Good Times Shawl

Good Times Shawl by Rina Lehmann

What is Being Made

The Good Times Shawl is an asymmetrical knitted shawl designed by Rina Lehmann. This intermediate-level project features a sideways construction method that creates a unique, non-traditional shawl shape. The design showcases the beautiful color variations of specialty yarn while incorporating multiple knitting techniques for an engaging and rewarding knitting experience.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed to showcase the Balayage yarn, a collaborative creation by Pascuali and Melanie Berg. The yarn features a luxurious blend of alpaca and merino wool in a 4-ply weight, offering exceptional softness and a diverse color palette. The Balayage colorway ranges from bold, saturated tones to delicate pastel and muted shades, providing visual interest throughout the finished shawl. Standard knitting needles appropriate for 4-ply yarn weight are required for this project.

Techniques Used

The Good Times Shawl incorporates a thoughtful combination of knitting techniques that balance relaxation with gentle challenge. The pattern alternates between straightforward sections and more complex elements to create what the designer describes as the perfect knitting experience.

• Sideways Construction: The shawl is knitted from side to side rather than from top to bottom, contributing to its asymmetrical final shape
• Garter Stitch Sections: Relaxed garter stitch areas provide meditative, straightforward knitting
• V-Sections: Strategic V-shaped pattern elements introduce moderate complexity and visual interest
• Striping: Color and texture stripes alternate throughout the design to showcase the yarn's varied palette

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

This intermediate project employs a range of fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: The foundation of the pattern, used to create texture and pattern definition
• Increases and Decreases: Essential shaping techniques used to create the asymmetrical silhouette and V-section details
• Slipped Stitches: Used for refined edges and pattern transitions
• Simple Cross Stitches: Decorative stitch technique that adds textural complexity
• Three-Needle Bind-Off: A finishing technique used to securely close edges and join sections

Design Philosophy

Rina Lehmann designed the Good Times Shawl to celebrate the exceptional qualities of the Balayage yarn while providing knitters with a satisfying blend of easy and moderately challenging sections. The alternation between relaxed garter stitch and more engaging V-sections, combined with the strategic use of stripes, creates a project that maintains interest without overwhelming intermediate-level knitters. The sideways construction and asymmetrical shape offer a contemporary take on traditional shawl design.