Mahalia is a shawl both stunningly elegant and surprisingly simple in execution. Knit from the bottom up, this shawl adds a repeat of the distinctive stitch motif every 10 rows until it grows to the desired dimensions. Along with this are widening panels of stockinette stitch which work to frame and balance the lace. When worn with the top corners pinned in front, this shawl capitalizes on the infamous stockinette curl to stand up around the neck, so that a beautiful collar is formed.

Worked in luxurious worsted weight yarn, the vibrant color and rich texture of this piece remind me of the soaring contralto vocals of the late gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

Beautiful, versatile, warm, and wearable, this quick to knit shawl would make for a fantastic gift or an excellent addition to any wardrobe.

Pattern Notes:
This pattern uses almost the entire skein of yarn with only a few yards left over. If you plan to make a test swatch, you’ll have to unravel your swatch to ensure you can complete the project with only one skein!

Mahalia is knit from the bottom up, increasing at the beginning and end of each RS row. At the start of the pattern stitch, stitch markers are used to divide the pattern section from the stockinette section. At the end of each set of pattern repeats, the stitch markers will be moved to accommodate one more pattern repeat in the next set.

If you would like a larger shawl, you can continue in this pattern until it reaches the desired measurements. It will require 1-2 more skeins of yarn, of course.

Note: the website at the bottom of the pattern - madewithsticks.com - is not yet running. I included this as a part of the formatting for my patterns. If you’d like to take a look at my blog you can find it at madewithsticks.blogspot.com.