Stay Awhile

Stay Awhile Reversible Shawl by Louise Zass-Bangham

What is Being Made

Stay Awhile is a completely reversible shawl featuring a curious and innovative construction method. This design offers versatility in both styling and creation, making it an excellent choice for knitters seeking a project that delivers visual impact without complexity. The shawl is customizable in size, with featured examples measuring approximately 40 x 160cm (16" x 63"), though dimensions can be adjusted based on available yarn quantities. The shawl forms a slight parallelogram shape—essentially a gently squashed rectangle—with width roughly one-quarter of the length, allowing for flexible sizing options such as 50 x 200cm (20" x 79") with additional yardage.

Construction and Design Features

The shawl's reversible nature is achieved through a straightforward yet distinctive construction approach that makes it both easy to wear and easy to make. This design is particularly well-suited for showcasing two contrasting hand-dyed yarns, as the reversible structure allows both colors to be prominently displayed. Alternatively, the shawl can be created in a single color by simply alternating skeins where the pattern instructs, creating elegant stripes throughout the finished piece.

The design includes a picot edging detail that can be enhanced with optional beads when using lightweight yarns. These beads highlight the different colors chosen for the project, adding decorative dimension to the finished edges.

Techniques and Stitches

This is a knitting project classified as advanced difficulty level. The pattern employs straightforward knitting techniques, making it an ideal project for demonstrating skill with hand-dyed or contrasting yarns. The picot edging construction adds textural interest and visual definition to the shawl's perimeter.

Yarn and Materials

Stay Awhile offers exceptional flexibility in yarn selection. Any yarn can be used in any gauge, ranging from heavy laceweight through fingering weight, sport weight (4ply), up to worsted or aran weights. This adaptability means knitters can work with their preferred yarn weight and adjust the finished shawl dimensions accordingly. The pattern has been demonstrated in light fingering weight (shown in beaded blues and unbeaded rust colorways) and 4ply/sport weight (shown in dark red). Optional beads are available for embellishing the picot edging, particularly effective when working with lightweight yarns that showcase color variation.

Project Suitability

Stay Awhile is described as perfect for extended crafting sessions when you need more than a typical Knit Night project. The reversible construction and straightforward techniques make it an engaging yet manageable undertaking for advanced knitters seeking a versatile, wearable finished piece.