An Author's Friend

An Author's Friend Knitted Shawl

Project Overview

An Author's Friend is a knitted shawl design created by Melissa Schaschwary and published by Dandiliongirl Designs in 2011. This intermediate-level knitting project produces an elegant wrap suitable for readers and writers seeking a cozy companion. The shawl is worked flat on circular needles using a combination of stockinette stitch and decorative textured stitches that create visual interest and beautiful drape.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a rectangular shawl or wrap designed to be worn around the shoulders. The finished piece provides warmth and comfort while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. The shawl can be secured with a shawl pin and is customizable with optional decorative buttons for added embellishment.

Yarn and Materials

The project requires 1 skein of Cascade Ecological Wool, which provides approximately 478 yards of heavy worsted weight or light bulky weight yarn. The yarn choice is important—designers recommend selecting yarn with good drape characteristics to ensure the finished shawl hangs beautifully and moves gracefully when worn. Additional materials include US size 13 (9mm) circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, a darning needle for finishing, a shawl pin for securing the wrap, and optionally 2 small buttons for decoration (note that buttonholes are not created in this pattern, so buttons are threaded through the fabric itself).

Gauge and Construction

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 3 stitches and 4 rows over 1 inch in stockinette stitch. The shawl begins with a cast-on of 68 stitches and is worked back and forth on circular needles, which provide the necessary length and flexibility for flat knitting without requiring multiple needles.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate project employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the pattern, created by alternating knit rows on the right side with purl rows on the wrong side, producing the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric.
• Textured Decrease Sequence: The pattern features a distinctive technique where p2tog (purl two together) stitches are worked but left on the left-hand needle, then the same two stitches are knitted together with yarn held in back. This creates a decorative, dimensional texture that adds visual complexity and interest to the fabric.
• Repeat Pattern Rows: The shawl uses a repeating four-row sequence (rows 2-5) that is worked multiple times, building the length and establishing the textured pattern throughout the piece.
• Flat Knitting: Working back and forth on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for a rectangular shawl shape.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern assumes knitters have solid foundational skills including cast-on and bind-off techniques, understanding of knit and purl stitches, and familiarity with decrease techniques. The textured stitch sequence requires attention to detail and understanding of how to manipulate stitches on the needle, making it suitable for knitters ready to move beyond basic stockinette projects.

Design Features

The shawl's design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The combination of smooth stockinette sections with textured decrease rows creates visual rhythm and prevents the piece from appearing monotonous. The optional button embellishment allows for personalization, while the shawl pin provides a practical closure method. The heavy worsted to light bulky weight yarn ensures the finished piece has sufficient body and warmth while maintaining elegant drape.