Thank you so much for all your good wishes for our move. I am glad I'll be able to share it all with you here. I intend to continue blogging throughout the move; it's too much of a habit for me to stop now, plus it's something I enjoy very much, and I appreciate the way it makes me stop and reflect in busy times. However, I will certainly have less time to visit your blogs over the coming weeks so please bear with me there.
Today I have this beautiful shawl to share with you. (Actually, these photos make me feel quite calm. Do they have the same effect on you? I think it's the absence of boxes and bubble wrap.) I finished this about a month ago but didn't want to spoil the surprise as it was a birthday present for my lovely mother in law.
Before I made this shawl, I was fairly certain of two things that I definitely did not like. The first was shawls. I think I am more of a scarf or wrap kind of person. The second was variegated yarn. It always tempts me in the ball with it's pretty stripes, but knitted or crocheted the effect can be lost, giving a muddy, patchy effect. Well, what do you know? It appears that I do in fact rather like both shawls and variegated yarn. The shawl - the South Bay Shawlette - is an absolute dream to make. So, so enjoyable - each row works up steadily but is never boring - and while it looks nice as it is, it is transformed by blocking. I won the yarn in a giveaway years ago and I'm so glad I did, or I'd never have tried it. It's Noro Silk Garden in colour way 84, which is a dark pink with reds, oranges, browns, greens and purples running through it. It's not cheap (I won three balls but bought a fourth to finish the shawl) and feels quite rough to work with, but I really liked watching the colours change throughout the project.
So, that's why making things for others is fun and rewarding - it makes you try new things, new patterns, different yarn. Variety is the spice of life and all that. Tomorrow we are off into Leeds to do some Christmas shopping. I'm really looking forward to it. I've done most of mine but have a few last bits to buy, and I'll enjoy wandering around town looking at the lights and making the most of what will be one of our last trips into the city centre for some time.
Today I have this beautiful shawl to share with you. (Actually, these photos make me feel quite calm. Do they have the same effect on you? I think it's the absence of boxes and bubble wrap.) I finished this about a month ago but didn't want to spoil the surprise as it was a birthday present for my lovely mother in law.
Before I made this shawl, I was fairly certain of two things that I definitely did not like. The first was shawls. I think I am more of a scarf or wrap kind of person. The second was variegated yarn. It always tempts me in the ball with it's pretty stripes, but knitted or crocheted the effect can be lost, giving a muddy, patchy effect. Well, what do you know? It appears that I do in fact rather like both shawls and variegated yarn. The shawl - the South Bay Shawlette - is an absolute dream to make. So, so enjoyable - each row works up steadily but is never boring - and while it looks nice as it is, it is transformed by blocking. I won the yarn in a giveaway years ago and I'm so glad I did, or I'd never have tried it. It's Noro Silk Garden in colour way 84, which is a dark pink with reds, oranges, browns, greens and purples running through it. It's not cheap (I won three balls but bought a fourth to finish the shawl) and feels quite rough to work with, but I really liked watching the colours change throughout the project.
So, that's why making things for others is fun and rewarding - it makes you try new things, new patterns, different yarn. Variety is the spice of life and all that. Tomorrow we are off into Leeds to do some Christmas shopping. I'm really looking forward to it. I've done most of mine but have a few last bits to buy, and I'll enjoy wandering around town looking at the lights and making the most of what will be one of our last trips into the city centre for some time.
It's beautiful, Gillian. I am sure your mother-in-law will adore it. I haven't tried that specific yarn but I really like variegated yarns; it's fun to see how the colors pool as you work. Have a good time shopping and enjoying the city before you leave.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too sure about shawls either Gillian - but that one is particularly beautiful and could maybe change my mind. The yarn you have chosen works really well too :0) xx
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the most beautiful pieces of handicraft I have ever seen, the colours are a delight and so is the pattern. Well done!
ReplyDeleteMargaret P
Beautiful! I just finished a South Bay Shawlette this weekend as well. It's a Christmas gift for my mom. I used Rowan Tapestry, also a variegated yarn, and it turned out beautifully. I think this pattern is made for variegated yarn :-) Thanks much for sharing your shawl and good luck with moving!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, I feel a bit the same about varigated yarns, enjoy you're shopping trip and good luck with the move
ReplyDeleteClare x
Your beautiful shawl gives me hope that one day I might finish my potentially beautiful shawl that requires much counting and frogging thus far...sigh... Thanks for posting, Gillian, and yes, somehow this post is calming, peaceful...and I enjoy thinking of your mother-in-law being hugged by your loving stitches :) xx
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful, I was never sure about variegated yarns myself until I saw a crochet blanket made by using them. Needless to say there is a squishy yarn parcel under the tree with my name on.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful gift Gillian. I'm sure you're Mother in law loved it. Enjoy your trip into Leeds - I need to run in over lunchtime too! xx
ReplyDeleteThe shawl is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not too sure about shawls either but am thinking of making a small one with some special yarn. This pattern is so pretty and I do like the variegated colour - very autumnal. I hope your move goes well - you must be so excited at the prospect of being near your family again though we will miss you up here in the north. x
ReplyDeleteMy shawls just turn into scarves anyway, I just wrap them round. I am looking for a new scarf pattern as I have just finished my fourth Elise and need a change - Thanks for your inspiration today Gillian, it is stunning. Jo x
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous! I really like the colours and the lace like pattern. A truly beautiful handmade present. x
ReplyDeleteI've made that shawl too! I love it, and I'm sure your mother-in-law will too.
ReplyDeleteHave fun tomorrow, I'm off shopping tomorrow and hope it will be complete at the end of the day. x
Hi Gillian! Your SBS is fantastic, I love this pattern so much! I recently also finished one in a variegated yarn, but the effect was much brighter (take a peek at my blog here: http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be/2014/11/colourful-south-bay-shawlette-finished.html). I'm currently making yet another, but this time with extra chunky black yarn which gives a completely different effect.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Noro is ideal for this shawl! :0
Enjoy Leeds and the Xmas market... I think we went there last year, but it already seems much longer ago!
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be
Oh Gillian the shawl is stunning! The yarn worked up so nicely. Your mother in law is going to be wowed! Have fun shopping and good luck with the move.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Now that, my friend, is a thing of beauty. Lucky mother in law! And happy shopping :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Gillian, the shawl is beautiful! What a wonderful gift! The variegated yarn worked so well in this piece...I love it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move.
It's absolutely beautiful and your mother in law is a lucky lady. Enjoy your Christmas shopping trip into Leeds and good luck with the rest of the packing. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful present for your mother-in-law. So good you got to try things you thought you didn't like - it is often the only way to find out what we really like (or don't like).
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the trip into Leeds! I have never been to Leeds in winter, but I imagine the Victoria Quarters must look spectacular with Christmas lights.
What a gorgeous shawl. I am sure your mother-in-law will love it. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Leeds!
ReplyDeleteJacqui xx
Your shawl is beautiful, I am sure that your MIL must love it, what a kind gift. I hope that you enjoy your remaining time in Leeds and that all goes well with the move, don't pressure yourself to do or not do anything during the move and with it being Christmas and all, just do what you want to and concentrate on the stuff you really need to do - packing!! Take care and we will all look forward to hearing about your new adventures in the new year. xx
ReplyDeleteI bet she was thrilled with this gift, it's really delicate to look at and the colours are just so warming.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
That is really lovely and I am not a shawl fan. I take your point about making for others, it does allow you to try things that you wouldn't normally. Maybe I will make a shawl for someone else, just need to decide who that could be!
ReplyDeleteYour shawl looks really pretty and I love the colours.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely gorgeous! Even I'd wear it! (Not being a shawl person myself!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely shawl, and such a beautiful gift X
ReplyDeleteLovely shawl. I love the colorway!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful. It would be the perfect thing to wear for running off with a gypsy violinist. That used to be a dream of mine. Never had the right shawl though. No doubt your mother-in-law will love it. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteThis shawl is absolutely amazing. I think you have convinced me to make one some day soon (I am more of a scar person, too). Noro yarns are in the top ten of my all time favourite yarns, I love the surprising colours and how the work up differently each time I use them. Happy shopping tomorrow. x
ReplyDeleteYour mother in law is a very lucky lady. What a beautiful present. I love the colours and lacyness of it.
ReplyDeleteI have that pattern printed out and just love it, so after seeing your I have to ask myself why I have not dived in and made one. Yours is so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Beautiful shawl. I'm sure it will be much appreciated. You'll have to make one for yourself now!
ReplyDeleteI just moved a few months ago, though just from one part of our little town to the other. But I know the chaos it entailed. Glad that your shawl calms you a little bit in those hectic times. I'm really looking forward to reading everything about your new home! Good luck with the whole moving process!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Austria
Emm.A
Gillian, the shawl is so lovely, I just love the lace pattern. I agree about variegated yarn sometimes the striped look awful and you don't know what you are getting, but in this case it's perfect! Good luck with everything and hope you get a calm weather day. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh, it's such a pretty shawl! The pattern and the colours xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your mother in law will be thrilled with the shawl, what a lovely gift. xx
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and I'm sure your mother-in-law will adore it.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Hello my dear friend ... Love your shawl. So so very pretty and the colors ... Just lovely.
ReplyDelete