Surely now is the time for shawls to make a comeback

[meateatingveggie]

Half serious/half joking.

My granny used to have one handy all the time. Cool evenings outside, over her nightie, sitting watching tv in the evenings. I know a cardi does the same but I really fancy a shawl...

Although is it a snood? 🤔

I moved to the UK from a hot place in 1999 when it was peak "pashmina and swishy hair" years. I remember wondering what the pashmina was for when the winter arrived and then I understood - I still have a drawer full, now supplemented by Infinity scarves circa 2005, blanket scarves c 2008, the Mumsnet scarf from 2011, and a poncho from last winter working from home!

Maybe layering them is the solution, though I would look like a small moving pile of drapery.

Oh my God I am all about the Mumsnet scarf of 2011 and all of the rest of that shelving unit in my wardrobe I really need to sort... I will definitely wear that infinity scarf again..

Well if we're talking about shawls we certainly need a brooch to go with it and keep it in place.

What makes a shawl superior to something like a big chunky jumper or cardigan? Does it not move around or fall off?

I love shawls and so does my DM. When I was a teenager I was mortified that my late 30s/early 40s DM wore them now I'm 40 and I do. My DD12 regularly steals my woolly poncho one too.

I love shawls. Sadly I think this is the year of coats indoors as shawls may not cut it! I am very fond of an old fashioned satin/quilted bed jackets with ribbon ties, I always get lots of positive comments on them in hospitals. Elderly women in particular admire them and I like to think it brings them, as well as me, a brief moment of happiness

I'm trying to persuade DH into a velvet smoking jacket but sadly he is resisting - wouldn't that make a good AIBU!

Cannot believe the MN shawl was 2011, that's simply not possible

Shawls are great for just sitting, but working at home last winter I started to wear a long-line poncho and that will be back in operation when needed and was a great buy from Tu.

I got a lovely teddy bear soft oversized hoodie/poncho yesterday from dunelm to keep me warm during the winter only for my dd to pinch it, at least once of us won't freeze this winter !!

@wannarunfromitall I still have one of those scarves too, it's so comfy. I also have a couple of shawls I've crocheted - they're great for using up spare yarn. One's doing double service being an extra blanket on DDs' bed right now.

I have a load of shawls that I crocheted - I wear them as scarves though. If shawls make a come back, I'm sorted!

I have a lovely turquoise alpaca lacey poncho which is surprisingly warm and perfect for now when it is slightly too chilly for summer clothes at some points of the day but too warm for anything else.

I love a hive mind.

at some point yesterday I was wondering if I could crochet a lovely shawl (spoiler: absolutely not). My granny made them the same way I make cheese on toast (when it’s chilly, when someone needs cheered up, when some one needs looked after).

i have the hooks so maybe I’ll look up some guides online, spend £50 on wool (she always used “baby” wool, what is that?) and then never learn to do it.

but yes let’s start wearing them.

Everyone complaining that shawls fall off needs a shawl pin. Wrap the shawl round you and then pin it closed. It won’t come off and, as it’s pinned to itself, the pin won’t damage anything underneath. For those with small children, non-sharp pins are available.
I’ve knitted many beautiful shawls over the years. Up until recently they were mainly for yoga/meditation (it’s easy to get cold when sitting still for long periods) but maybe now they’ll be a bit more versatile.

A proper shawl so 6ft by 6ft doubled over to a triangle and pinned with a broach offers two layers to trap the heat in. They are also multifunctional can be used as blankets, throws, baby carrying. They are just like a big wooly hug.

In colder weather you can wear a t-shirt, jumper then the shawl over your shoulders and arms giving you 4 layers of heat trapping. They are also just nice to snuggle under, so you can pop your arms under it and hug yourself basically and nobody knows 🤣

I loved what Claire worn in Outlander. A thick wool thing.

@CaptainBarbosa I'm glad you mentioned a size.. I too am pondering crocheting myself one and was wondering how big to make it. I'm imagining a fairly fine wool, in an open but not too lacy stitch....

6ft by 6ft is the standard for a Welsh shole/siol fagu (baby carrying shawl)

Normally made with soft wool, crocheting one would also work with chunky yarn. You want to be able to double it over in the triangle see to give the two layers. A single layer is no different to wearing a blanket or poncho.

I normally triangle mine drape or round and then pull the right end over on to the left breast and pin the layers together with a brooch. Gives you a bit of a cawl neck, or you can bring both end together in the centre of the breast for a more traditional look and clasp/pin it there, you get extra forearm coverage in the front join.

Shawls are the perfect garment for so many occasions

Wandering the seashore because your midshipman love is lost at sea - shawl

Stealing into the garden before the servants have awoken, to gather some hemlock to slip into your husband's broth - shawl

Covering your face as you enter the tavern to join the secret Levellers meeting - shawl

So pashmina type things are OK to wear again are they? Huh - the fickles of fashion which I rarely observe.

I have a wool pashmina and grab it in place with a small diamante hair claw. Perfect.

I had one bought for me at Christmas once and never used it.

I'll get it out.

Oh this is when Mumsnet needs a like button!

Love it

Surely they are a timeless classic?

I have shawls. Love mine.

I hope/trust you are making your living as a writer!