Rioja

Texture and lace combine in Rioja, a pretty semi-circular shawlette with a bit of Spanish feel. Garter stitch gives it squish and the two very simple lace patterns open up the shawl and let it flutter at the picot-encrusted edge. Rioja begins with just a few stitches, and grouped increases are performed just after each textured band to give it its shape. This piece is certainly easy enough for a beginner, with enough going on to keep it interesting for more advanced knitters.

Rioja is a one-skein project, requiring only a single skein of sock yarn (which I know you have tons of in your stash). But because Rioja is knit from the top down, it is simple to make it larger -- and detailed instructions for optional sections have been provided should you have more yarn and wish to do so.