Starting the Sea Glass Shawl

Have you seen the Sea Glass shawl pattern in the Simply Crochet issue 33 magazine? I know Daisy has already started one of these shawls and it is looking really gorgeous so far. You can see hers here.

It just so happens that I've also started crocheting one of these shawls. Well look at it! It's so, so beautiful, who could resist making it?

Fortunately I even have a very good reason for making mine; we're going to a wedding at the beginning of September and this is what I intend to wear with my dress.

Lace weight yarn had to be purchased. I picked the colour to match my new shoes. It was tricky to match the colour as I had to buy the yarn online from the Wool Warehouse. Picture me at a screen, new shoe in hand, trying to match the colour to various yarns. This is what I finally decided was the best match and, now that it has arrived and I can see it in real life, is actually a perfect match. 

It's Juniper Moon Farm Findley yarn which is 50% extra fine merino wool and 50% mulberry silk. It feels so soft. So very, very soft.

The pattern looks difficult but it is easy enough to follow. The shawl is made up of thirty four starfish motifs, joined as you go, arranged in three rows; ten motifs in the top row, nine motifs in the middle row and eight in the bottom row. After the first two starfish motifs I was able to continue without needing to refer to the pattern.

This is the first row complete with two motifs of the middle row also done. The colour isn't quite as dark as this really.

A bit closer so you can see more detail. This is much closer to the true colour.

Actually, as a matter of interest, the colour is called Rappahannock. I have to admit that this meant nothing to me until I checked it out on the internet.The Rappahannock River is in eastern Virginia and traverses the entire northern part of the state, from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, across the Piedmont, to the Chesapeake Bay, south of the Potomac River. That explains why the name has been used for this shade of blue!

The dress with which I will be wearing the sea glass shawl has a lot of beading at the neckline so I won't be doing any beading on the shawl. When it's finished I'll let you see it (it will improve immensely after being blocked). I'll also let you see the dress and shoes.

Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my crocheted top. I've also done a wee cardigan which I'll have to let you see. Work continues on the big blanket!

All the best for now.

Crocheted Shawl

Recently I was asked to crochet a shawl. It was to be rectangular and denim blue in colour. Oh how I love to be asked to crochet for someone else!

First of all I had to find the yarn. Unfortunately my local yarn shop has closed so I had to resort to the internet. I searched and searched to find the best colour and decided that the Rico Essentials Cotton in Dark Jeans was perfect for the job.

I couldn't wait to get started! I didn't even get a picture until the shawl was almost finished. I just crocheted and crocheted and crocheted. Here it is, before the edging was done.

It's an overall lacy design.

 Here is the finished shawl; edging completed and then blocked.

The edging is a sort of sloped shell.

As soon as the finishing touches were done, I parcelled up the shawl and sent it away. It was greatly admired by the person who asked me to make it; which pleased me immensely.

What do you all think of the shawl?

Thanks to all of you for your very kind belated birthday wishes. Almost as good as having a second birthday. Actually, I think I'll suggest that to the husband; from now on I shall celebrate two birthdays each year (without getting any older). He'll agree but only if he can have two as well!