
The shawl calls for about 800 yards of fingering yarn, all in one color or colorway. This pattern is a collaboration with Artistic Lilly and I do love her yarn - great colors and soft, lovely texture. (See her yarn here: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticLilly)
As far as yarn fiber and color - Much of the visual interest of this shawl comes from the stitch patterns. It will look best with a yarn that has nice stitch definition (don’t use boucle, eyelash, or very fuzzy yarn). A smooth wool, a sock yarn, and many fiber blends will work well.

Pattern support
Designer email is provided in the pattern if you run into any problems or questions.