In Elizabeth Gaskell’s much-loved novel, North and South, Marlborough Mills is one of the factories in the fictional industrial town of Milton. It’s owned by the wonderfully curt and scowly John Thornton, who makes Mr. Darcy look downright cuddly.

Some of the most important scenes in the book happen at Marlborough Mills, including a pivotal moment involving an angry crowd of striking workers, a failed peacemaking, and a thrown rock that hits the exact wrong target. I don’t want to give spoilers if you haven’t read it yet, but oh, it’s delicious.

This crescent-shaped shawl has a simple stockinette body with a knitted-on edging. The twisting and turning bits of trim are meant to mimic the back and forth repetitive motions of the machinery at the mill. Because this shawl is knit at a looser gauge, it’s a great choice for a lighter wrap for summertime.

SIZES

One size, adjustable. Sample shown is 61” (155 cm) wide by 19.5” (49.5 cm) tall at its highest point.

MATERIALS

Fingering-weight yarn, 750 yds (686 m)

Sample shown knit in Anzula Luxury Fibers Squishy, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon, 385 yds (352 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g)

GAUGE

4” (10 cm) square = 21 stitches x 33 rows in stockinette stitch knit flat

NEEDLES

One set of 32” (81 cm) circular needles in a size to match gauge listed above

Suggested needle size: US 6 (4.0 mm)

TOOLS

Two stitch markers for side increases
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

Techniques: decreases, increases, garter tab cast-on, sideways knitted-on edging