She was stunning! My daughter wore a beautiful red, silk Japanese Furisode Kimono. It had lots of leaves and floral designs and golden threads throughout. Although kimonos are made from simple rectangles, it took me hours of research and practice, and an hour to dress her in the many layers. Since then, I’ve had kimono fever.

But, I’m a busty babe. I’m not complaining, but my curvy figure is just not the column body type for which kimonos were created. Oh sure, I could get into one. The only way to make me into a column is to strap puffy pillows and towels under the “girls” to even me out, or gasp, duct tape them down. Hell, shaping would be easier if I stole a barrel off a rodeo clown and used that under the kimono. Given my new hobby—hot flashing—the barrel would be a lot cooler too. Yah, not doing that. It occurred to me that not everybody can wear a kimono, but every woman can wear a shawl and look good.

This elegant shawl features a kimono lace made up of simple mesh and leaves. It invokes the graceful beauty of a kimono without the complication of trying to wear one. Knit from one edge to the other, the construction is effortless and easy to remember.

Gauge: 19.5 st x 25 rows = 4”/10 cm in lace pattern; 24 st x 34 rows = 4”/10 cm in garter st; both blocked and worked flat; (instructions provided for swatch). Gauge is not crucial to this project, but a different gauge will affect drape, yardage required, and size.

Needles: US #6 (4 mm); 32” (80 cm) circular needle is recommended or size to obtain gauge.

Notions Required: Tapestry needle, 16 stitch markers.

Skills Needed: Kfb, k2tog, ssk.

CONSTRUCTION
My Kimono Shawl is worked side to side with simple increases on the left side. Once the width of the shawl has been reached, decreases are worked to create the second half. This construction method is easy to understand and to keep on track. Length and depth are easy to modify and are noted in the instructions. The leaf and mesh laces within the shawl use basic yarn overs and decreases. An adventurous beginner or intermediate knitter will enjoy the simple repeating kimono lace pattern.

If you’ve been too scared to try a Hitomi Shida stitch pattern, My Kimono Shawl would be an easy lace pattern to start with. My testers have really enjoyed knitting this leaf and mesh pattern.

PATTERN INCLUDES

• Written instructions
• Chart
• Schematic
• Instructions for swatching
• Notes to easily adjust shawl size

YARN SUBSTITUTION: This shawl works best with solid, tonal, or lightly speckled yarns. Although it was written for fingering weight, it could be made with sport or DK yarns, if the needle size is also adjusted. More yarn maybe required if working with heavier weight yarns.

Wear My Kimono Shawl with your comfy jeans and t-shirt for quick accessorizing or paired with a sparkly shawl pin and dress for a dressy or elegant look.