Marlborough Mills Shawl

>This pattern includes a second PDF version that is formatted for knitters with low vision. It has black text, size 22 or larger text in a sans serif font, no italics, no columns, and fully-written directions. The chart is still included but is not needed to work the pattern. Many thanks to Gemma Thompson (gemmabelle here on Rav) and the Accessible Patterns group for their guidance in formatting patterns in a more accessible way. In Elizabeth Gaskell’s much-loved novel, North and South, Marlborough Mills is one of the factories in the fictional industrial town of Milton. It’s owned by the wonderfully curt and scowly John Thornton, who makes Mr. Darcy look downright cuddly. Some of the most important scenes in the book happen at Marlborough Mills, including a pivotal moment involving an angry crowd of striking workers, a failed peacemaking, and a thrown rock that hits the exact wrong target. I don’t want to give spoilers if you haven’t read it yet, but oh, it’s delicious. This crescent-shaped shawl has a simple stockinette body with a knitted-on edging. The twisting and turning bits of trim are meant to mimic the back and forth repetitive motions of the machinery at the mill. Because this shawl is knit at a looser gauge, it’s a great choice for a lighter wrap for summertime. **SIZES** One size, adjustable. Sample shown is 61” (155 cm) wide by 19.5” (49.5 cm) tall at its highest point. **MATERIALS** Fingering-weight yarn, 750 yds (686 m) Sample shown knit in Anzula Luxury Fibers Squishy, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 385 yds (352 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) **GAUGE** 4” (10 cm) square = 21 stitches x 33 rows in stockinette stitch knit flat **NEEDLES** One set of 32” (81 cm) circular needles in a size to match gauge listed above Suggested needle size: US 6 (4.0 mm) **TOOLS** Two stitch markers for side increases Tapestry needle for weaving in ends **SKILL LEVEL** Intermediate Techniques: decreases, increases, garter tab cast-on, sideways knitted-on edging