The starting point was Donna Smith's Brough shawl pattern. Her shawl looks beautiful, but it's knitted in a heavier weight yarn than I have in my stash, and I really need to use up some of the yarn I've got (because currently there is no space for more, and I can't possibly justify spending more money on more yarn until I've used some of the stuff I've got). Part of the appeal of Donna's design is the size of her shawl, and also how squishy it would be with that thicker yarn, so it's going to have to wait.
I liked the tessellating leafy motifs of the lace border though, and the thought of starting from a single stitch and working up - which I hadn't done before, and is presumably why it took me so long to work out the repeat (or maybe I hadn't drunk enough coffee, or shouldn't have been trying to listen to podcasts at the same time). I really wanted to use the 7 balls of Jamieson's 'Peat' (spindrift) I had, but didn't think that would be quite enough so decided on a second colour for the border.
There were a few contenders, and whilst I'm pleased with the smokey grey purple shade I went with (Jamieson and Smith, I forgot to make a note of the colour code) I think I could have gone bolder. Overall though I'm happy with the way this has turned out. The size is good, the colour is delicious, the pattern is pretty, and I might have learnt my lesson when it comes to swatching (don't really have the patience to do it, but I should have, because I ended up having to guess when to stop).
It's also the sort of thing that's really useful for this time of year when it's starting to get a bit warm for a coat, but you need something more than just a jumper, or a cardigan. I'm also torn between starting straight away on another one (and making a slightly better job of the edging) or finding something much smaller that will be quick,
That IS pretty! Well done. I was unaware that you were on IG, I might pop over and have a look later.
ReplyDeleteI love IG. There are quite a few pictures of family pets on it.
DeleteHayley, that is beautiful! You are so clever. :)
ReplyDeleteThe pattern was simple once I got the hang of it (which shouldn't have taken as long as it did) and then it just grows. I'm really pleased with it, I also love knitting simple lace patterns - they have a beautiful mathematical symmetry to them that is deeply pleasing.
DeleteThat's gorgeous! I love the way the stitches give the "leaves" their own vein structure. With that colour, it suggests a leaf skeleton.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really nice pattern. Kate Davies Fantoosh shawl is similar, but I particularly liked this Donna Smith one, and am happy with the way the border adapted to being an all over motif. It's really nice and warm to wear too, without being heavy.
DeleteA leaf pattern is always beautiful, and Shetland wool has such a depth of color. I'm curious about how you did the border.
ReplyDeleteSorry it's taken so long for me to reply - as you knit the main panel each row starts with a yarn over. You pick up the loops at the end and knit the border on in garter stitch with increases at the corners. The top edge is first which is part of the main body of the shawl (hope that makes sense).
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