This is a versatile shawl, one that is wide enough to wear wrapped around and tied or it can be simply worn loosely around the shoulders. The super-soft alpaca yarn makes for a warm and draping fabric. The pattern is cast on from the center of the square that becomes the back of the shawl.

My inspiration for this design is traditional Shetland haps, hence the Old Shale striped edging that is worked before a very simple lace edge. The braids of Yarn and Soul Superfine alpaca come in an array of beautiful colors--from jewel tones to soft, natural looking grays and tans. You can substitute this yarn braid with five colors of fingering yarn at 200 yards each, making this shawl a great stash buster.

This pattern includes charted and written instructions (that are very thorough), so there isn’t much to figure out here. This is perfect for beginning lace knitters. I have included a link to a great circular cast-on technique tutorial, so knitter shouldn’t be intimidated by the center cast on.