The N.H.Shawl

The N.H. Shawl by Sheri Karobonik

What Is Being Made

The N.H. Shawl is a knitted shawl designed by independent designer Sheri Karobonik. This project was created for a crayon box color challenge at Grandma's Spinning Wheel, a local yarn shop in Tucson, Arizona. The designer selected two random colors from a crayon box to inspire the colorway, resulting in a fluid design process with creative modifications made during the knitting itself. The finished shawl is characterized by a soft, bouncy texture that drapes beautifully.

Design Inspiration and Background

The N.H. Shawl has a unique origin story tied to the designer's personal experience. Sheri Karobonik knit this shawl during an arthritis flare-up when she experienced significant hand numbness, which directly influenced both the pattern structure and the construction method. The design's name, "N.H.," reflects this challenging period, serving as a reminder of the creative problem-solving that went into adapting the pattern to accommodate the designer's physical needs at the time.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several specialized techniques to create its signature soft and bouncy fabric:

• Double-Strand Knitting: Throughout the entire pattern, you will always be knitting with 2 strands of yarn held together. This doubling technique creates a thicker, more substantial fabric while also making the stitches larger and easier to work with.
• Large Needle Sizing: The shawl is knit on large knitting needles, which accommodates the double-strand construction and creates an open, airy fabric with excellent drape.
• Adaptive Design: The pattern was specifically engineered to be manageable for knitters with hand sensitivity or dexterity challenges, making it accessible to a wider range of skill levels and physical abilities.

Yarn and Materials

The N.H. Shawl is worked in chunky weight yarn, which pairs perfectly with the large needles and double-strand technique. The combination of chunky yarn, doubled strands, and large needles creates a fabric that is notably soft and smoochey with excellent bounce and elasticity. Knitters are encouraged to select their favorite colors rather than being restricted to a specific colorway, allowing for creative personalization of this design.

Skill Level

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, The N.H. Shawl is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle a larger garment project. The straightforward construction using large needles and chunky yarn makes it an approachable intermediate pattern, while the shawl format provides a satisfying finished project.