Shades of Blue

Shades of Blue Shawl by Kennita Tully

What is Being Made

Shades of Blue is a triangular shawl pattern designed by Kennita Tully that begins at the back neck and grows outward in a classic top-down construction. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished shawl measuring approximately 38 inches from the back center tip to one end. The pattern is designed to use just one skein of yarn, though an additional skein can be incorporated to create even greater length if desired.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shawl employs fundamental shawlmaking techniques suitable for knitters with beginning to intermediate experience. The pattern uses a strategic increase system to achieve the triangular silhouette characteristic of neck-down shawls.

• Yarn overs (yo) are used as decorative increases that create the lacy, open texture typical of shawl designs
• Make One stitches in both right-leaning (M1-R) and left-leaning (M1-L) variations provide additional shaping increases
• Slip stitches are used to maintain markers that divide the shawl into distinct sections
• Knit two together (k2tog) decreases appear in the bind-off technique
• A stretchy bind off is employed to ensure the finished edge has adequate elasticity and drape

Stitch Pattern Details

The shawl follows a two-row repeat structure that builds the garment systematically:

• Row 1 (Wrong Side): Knit 3 stitches, yarn over, knit to marker, slip marker, purl 1, slip marker, knit to last 3 stitches, yarn over, knit 3
• Row 2 (Right Side): Knit 3, knit the yarn over, M1-R, knit to marker, M1-R, slip marker, knit 1, slip marker, M1-L, knit to yarn over, knit into the back of the yarn over, pick up running thread from front to back and knit it as a yarn over, knit 3
• These two rows repeat until the desired length is achieved, with approximately 12 yards of yarn reserved for the bind-off

Materials and Specifications

Shades of Blue is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which creates a fabric with excellent drape and refined stitch definition suitable for shawl construction.

• Yarn: Vice Yarns "Blurred Lines" (500 yards per 150 grams; 80% merino, 20% nylon) — 1 cake in the colorway Mystique
• Needles: US Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles, or size as required to obtain proper gauge
• Notions: 2 stitch markers

Yarn Fiber Content and Properties

The recommended yarn combines merino wool with nylon in an 80/20 blend. Merino wool provides softness, breathability, and natural elasticity, while the 20% nylon content adds durability and helps the shawl maintain its shape through wear and washing. This fiber composition is well-suited to shawl construction, offering both comfort and longevity.