This file was downloaded from http://www.knitting-and.com/knitlistgifts/2001/tinsel-garland-shawl.htm

A recent Knitting Digest had a story and pattern of a shawl made from red and green tinsel garland. As I remember the article, it must have been made on super huge needles as I believe it was 3 stitches wide with each row having several wraps for each stitch that was dropped to create a looser fabric.

Being ever subtle in color and texture of what I wear and knit, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of having a glittery shawl. I found some bright blue and silver garland that I liked and figured that the colors were neutral enough to wear year round.

The biggest needles I had were #15 double points. I rubber banded a cloth on one end to attempt to create straight needles but shortly found that the needles were just too short and too small. A call to the Hurricane Knitters List found a member who mailed me some #19 circulars.

I found that 20 stitches were too many, as were 15. I ended up with 11 stitches (was aiming for 10 but you know how that goes!)

I had problems in determining which were the wrapped stitches to drop and ended up just knitting each row which created a denser fabric but it is still flexible.

I used 7 packages of the tinsel garland, 50' in a package, to create a shawl about 20" wide and 6' long. It is slightly rough and I wouldn't want to be wearing a sleeveless dress underneath. It looks ... well, bright and shiny! Those with more delicate constitutions would probably think it a
bit much but I intend to wear it on our next cultural outing. Of course, in Florida anything goes and you'll see shorts and jeans at concerts and plays.

It took me two evenings to knit the thing and was very good exercise for my recently broken wrist.

My husband was amazed at my knitting and said it was lovely until I said that it was a shawl and that I'd be wearing it in public. Will see if he actually walks with me when I wear it or if I get to show off the lovely garment as I walk alone!!