The end of the year, for me, is all about looking back and looking ahead. It’s about comfort knitting, and comfort living. Simple projects that don’t require too much thinking, so I can use my mind to reflect on the year past and what I want for the year to come.
That may be why I decided last week I needed to cast on a simple top down raglan V-neck sweater. Like, right now.
If you don’t share that same urge to knit a sweater, might I suggest Oscillate by Vincent Williams?
This pretty shawl is worked in worsted weight yarn, and you’ll want to choose a pretty hand-dyed yarn if you have access to one, because part of the oscillation mentioned in the pattern’s name has to do with the subtle shifting of colors as you work through different stitch patterns and textures through the shawl.
It’s a simple boomerang shape that alternates between garter stitch and stockinette stitch for easy stitching but fun textures when you wear it. Because the stitches and the shape are easy you can also customize it to however much yarn you have or how large a shawl you want. If you know me, you know I want a huge one. As written it’s already good sized, though; the longest side is 75 inches (1.9 meters) and it is 17.75 inches (45 cm) deep.
You can wear it in all sorts of ways, from wrapping like a traditional shawl to curling around your neck like a cowl, or even wrapped around your head on chilly days.
The designer notes this one would be great for gift giving as well, which I’m sure is true, but I would knit one for myself first. It’s called pattern testing.
You can get your copy of this pattern on Ravelry.
[Photo: Vincent Williams]
