Inspiring person and designer, Joji Locatelli, has released a complimentary pattern for all of us to enjoy! The Odyssey Shawl is a simple combo of three colors of DK weight yarn, she uses Tosh DK, and is a great way to either combine three colors you have in stash, or to really flex your color-combo muscles and put something extra stunning together. I have put together a few color ideas for you to consider (you can also use fingering weight yarn for a smaller shawl and just go down a couple needle sizes), and I'm even giving away yarn here and on Instagram. Details at the bottom.
Photos used with permission of Joji Locatelli
But first, this is what Joji has to say about designing this pattern:
"Odyssey is a way for me to give back to the knitting community.
You can download it for free, forever, but it is not a free pattern…
The making of this pattern was paid by all of you, knitters, as a community. By supporting me and my family, you are allowing me to do a job I love and I am giving that love back.
And by supporting I don’t only mean ‘buying my patterns’. Support also comes from all the love you send me with your messages. I couldn’t do it without you.
Therefore, because you are a member of this community, this is a pattern from me to all of you.
I started the design of this shawl during a trip to Canada, inspired by the green colors of the landscape. It was the perfect easy project to keep me company on a trip that turned out to be quite an adventure!
Today, I am again traveling with my family and we feel so blessed and so grateful that we want to send something to all of you, so here’s this Odyssey for you to knit and enjoy.
Odyssey is a crescent shaped shawl in 3 colors of medium-weight yarn. Medium weight means DK, or worsted, or even Aran! The good news is that you knit it up super fast.
Each color section ends with a lace band that features striking big eyelets and wavy texture.
It works with MANY yarn weights, and with ANY yarn! You don’t need to buy any special yarn for this design. Check your stash and see what inspires you!"
Above, Joji used greens (like shown above) and greys to make hers: Cactus (unavailable, but sub something dark like Black Sea or Leopard for similar effect), Joshua Tree (or Oak would be nice too) and Pelican.
We also really like Danger Will Robinson/ Cenote/ Time to Pretend
Coquette Deux/ Copper Pink/ Found Pottery or Calligraphy
And this one really speaks to me, but is completely outside my normal range of color. Which means maybe I should cast it on immediately for a shop sample to increase my knitting mojo? Phantasm/ Mercury/ Brass.
And if there's a color combo you are considering and want our eyes on it before placing your order, you know we love being your personal shoppers and project helpers. Just e-mail me, Allison, at service@simplysockyarn.com as usual and I'm pretty darn quick about getting back to you that way. Plus I have awesome coloristas here who also have other ideas you might consider too. We like enabling your color expansion!
If you want to try a spankin' new yarn, here are a few combinations using the batch of Sport that just arrived from new dyer Less Traveled Yarn. Sport is lightly less weighty than DK, so you could either go down one needle size or you could use the needle size called for in the pattern for a slightly drapier look. LIke Joji mentioned, the exact weight isn't needed.
Please note, the photos below of Sport were just snapped by me and haven't been color corrected for accuracy like everything on our website. If you want to know the true nature of each color, the ones in the shop website in the Sport section are the most accurate.
Harvest Festival, Aspen, Pumpkin Spice
Homestead, Canyon, Harvest Festival
Mulberry Daiquiri, Barbie Goes Hunting and Truth or Consequences
Orion, Mulberry Daiquiri, Koi Pond
And if you made it all the way through this, don't you deserve the chance at a treat? How about a chance at three skeins of Tosh DK of your own to make this shawl or something else? Just tell me in the comments below if you think you would prefer to have a DK weight shawl in your life like Odyssey or if you live/work in a climate/office that would better suit a lighter weight fingering weight lacier shawl like perhaps Tracie, and leave me that comment before midnight EST on Friday, March 1. You're welcome to be as specific as you like about what shawls you are actually using this time of year and why. Please, do tell me about your vacation to Fiji and how you need a featherweight shawl right now! I'll choose a winner and e-mail and post here. And check out Instagram for another chance to win and this blog post here for another chance! All sorts of free yarn this week!
Me? I am in definite need of a DK or worsted weight shawl right now. Are you in the Midwest or another area where you've been visited by the Polar Vortex and the awful weather we've been experiencing? You know when USPS shuts down for days it has to be bad, right? But after several days of cold mess, the weather increases by 70 degrees (negative 30 to positive 40 in a day!) and everyone wants to go outside and walk and enjoy breathing normally! It's been crazy!
I would chose the DK weight. I love shawls -- so versatile - and have many in fingering. But would love to do this great pattern in a heavier weight. I live in the MId-Atlantic region and our weather, although not as cold as the much of the US, bounces from one extreme to the other in a short period of time. So shawls are always a good thing to have.
Posted by: Nancy Williams | February 25, 2019 at 12:15 PM
I love a DK weight shawl. Not too heavy, not too light, it's just right.
Posted by: Stacy Clayton | February 25, 2019 at 12:18 PM
I dont have any shawls, I have yet to knit one. I cast on one months ago and got distracted with other easier projects. Dk weight would be great, the offices where I work are a bit chilly!
Posted by: Wendy Chase | February 25, 2019 at 12:19 PM
We've had a very cold winter in Southern California (cold for us, that is) so I'd like a DK shawl for next winter to keep me cozy. Plus DK shawls knit up so fast!
Posted by: Susie | February 25, 2019 at 12:29 PM
DK weight for sure! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Amy Higgins | February 25, 2019 at 12:37 PM
There’s room in my closet for a DK or lace shawl! I love both. Living in the Midwest means we “need” both weights. I think I have fallen in love with the last colorway shown from Less Traveled Yarn. Swoon!
Posted by: Elaine Smith | February 25, 2019 at 12:42 PM
Either shawl would be good for New England weather but i would definitely get more wear out of a dk weight one
Posted by: Erin | February 25, 2019 at 12:43 PM
I live in Maine and it will be cold for a while more yet. I could definitely use. Dk shawl. I am also a good sturdy girl so like a shawl with some size. I just finished the Rose City MKAL shawl and can't weight to get it blocked.
Posted by: Tracy | February 25, 2019 at 12:43 PM
I would enjoy knitting a dk shawl for sure. The Phantasm/Mercury/Brass colorway is beautiful! We are not having all the snow many parts of the country are experiencing but definitely have the cold blustery winds here in the Texas Panhandle.
Posted by: Diane | February 25, 2019 at 12:50 PM
I prefer DK weight
Posted by: Judy | February 25, 2019 at 01:07 PM
Fingering weight works well for indoors in the winter and outdoors for the other three seasons.
Posted by: Lyn Dorman | February 25, 2019 at 01:08 PM
I’ve only made a few shawls: 2 in fingering weight, one worsted and one bulky. I like the lighter weight versions because they are easy to wear and work for several seasons. I like knitting the heavier weight because they knit up in a flash, but I just can’t figure out how to wear them and not have to fiddle with it.
On a side note, your color combinations are wonderful. You have a great eye for a good mix.
Posted by: Lara | February 25, 2019 at 01:16 PM
I e never made a shawl in DK. I would love to try this pattern, it’s beautiful
Posted by: Beth P | February 25, 2019 at 01:21 PM
DK is perfect for the weather we've been having here in the east. I've never made a shawl before, but this would be a perfect start! I've got the pattern ready. Even if I don't win, I am going to find three colors that I love and give it a go.
Posted by: Michelle Carter | February 25, 2019 at 01:32 PM
Fingering weight for me.
Posted by: pat | February 25, 2019 at 01:36 PM
I'd prefer a DK weight shawl. I've knit a lot of light weight shawls, which are nice to toss around my neck for added warmth. But a heavier weight shawl around my shoulders would be great in my chilly office.
Posted by: savannagal | February 25, 2019 at 01:40 PM
Wow! What a wonderful contest! DK for me, as I am in the polar vortex midwest!
Posted by: Lynn | February 25, 2019 at 01:43 PM
I really think with our bipolar weather here in Tennessee, I'd need something in every weight.
Posted by: Cathy Robinson | February 25, 2019 at 01:45 PM
After lots of fingering weight, I made my first DK shawl last autumn, and it won't be my last! It was still plenty lightweight and drapey, but I have been very grateful for the extra bit of warmth and coziness on some of the blustery days we have had this winter. Plus, the knitting went so fast!
Posted by: Kimberly Wiggin | February 25, 2019 at 01:47 PM
Here in Wisconsin, with never ending wind and snow, a worsted weight shawl would be lovely.
Posted by: Beverly Davis | February 25, 2019 at 01:48 PM
In California (not in the snowy mountains), fingering weight shawls only, please. I knit a two-skein worsted weight shawl a couple years ago, and I need to go frog it and free up that yarn for something else--it doesn't get worn.
Posted by: Carol | February 25, 2019 at 01:52 PM
These color combinations are gorgeous!! I think I’d prefer DK, I live in a warm climate but it’s been a cold winter and my office is set to frigid. I’ve been wearing my rockefeller shawl lately, I’m almost done with find your fade and have radiata and the rain outside in the queue!
Posted by: Lisa Collins | February 25, 2019 at 01:56 PM
DK for Toronto winters, for sure
Posted by: Nancy F. | February 25, 2019 at 02:02 PM
I would prefer a dk shawl because it would be done quicker and so many of the shawls I want to make are fingering weight.
Posted by: joyce hancock | February 25, 2019 at 02:27 PM
I live in Chicago area and DK would be perfect. It is so cold!!
Posted by: Andi Mallinger | February 25, 2019 at 02:43 PM
With more snow on the ground than I've seen in years, this California girl transplanted to Nebraska wants a DK shawl all the way!!
Posted by: Anne Marie | February 25, 2019 at 02:53 PM
I think I’d prefer a DK weight shawl like Odyssey! And I love its large holes! I’ve always been drawn to the large holes.
Thanks for the contest.
Posted by: Jan | February 25, 2019 at 03:18 PM
Definitely DK. That is the perfect weight for spring in Indiana.
Posted by: Annette Poole | February 25, 2019 at 03:22 PM
Im perpetually cold so dk calls my name for sure! Especially with 50mph+ winds today! Im loving that joji shawl! Especially in the greens.
Posted by: Jenn hen | February 25, 2019 at 03:22 PM
I'd say DK given the option as I have way more fingering yarn on hand than heavier weights. My wrists would appreciate the shorter turnaround time too.
Posted by: Lee | February 25, 2019 at 03:31 PM
I live in Arizona and usually make everything out of Fingering weight yarn; however, considering this kind of winter (and the fact that even in Tucson, AZ we just had a few inches of snow) I think I am ready to make a shawl out of DK weight yarn. Thank you for the opportunity to win this gorgeous yarn.
Posted by: marsha willey | February 25, 2019 at 03:34 PM
Sport Weight for me 😊. Over air conditioned offices and restaurants in the spring an summer!
Posted by: June Potere | February 25, 2019 at 03:37 PM
DK please, I like a larger shawl.
Posted by: Janet | February 25, 2019 at 03:45 PM
I would love a DK weight shawl! I live in Maryland where we can have some really cold winters. A DK weight shawl can work well here during the cold months as well as keep me warm and comfortable during the spring and Summer months when I'm in an air conditioned building.
Posted by: Latassha Henderson | February 25, 2019 at 03:47 PM
Chilly here in the NW and DK weight would be perfect for puttering around my 66 degree house.
Posted by: Suz | February 25, 2019 at 03:49 PM
I think the DK weight would be perfect in Upstate NY, especially as I look outside at the very blustery snowy day! Thank you 😄
Posted by: Sue | February 25, 2019 at 03:51 PM
I love the squishiness of a DK shawl, but I'm always running hot, so the lacier lighter weights are a bit more practical for me. DK would be great to cover my head and shoulders in when walking from car to office though!
Posted by: Jeri | February 25, 2019 at 03:52 PM
As I hope it soon will be spring, fingering weight would be more appropriate for Maryland where I live. However, I do so love the DK shawl Odyssey. I would love to try the Phantasm/ Mercury/ Brass color scheme!
Posted by: Anne Westbrook | February 25, 2019 at 03:54 PM
I tend to be careless with lace items, sad but true. I like a DK weight in items like this. Love the pattern and thank you for sharing with us.
The yarn you feature has great colors.
Posted by: Kay | February 25, 2019 at 04:25 PM
I prefer fingering to DK most days!
Posted by: Leigh Ditto | February 25, 2019 at 04:31 PM
Here in Michigan, definitely DK. We survived the Polar Vortex, and we survived yesterday’s crazy wind. Surely spring will arrive soon?
Posted by: Robin V | February 25, 2019 at 04:37 PM
I am in the midwest too, so nothing lighter than DK and maybe worsted and then at least 3 shawls piled on top of each other!
Posted by: Nancy DeMere | February 25, 2019 at 04:42 PM
I love a DK shawl! They're so squishy and cozy and perfect for chilly Bay Area weather!
Posted by: Donna | February 25, 2019 at 04:49 PM
I just became a grandmother for the first time this weekend. A DK shawl would be just the
Perfect weight for rocking this little fellow. He would be bundled up warm and me too!
Posted by: Debbie Briwn | February 25, 2019 at 04:53 PM
Ohio weather has been wild! I like the idea of DK for a shawl because it would knit up faster.
Posted by: Jessica | February 25, 2019 at 05:23 PM
Dk probably. I have fingering weight ones.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 25, 2019 at 05:26 PM
Probably a sport weight but the dk would knit up a tad faster, no? I’m all about instant gratification right now. Lol.
Posted by: Olga | February 25, 2019 at 05:33 PM
I'd prefer a DK weight shawl as I'm cold all the time. I'm living in VA, but promise you that Fiji is on my bucket list! We Almost went this year, but decided to move to a small farm instead. I still need Fiji in my life though!
Posted by: Rene Bowman | February 25, 2019 at 05:34 PM
I’m always so cold that I would need a DK Weight Shawl for sure! Those new yarns are stunning!
Posted by: Heather | February 25, 2019 at 05:37 PM
With all the cold and wind here I am definitely ready for a DK weight shawl!
Posted by: Cindy | February 25, 2019 at 05:37 PM
Most of my shawls are Fingering weight. I’m loving my Gloamin’ Tide in MadTosh Merino Light right now (perfect travel scarf!) but I’d love to knit a DK scarf! I just love scarves!
Posted by: junglewife | February 25, 2019 at 05:45 PM
Living in Maine, a DK shawl would be so warm and cozy!
Posted by: Alex | February 25, 2019 at 06:36 PM
While the inside of the shop is a reasonable temperature most of the time, a DK weight shawl like Odyssey is just the thing in Maine, especially for times when you have to run out to the mailbox or help customers to their cars with their purchases.
Posted by: Annie Tarbox | February 25, 2019 at 07:05 PM
I would love and wear both. I love the pattern in Odyssey. Love summer weight shawls and we definitely need them in Alabama if we want to continue wearing our works of art.
Posted by: Mindy Cheyne | February 25, 2019 at 07:17 PM
I would love to see you carry some nonsuperwash yarn. Thanks!
Posted by: Dee Thompson | February 25, 2019 at 07:20 PM
I'm thinking a DK shawl would be a great change of pace for me since most of the ones I have are fingering, and this pattern is stunning.
Posted by: Jeanne Bush | February 25, 2019 at 07:39 PM
I'm between you and Indy and I don't have any DK shawls. I've done lots of sock weight, but haven't branched out much. I wear something handmade every day to keep my neck warm. Does anyone else pick their clothes for the day based on which yarny thing you want to wear?!
Posted by: Jenni Westman | February 25, 2019 at 07:45 PM
DK for this Alaskan.
Posted by: Barbara McCarthy | February 25, 2019 at 07:54 PM
I like DK weight shawls the best, although to be honest, a lot of mine are lacy fingering weight because I think they look classier. The DK ones that I do wear, I wear A LOT!
Posted by: Vasiliki | February 25, 2019 at 08:16 PM
... I'm on a shawl knitting streak this year. I already have this pattern lined up and ready to go. I usually do neutral, natural yarns... but I'd love the opportunity to make it in your beautiful color ways. I really love the Danger Will Robinson/ Cenote/ Time to Pretend combination. Hope I win! ❤️
Posted by: Sheri | February 25, 2019 at 08:37 PM
I definitely would like a DK weight shawl. I sit under a vent!
Posted by: Kate | February 25, 2019 at 08:37 PM
I would love to have a DK or worsted weight shawl in my life - I am visiting my Dad in Pennsylvania for his 87th birthday, and it is SO cold, I would love to wrap up in a warm, warm shawl.
Posted by: Diane | February 25, 2019 at 08:46 PM
It's been super cold, but I have a lot of light weight shawls already. I definitely need DK!
Posted by: Alice | February 25, 2019 at 08:56 PM
I would honestly have to say I would love either one. I love working with both weights of yarn.
Posted by: Chris Reber | February 25, 2019 at 09:22 PM
The shawl is pefect and I would love it in DK as I don't have any shawls in DK yarn. Sounds wonderful,warm and quicker than fingering weight.
The combo with Mulberry and Barbie Goes Hunting sounds scrumptious!
I don't have anything with coral tones in it.
Posted by: Barb B | February 25, 2019 at 09:30 PM
DK is my favorite.
Posted by: Lori Malarkey | February 25, 2019 at 09:30 PM
DK would be great. I’m in soggy, soggy NC, where we have had nearly 40” of rain (a year’s worth) in the last 6 months, and it has rained something like 75 of the last 90 days. We are damp, and cold, or damp and sort of warm, or just plain wet.
Posted by: Niki Vogler | February 25, 2019 at 09:40 PM
Living in the Midwest, I am a dk or worsted shawl person. I get outside for at least 30 minutes a day and I always bundle up in a shawl.
Posted by: Kirstin | February 25, 2019 at 09:54 PM
Love DK yarn. Not too light, not too heavy, just right!
Posted by: Betty | February 25, 2019 at 09:59 PM
I have lots of fingering weight shawls but would love a DK shawl. Winter in Chicago seems colder every year!
Posted by: Gloriane | February 25, 2019 at 10:04 PM
I would prefer the DK weight right now and would get more mileage out that weight. Can't wait for spring!
Posted by: Terri | February 25, 2019 at 10:09 PM
DK weight is warm and has nice drape. It is a gorgeous pattern!
Posted by: DB | February 25, 2019 at 10:10 PM
DK is my favorite with living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Tomorrows high will be -18. Plus the bonus of being kept warm as I crochet away.. Good luck every one!
Posted by: Paula Reynolds | February 25, 2019 at 10:22 PM
I think a DK weight shawl would be handier in my climate.... I also love a larger shawl I can wrap myself up in! I love the Coquette Deux/Copper Pink/ Found Pottery combo! Yum!
Posted by: Karen | February 25, 2019 at 10:46 PM
I would love to knit a DK weight shawl. I always knit fingering weight shawls, live in norther MI and warmer is better right now!
Posted by: Meta Kruzel | February 25, 2019 at 10:46 PM
I think I’d prefer a shawl in a DK or heavier weight yarn. Like you, We in Chicago got hit by the Polar Vortex & the 70° increase in a few days. Also I like to take long train trips & the temperature can vary a lot on trains. And a heavier weight shawl canalsi substitute for a blanket when needed. I think my Clapotis has gotten more use that way than in the traditional use.
Posted by: Donna | February 25, 2019 at 11:06 PM
Where I live we just got 11.5 inches of snow. A DK weight shawl would be wa wonderful item to add to my wardrobe for keeping warm.
Posted by: Leslie Morgan (jakesknittingmama) | February 25, 2019 at 11:20 PM
DK is the perfect weight for my office! When
it's really cold I can wrap it like a scarf or when it's just a tad chilly I can toss it over my shoulders.
Posted by: Kara F | February 25, 2019 at 11:20 PM
Definitely DK! It’s my go to for so many projects to wear in our fickle Virginia winters when it’s 30 degrees on day and 60 the next! I’ve never had a chance to knit with Madelintosh so it would be a real treat.
Posted by: Zoe Dellinger | February 25, 2019 at 11:25 PM
Would love to ya e the shawl in dk weight!
Posted by: Tanya Bankert | February 25, 2019 at 11:28 PM
Sometimes I could use a heavier shawl, but typically fingering is sufficient. It doesn’t get too cold in California. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Marilyn | February 25, 2019 at 11:51 PM
I could use a dk weight shawl. I have a lot of fingering weight shawls already.
Posted by: Teresa Knittingdancer | February 25, 2019 at 11:53 PM
I live in a desert, so get to deal with temps anywhere from 30-120 degrees depending on season and whether it’s daytime or not. So I get use out of shawls of all sorts of weights! I have been cuddling up with a DK weight in my poorly insulated office this winter, but I’m about to cast on a laceweight mohair/silk wrap for warmer weather.
Posted by: Megan | February 26, 2019 at 12:27 AM
I'm a fingering weight yarn person. I enjoy the smaller needles and compact projects. Good luck to all the contestants!
Posted by: Barbara | February 26, 2019 at 01:56 AM
DK weight for me. Northern NY have cool summer nights
Posted by: Jo | February 26, 2019 at 04:13 AM
We are escaping the polar vortex soon and traveling to Tulum. It's been so miserable here 3 extended family members have gotten their passports and are traveling with four the very first time! So I think a fingering weight shawl in ceynote blues would be perfect as a wrap!
Posted by: Jen Barr | February 26, 2019 at 04:41 AM
It is moving into spring here, in Pennsylvania. But, I'm always cold, so a DK weight sounds glorious to me! Those color combos are gorgeous, but the last DK one, with the yellows/reds, sets my heart afire!
Heather
York, PA
Posted by: Heather | February 26, 2019 at 05:46 AM
Most of my sharks and wraps are in fingering...would love to try DK this time around. Michigan’s weather this winter has been something. Getting ready to gear up for some more snow!
Posted by: Kelli L | February 26, 2019 at 05:58 AM
DK weight Odyessy would be appropriate for out winter in MO. ⛄️
Posted by: Janet D | February 26, 2019 at 07:09 AM
I would definitely make a DK weight Odyssey! I think that is the perfect shawl weight..size...drape!!! And Tosh DK would be yummy!!
Posted by: De'Anne Hite | February 26, 2019 at 08:01 AM
Living in North Carolina gives me a lot of flexibility with shawls. When I’m in the mountains, I love DK weight shawls and certain times at the beach call for fingering weight.
Posted by: Julie | February 26, 2019 at 08:01 AM
I love the look of shawls but don’t usually wear them. This pattern could make me change my mind. Dk weight would be my choice.
Posted by: Debra Cohen | February 26, 2019 at 08:14 AM
I think I would love to have a DK weight shawl! All my shawls are fingering weight, and something a little heavier would be nice - I'm ALWAYS cold, and could use a little extra insulation!
Posted by: Rachel R. | February 26, 2019 at 10:26 AM
I live on Cape Cod, MA. I definitely need a DK weight shawl, as the ocean will delay the arrival of warm weather. And the Odyssey shawl is so pretty!
Posted by: Ana Procopenco | February 26, 2019 at 10:29 AM
Tosh and DK in any combination, what could be better!
Posted by: Kathy Davis | February 26, 2019 at 10:42 AM
I love the look of this shawl and would love to do it in a DK weight.
You have some beautiful color choices!
Posted by: Carol | February 26, 2019 at 11:14 AM
Dk for sure! I live in a warm place but I always keep a shawl with me since everyone cranks up the A.C. I love Miss Joji's designs, she is a genius.
Posted by: Taura | February 26, 2019 at 11:24 AM
I just finished a few fingering weight shawls so I would like to do something different in DK weight.
Posted by: Rebecca L Garza | February 26, 2019 at 12:10 PM
Definitely a DK weight and Odyssey is such a gorgeous pattern! I am in the Midwest and work in a library that tends to be 58-62 degrees when the weather is cold outside. Great for the books, but no so great for the humans!
Posted by: Erica L | February 26, 2019 at 12:21 PM
As I live in Idaho, a DK weight shawl is perfect for a solid half of the year, under a coat during the winter or over shorter sleeves during the spring and fall.
Posted by: Amanda Wright | February 26, 2019 at 12:27 PM