AN OLD IDEA THAT IS WORTH RE-VISITING

As I'm sitting here in the middle of the night, I'm wrapped in a shawl I knitted this winter.

Shawls are an accessory that us Yankees should take up again. They were popular in the pre-20th century, but fell out of fashion - probably about the time central heating became a common feature in most new homes. Occasionally, fashionistas will revive alternative styles (poncho, scarves, shrugs, etc.), but the classic triangle or half-circle type that drapes over the shoulders and upper arms is both easy to make, and comfortable, as well.

The link in the title takes you to a site that shows the classic Paisley shawls of the Victorian ers.

I invented the style I'm wearing now (similar to the type pictured above):

It's approximately 6 feet from side to side, and covers from neck to just below the waist.

I made it as simple to knit as possible:

For 5-6 rows, use large needles and a popcorn-type stitch (alternate knitting and purling, every other row). Then, knit 2, purl 2, decreasing at the ends gradually. You have to play around with how much to decrease it, until you get the shape you want. When complete, it should cover your upper arms, back, and as much of the forearms as you want to - be a little generous with the width, you can adjust the drape. The ribs give it a relaxed fit.

It's great for sedentary work, which makes it ideal for updating your blog.

The trick for making a comfortable shawl is to make it a loose knit, which traps body heat, but isn't bulky or heavy.