This simple pattern is easily made by a beginner and makes up so nicely in your favorite skein of hand dyed yarn or special single skein of fingering/sock weight yarn. The gauge is not important. Blocking the shawl once completed helps add to the length as well as teaches the new knitter the basics of blocking.
Feel free to change the weight of yarn used but know that you will need to change the needle size as well to create an equally soft drape.