The Pause That Refreshes

Watching me sew in lining for the new satchel is not exciting.  To entertain you whilst I finish the thing - which is now named Forest - I offer up this bit of neck wear.

 At least I think it is neck wear.  It even went over to the market and was indeed wrapped about my neck at the time.   But, and I think you will agree, it looks fine as a mantle scarf. 

This is one skein of Swirl from Delicious Yarns.  This particular yardage is put up in the "magic ball" style and was a souvenir collected from the LA Yarn Crawl.

Because the yarns are just tied together, I decided to hold back a bit of two different yarns and tie additional strands randomly about the shawl.  All of the ties are on one side.  This way, the knots from the skein become part of an intentional design element.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.  Period.

Big Outcome

The little string and big hook of my previous post resulted in this big success.  The Magnificent Mantle from here and all over Ravelry.  The pattern was created to be crochet version of the very popular Aestlight Shawl that hit the yarn community last year.  From afar, the Mantle bears a strong resemblance to Aestlight.  Kudos to CrochetKitten!  Well done.

A few modifications from the original were made in my version.  First, I lost track of the number of rows on the triangle section, so I just went with the look of it.  Remember, the original pattern call for worsted and this Sekku is lace weight.  That makes for a huge difference and adjustments are required.   My goal was to have a shawlette size suitable for covering my neck without causing excessive body "glow" in this dessert.

Another modification was deleting two rows of the open mesh work that is the bird's eye lace of the Aestlight.  It would be wonderful if I could tell you that I deleted those rows out of some aesthetic or visual appeal or personal belief system.  The real reason that the two rows went away - - fear of running out of yarn!  As simple as that.  Crochet really chews up the yardage and I am out of practice in looking at what is left to accomplish vs what is left on the ball.  It is important to note that this size Magnificent Mantle was completed with one ball of Noro Sekku.

Also, I did not work the very last row of the pattern.  No particular reason as enough yarn was still on the ball.  Maybe I got tired and did not want another UFO in the closet.

The Sekku blocks out well.   But then I tend to really soak the fiber for a good fifteen minutes and then stretch a lot.  This resulted in a very lacy shawl that bears little visual relation to the original worsted weight shawl.  Using this method of well wet yarn and sturdy blocking pins, the center triangle - extended single crochet - opened up quite a bit and is not a solid mass of stitches.  Very flexible, light and interesting.  

 Yep, this is a big successful outcome.  Enough color to add zip to any day and big enough to block the late afternoon breeze.

Mini Shawl #2

Some patterns are worth repeating. Maybe it is the ease of the making, the perfection for gifting, the known factor, or a perfect fit. Could be other reasons, but some patterns are just ripe for a do over of the perfect kind. EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket comes to mind. Always keep a spare in your stash! A trusty "plain" sock pattern can come to life over and over and never be the same when size and color way come into play.

I have made two sweaters from the famous Rusted Root pattern over here. This one is in the it fits me league and I am even contemplating a third sweater with a different lace insert.

Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl is fast become a favorite. My second is off the needles and ready for a cool morning. Given that the pattern is free, you should give it a try. Easy find on Ravelry or your favorite search.

Quick, easy, effective and less than 400 yards needed. This one is two strands together. Louise Harding Kashmir DK and Berocco Sox Metallic. I did have to size up the needle to get the fabric to have more drape, so it can work in a worsted weight in addition to the pattern preferred DK.

Of course, if I don't use it for me, I could be one up on the holiday gifts and it is only August. I'll have to think about it.