We had so much fun and loved Takako’s design for the recent Mechita KAL, that we are just thrilled to have a new design from her to feature as our Quickies pattern this month. Sail Away Shawl is the perfect accessory for this time of year, and if you are starting to wish winter away, this is the perfect antidote as you sail out into the sun! 

Sail Away Shawl is knit in two skeins of Ultimate Sock, and the sample shawl is worked in the Gloria colorway. Cables, Garter stitch, and short rows are the exciting stitch journeys you will use on this adventure.  Takako was so gracious to share with us a little bit about her design, and we are excited to share that with you now.

1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?

My favorite part is to make a sail-like shape by working short rows. Most of the shawl is garter stitch, but I added short rows to entertain knitters.

2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?

The trickiest part is Section 2 because you have to pay attention to the stitch counts at each short row. My tip is to always make sure how many stitches are worked for each short row. Also, when working cables, we work 2 different cables (C4B and C4F), so please note which way you must knit each row. 

I used the wrap and turn method for the short rows, but you can use any short rows techniques if you prefer other ways. 

3: What does your design process look like?

First, I check the yarn I am going to use. According to the yarn weight, color, materials, and yardage, I will decide what to design. For example, this time, I used 2 skeins of Ultimate Sock with mixed colors, I designed a simple shawl that would stand out the color I chose. 

So, I only used a simple garter stitch, cables, and ribbing. And adding originality to the design, I added short rows to make a sail-like shape. 

4: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?

The shape of the shawl was created coincidentally with repeats of short rows. So first there were no specific inspirations, but along with working on the design, the shape became unique, and I got some ideas from test knitters that I should name relating to “Sail”, I named it Sail Away Shawl. 

5: What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?

So many to choose from! I love grayish colors like Polar Moon or Flavia. 

7: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?

I want many knitters to know about my designs. My designs are very basic and (I think) easy to follow so available for all level knitters.

8. What beverage are you most likely to have by your side while designing? 

I love drinking cafe latte while designing. 

Be sure to follow Takako on Instgram @takakoob and you can find the pattern on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sail-away-shawl-2