Measure the wearer from 2 inches below the vest, over the shoulder and to the same point on the back. Measure across the shoulders from one sleeve seam to the other. Cut a rectangle this size.
Cut a 6-inch circle in the center of the rectangle. Fold the circle in half lengthwise and cut a 6-inch slit down the fold starting at the circle. This slit will be on the front side of the shawl. It allows the shawl to go easily over the wearer's head.
Zigzag stitch around the neck hole, including the slit and down the side edges to prevent the fabric from fraying.
Sew 2-inch-wide white fringe to both the short edges of the shawl.
Sew 1-inch-wide blue ribbon 1 1/2 inches above the fringe, on the side of the shawl with the slit. Sew a second band of ribbon 1 inch above the first.
Cut 15, 2-foot pieces of string and tie them together in the center with a short piece of string. Fold the strings in half where they are tied. Tie another piece of string tightly around the folded string, 1 inch below the fold to make a long tassel. The ends of this tassel can be uneven. Make a second tassel. Sew one tassel to each of the bottom corners of the front of the shawl.