I enjoy working in the round and am always trying to use that method when creating a garment. This is not always possible and not always the best option in knitting a garment but I have found in many knitting situation it works beautifully.
Many years ago I looked to the Paisley shawls that were very popular in the West in the 18th and 19th centuries and wondered how I might knit a similar design in the round. I choose a large motif for the design that had short space between color changes so trapping was at a minimum. I decided to start at the bottom of the shawl with a seven-stitch steek plus edge stitches and one stitch to begin the pattern.
Increases are work on either side of the steek and the pattern is incorporated into the shawl design. I started the shawl on double pointed needles and changed to larger circular needles when I was able. This was a very fun way to work with this technique and create a beautiful shawl in color without working in the flat. I used Simply Shetland Spindrift yarn; I wanted to keep the shawl lightweight but warm therefore I decided to use US size four to knit the shawl.
If you would like to learn this technique and create a stunning shawl we are offering a class Wednesday, March 9, and continuing on the 16th, 23rd and 30th. This will be an exciting class with many new techniques to learn so come and join us.