When I think of summer, gentle warm days full of bike rides and flying kites at the Berkeley Marina are the first things that spring to mind. When I start to think about kites, I can’t help but think of the movie Mary Poppins, currently My daughter’s favorite, and how important wind and kites play as a theme for family and change. These thoughts brought along the inspiration for my first ever shawl design: “Let’s Go Fly a Kite”.

This pattern has an unusual “heart” shape. Its construction is a bit different than a traditional shawl, which lends towards its beauty and unique movement. The wings of the shawl naturally drape around the shoulders and form cascade ruffles when worn open.

REQUIREMENTS:
Other than a sense of adventure and an open mind, the following items are
necessary:

YARN in 3 colors:
Main Color (MC) 100g;
Contrast Color (CC) 40g;
Accent Color (AC) 35g

The sample uses Candy Skein Savory Fingering {400.0 yards /100 grams} in colors: Black Currant (MC); Foil Wrapper (CC); and Lemon Drop (AC).

1 US size 4/3.5mm
(or size need to obtain gauge)
circular needle, approx 40” long

Stitch holders or small safety pins, at least two (I recommend using them as removable stitch markers as well.

Removable stitch markers

Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)

Iron with steam setting (for light steam blocking)

Blocking wires, pins and mat

TECHNIQUES:
This is a one size shawl with a traditional-ish shape knit in an unexpected way. You’ll need to feel comfortable thinking outside the box!

This pattern is not charted. All parts are written out.

GUAGE:
In stockinette st:
25sts and 36 rows =4” in unblocked
23sts and 34-35 rows=4” in lightly blocked

HOW DO I CHOOSE COLORS?:
Color choices can be very individual depending on each knitter and their taste and style. I used very exciting, bold, bright semi solid colors for my sample shawl, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow my lead. Here is some basic advice for choosing colors that will be right for you and your project. Depending on your own personal style, you may even choose a stripe, variegated, or only solids. Two colors could also be used instead of three if you purchase enough yarn (100 g each of a MC and CC would work).

Main Color(MC): This color will be used evenly throughout your shawl and will help anchor it visually. This color should be a solid. It can be a bold solid, but should be medium to dark in tone. The color I chose was Black Currant, a deep purple.

Contrast Color(CC): This color should be a neutral color to help create visual balance. This color should be a solid or semi-solid (although a subdued variegated might look lovely) and could be light, medium or dark in tone. The color I chose was Foil Wrapper, a cool gray.

Accent Color(AC): This color is your pop color and your real chance to play with color. You may want to stick to a solid or semi solid, but stripes and variegated could also be a lot of fun in this position. A self striping yarn could look amazing! This color should be bold and bright, but can really be of any tone as long as it plays well with the other two colors, especially the MC. If a two color shawl is desired, this color can be eliminated and replaced with the MC or CC as advised in the individual clues. I recommend a medium to light color. The color I chose was Lemon Drop, a bright yellow.