How to make a cozy shawl

Today I'm going to tell you how to make a super simple and warm shawl - the old-fashioned version of a poncho, sweater, blanket, and Snuggie rolled into one. Maybe this is an unseasonable post, but I'm justifying it because we've been experiencing some strangely chilly weather in my part of the country lately. 

Here's a quick quote from The Long Winter about Laura and her shawl: 

"...Then Laura ran through the cool, misty rain to the corn-patch and lugged back the biggest green pumpkin. 

'Stand by the oven door and dry yourself,' said Ma. 'You're not very big, Laura, but you're old enough to put on a shawl without being told.' 

'I went so fast I dodged between the raindrops,' Laura said. 'I'm not much wet, Ma, honestly.' ..."

Your cozy shawl will just be a triangular piece of thick wool felt-type fabric. Buy a yard or two so that your piece of fabric is square, then cut it in half diagonally and make a shawl for yourself and for a friend. 

All you need to do now is finish the edges so that your shawl won't ravel. There are a few ways I'd recommend. First, you can simply stitch around the edge with a sewing machine. This is quick and easy, but it leaves the edge looking rather plain for my taste. 

Another option is to cut 1/4 inch wide fringe around the bottom (long, triangular) edge of the shawl. I don't have a photo of this one for some reason. 

Finally, you could use the blanket stitch with some contrasting yarn to edge your shawl. 

Here's a diagram of how to make the stitch. It's a little tricky until you get the rhythm going, but the effect is pretty if you evenly space your stitches. 

Now you've made your own shawl. Congratulations. It's probably the world's simplest garment to make and wear - but you don't lose any warmth or pioneer style. Enjoy!

Check back often for more Little House-inspired fun!

Elizabeth