Posted on 8 Comments

Hitchhiker

Rainbow Hitchhiker Shawl

I’m not much of a “shawl person” to be honest. Previously, the only shawls I’ve worn were for special occasions: a wedding, and a Christening where I was the godmother.

I’ve tried to wear these pieces casually after the events for which they were crocheted, but I’m never happy with the way they look. In theory, the idea of wrapping a big shawl around my neck scarf-style is appealing. In practice, not so much.

I think my problem stems from the fact that these shawls have been either the wrong size, the wrong color, or both. The white one is just too small to wrap enough times to make me happy. The pink one might be more to my liking if I tossed it in a darker, greener dye bath.

Rainbow Hitchhiker Shawl

Better yet, though, would be a new shawl that was long enough to behave like a scarf, and in dark enough colors to fit my sense of style. Bonus points if I could work it up in less than a week.

This Hitchhiker Shawl ticks all of those boxes for me. It’s the first one I’ve ever knit (the other two were crocheted) and it was so simple – garter stitch the whole way – and the colors are fabulous.

Rainbow Hitchhiker Shawl

It took me about three days in my spare time, start to finish.

The yarn did most of the heavy lifting here. It was leftover Cascade Tangier from the yoke of my Porthole Pullover, and the long striping works to spectacular effect here.

The Hitchhiker pattern is actually written for sock yarn, which is much much finer than the worsted that I used, but sock yarn is just not my speed at all. I think it looks great in this beefier fiber! And this particular yarn was a terrific choice. I didn’t think it needed blocking, because it felt nice right out of the gate, but I went ahead and soaked it anyway. That 15-minute soak was enough to give it several more inches in length and make it super drapey and nice. I didn’t even pin it out or stretch it. I just spread it neatly on the table in the back yard and let it dry in the sun.

Rainbow Hitchhiker Shawl

I think it is almost inevitable that there be another one of these in my future. As much as I love the rainbow color, I think one in blues, greens, and teals would be absolutely to die for!

Pattern: Hitchhiker by Martina Behm
Yarn: Cascade Tangier in Geometric (3)
Modifications: I used heavier yarn (worsted) and a larger needle (US7), and knit until I had 25 points.

By the way, I have published the pattern for the Porthole Pullover I am wearing in these pictures! I’ll post more about that later in the week, but if you already know you are interested, you can grab a copy here. Thanks!

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

Sign up for occasional Polka Dot Cottage news and get a coupon for 10% off your next order!

Don't worry, we won't bother you more than once or twice a month!

Posted on 8 Comments

8 thoughts on “Hitchhiker

  1. Looks so cute with your sweater!

    1. Thanks! I can’t wait to wear them together to Rhinebeck 🙂 I hope it’s chilly enough for that!

  2. Love the hitchhiker and may give it a try.

    1. Go for it! There are thousands (yes thousands!) of examples of finished Hitchhikers on Ravelry, if you need additional inspiration.

  3. Gorgeous, gorgeous work, Lisa! You’ve inspired me to check out the Hitchhiker pattern! 🙂

    1. Have fun! I’m sure you could come up with some gorgeous colors for it 🙂

  4. […] the end of September, and that means chilly mornings. I’ve been wrapping myself up in my Hitchhiker or my Vertical Hold when I leave the house, and they’ve been a perfect way to keep […]

  5. […] and whip up an instant-gratification Hitchhiker Shawl. While I really liked the drape and feel of the rainbow one I made last year, the colors weren’t always what I was looking to […]

Leave a comment!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.