Shawls

[Jackie M.]

I want to knit my first shawl with a pretty lace pattern, but wondered if I want a triangular or rectangle shaped shawl. Which shape is your favorite either to knit or just think looks best?

[Spinto]

I think you should pick the shawl with the lace pattern that most appeals to you, regardless of shape. If you love the look of the material, you're going to care far less if it's a triangle or rectangle. But personally, I think triangular shawls lend themselves better to intricate lace. Then again, I find recangular shawls drape around the body in a more elegant way. So if it were me, my decision would be between beautiful pattern and elegant garment. Does that even help at all? :P

[Jackie M.]

I agree completely!

[vaknitter]

It really is presonal preferance, my MIL prefers triangles, but I prefer rectangles. I don't ever wear mine around the house - all of mine are for going out to dinner when it's chilly or covering my shoulders while wearing a fancy dress. My MIL wears her while working on the computer or reading and prefers to have the point covering her back to keep the draft off.

I was wasn't any help at all was I...

Whenever I wear a triangle shawl, it doesn't cover me enough, it slips off my shoulders and covers my back.. I prefer the rectangle because I can wear it as a scarf, then pull it over my shoulders (and wrap around my body) when I get cold..the older I get the colder I get!!!

[sakura-panda]

This isn't helpful either, but have you seen the PI shawls that some people have made? Those are round and very cool looking. I have seen some very pretty ones, but I'm intimidated by the shape.

Personally, I think I'd like to make a SQUARE shawl, if I don't try one of the PI ones. (I haven't looked at patterns or anything -- I'm still practicing stitches -- so maybe a lacy square design is difficult to do, but I prefer square scarves over long ones and I figure the same applies to shawls.)