To Fringe or Not To Fringe

That is the question…

Okay, well to fringe or not to fringe the border of a triangular shawl.  I’m currently working on an adorable pattern for my 8 year old niece.  It’s a triangular shawl with yarn that features a gossamer rainbow thread through it.  She’s going to flip.

Well she’s already accidentally found/seen the yarn and she loves it.  So I’m thinking that she is going to love the shawl.  She’s been asking for one since last year.  I had made a shawl for her older sister.

So armed with Caron Simply Soft Party yarn from Yarnspirations, I have set out to start designing her a custom shawl.  I’m using M1L and M1R for the increases, and adding some bobbles and garter ridges for texture and detail.

Now, to Fringe or Not to Fringe

Now I have to decide is fringe a no go for an eight year old? Fringe means delicate, which means hand washing.  Part of me really wants to add the fringe because it would be adorable.  Another part of me can see this falling to the buss floor…and needing a good wash.  

If it were for me, I’d fringe it knowing full well I could soak it clean.  Blocking is something that we do quite a bit.  But I don’t want to burden her mom with more work.  She’s already raising three beautiful and fashionable girls, so you can imagine how quickly the laundry must add up.

What do you think the answer to the question “To Fringe Or Not To Fringe” should be? Let me know in the comments below.