The Lyme Bay Shawl

Isn’t it a funny thing. I wonder if the summer is more of an inspiration for my crochet than the cosy evenings of winter. For most knitters, I think it is the other way round. This year I am becoming more inspired by crochet garments. A couple of weeks ago I was attracted to a number of Shawl patterns which I spotted on Pinterest. Specifically I love the designs: Nordic Shawl by The Rose Valley and Sunday Shawl Pattern by Alia Bland. I had a lovely ball of Rico Baby So Soft DK in Light Grey. This yarn is a great for crochet garments, it provides as they say in the trade – a lovely drape. I know I am being naughty, but I made up my own pattern as I went, and no I didn’t make notes. The whole purpose of this project was simply to enjoy the process of making with no restrictions. I matched the grey/marl tones with some indigo, denim and pool blues in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. These shades were already in my stash and it was lovely to use up the odds and ends. In the end the shawl used up 3 x 100g balls of the Rico yarn, a very reasonable investment.

The plan was to make a shawl which will be perfect for evenings outdoors on our summer holiday. I also wanted something to drape around my shoulders at the festival campfire. Needless to say, version 2 is already begun – this time in pastel tones of pink and cream but in an aran weight – we will see how that works out. Dreaming of sunnier days has meant I have looked out the light summer wardrobe and found this pretty cotton dress which I use at the beach. The simple flower embroidery delights my heart and I have repaired it many, many times. Well the beach adventures are still many weeks off so there is more time to add to my shawl collection.