Inspired by color, shape, and named for the lead singer of the Japanese trio Babymetal, this large shawl knits up quickly and easily, making it great for knit night or tv knitting. The suggested yarn works up like a dream and just begs to be snuggled with, so you won’t want to wait to get cozy with this piece, which makes a great cold weather (or cold office) accessory! As written, the pattern creates an angled spine which adds a touch of whimsy, but you can easily modify the pattern for a more traditional triangular shape and straight spine if you prefer.

Finished size: Approximately 59” across top edge by 29.5” down angled spine, blocked.

Gauge: 15 sts and 12 rows=4” in Stockinette st, blocked. If you use the suggested mini skein kit, gauge will be VERY critical in order to avoid playing yarn chicken. If you’re stashbusting or using a different yarn, it isn’t quite as crucial.

Materials: US size 9 (5.5mm) needles (or size needed to make gauge), sewing needle, stitch markers

Suggested Yarn Expression Fiber Arts Luster Superwash Merino Tencel Worsted yarn, preferably in the 7-color mini gradient kit. Sample shown used the Dried Herb Hues Luster Worsted Mini Gradient Kit. Otherwise, you will need approximately 87 yds/80 m of each of 7 colors or worsted yarn. This could be a great opportunity to stashbust some of those worsted weight leftovers! You could also opt to use fewer colors, but you will need more yardage to compensate.

I spent a lot of time listening to the song “No Rain, No Rainbow” while working on this pattern. It’s a sad song, but one that reminds us that without hard times, we can’t have good times. It may seem like it’s going to rain forever, but there’s always a rainbow in the end. I loved working with this yarn and these colors on this piece, because they remind me of a grown up rainbow, one that has been through the muck and seen some hard times, but has come out stronger for it and just as pretty in the end. I hope you enjoy making your own wizened rainbow to remind you of good things!