This is my all-time favorite shawl pattern by any designer. Well, it's actually tied with June's Cozy Mesh Shawl for the #1 spot. :-)

The pattern is written and charted, so you can use whichever method works for you. As a visual learner, I love that the chart is included.
Instructions are clear and thorough, and you get both the single color pattern with optional border instructions and chart, as well the contrasting color version of the pattern.

The main shawl is a one-row repeat, easy peasy to memorize.
The optional edging is two rows and personally I find the optional part to be true; this shawl looks really nice without the edging as well.

And as you are working in rows, you can add whatever striping pattern you like or use variegated yarn(s).

Blocking, while optional, will really make it even out. This is another pattern that suits the "on the go" category, and I've found that my tension varies a good bit as a result and blocking makes a big difference. If you use a washable yarn you might get away with just washing it and spreading it out evenly to dry is a reasonable substitute for "official" blocking. :-)