Mauvelous

Mauvelous Shawl by Lesley Robinson

What is Being Made

Mauvelous is a large, symmetrical triangle shawl designed by Lesley Anne Robinson. This knit shawl features a generous wingspan of 73 inches (185 cm) with a depth of 32 inches (81 cm) when blocked, making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping. The shawl showcases a striking visual design combining stripes of color with geometric patterns throughout.

Knitting Techniques and Stitch Patterns

This intermediate-level knitting project employs a sophisticated combination of stitch techniques to create textural interest and visual complexity. The construction utilizes garter stitch medallions as structural elements, which provide a dense, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. These medallions are interspersed with two-color brioche zig zags, a technique that creates dimensional, textured patterns through the manipulation of yarn overs and lifted stitches in contrasting colors.

The brioche stitch technique is particularly valued in shawl design for its elasticity and the luxurious texture it produces. When combined with garter stitch medallions, this creates a shawl with varied surface interest—smooth garter sections contrasting with the more sculptural brioche passages. The pattern provides both written instructions and charts for every section, accommodating knitters who prefer either format.

Yarn and Materials

Mauvelous requires a total of 1135 yards (1037 meters) of fingering or light fingering weight yarn, distributed across three distinct colors:

• Color A: 310 yards (283 meters)
• Color B: 405 yards (370 meters)
• Color C: 420 yards (384 meters)

The designer recommends selecting three colors in different tones—light, medium, and dark—for optimal visual effect. The original design features colors in the pink and mauve family that blend harmoniously, though knitters are encouraged to choose any three colors they prefer. Speckled and variegated yarns work wonderfully with the stitch patterns used in this design, adding additional texture and visual complexity to the finished shawl. Measurements should be taken after blocking to achieve the stated dimensions.

Difficulty Level

This shawl is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technical repertoire. The combination of garter stitch and brioche techniques requires familiarity with both basic and more advanced stitch manipulations.