Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Sidewalk Shawl, a finish.......


Ladies I have a finish!  I am very excited to introduce you to the Sidewalk Shawl by Kimberly K.  McAlindin.   This is one of the oldest patterns I have in my Ravelry library and I finally took the plunge.  You see when you actually go through all of your yarn and make a list of what you have, you start to get some ideas about a project or two.


I remember printing off this pattern years ago and running to Joann's and trying to find the yarn that was suggested.  That was Debbie Stroller Bamboo Ewe which I believe had been discontinued by that point.  Instead I bought Vicki Howell Sheep(ish) when it was made by Caron.  It is now made under the Bernat label so I am really dating this yarn, it has been in my stash for probably 6 years or more.  Still stash yarn or not I have never given it away because I love the color.  Of course I should have been finishing my Harvest sweater but I got sidetracked once again.  


You see I was starting to whine a little bit using those double pointed needles for the sleeves.  They sort of, in a very small way, make the ring finger on my left hand hurt.  Now I am talking minor, minor pain here but still it was enough for me to want to dive into some crochet for a breather.  It obviously does not take much to make me get distracted when it comes to playing with yarn.  

The above photo is before this shawl was blocked.  This was a hot mess I tell you and I was a bit concerned that it would not block out as beautifully as I had hoped, but it did.


So here are the specifics, 4 balls of Vicki Howell Sheep(ish) discontinued yarn in the color grey(ish).  The dye lot is 08/2011 which sounds a lot like the year I bought it in.  Totaling 660 yards of yarn using a size J hook.  I think now that I am looking at it I could have gone up another hook size and it would have been a bit more lacy.  The yarn was a little rough in the making but steamed out to be softer with a nice sheen to it.  Now friends it says do not use an iron with this yarn right on the ball band, but you know me I can't block a thing without steam so I took my chances.  

As much as I love this shawl it is not for me, but for someone dear to me.  I hope she will like it and wrap it around her shoulders on chilly mornings.  I am already stalking my stash for more yarn to make another Sidewalk Shawl, the possibilities are endless.  So that is another 660 yards I can cross off my list, hooray for me!  But unfortunately I still have four more balls of this yarn so I can't completely cross it off, *insert sad face here.*

***A little side note.  Every year at Christmas I order a few items from the Women's Bean Project, and every time I do I am so pleased.  This group provides job training, classes and business skill development to impoverished or chronically unemployed women.  It helps empower these women to get on their feet again.  After this election cycle and the horrible things that have been said about women, and frankly done to women without their consent, I think this is a perfect group to give my support to.  Please check out their site, I think you will be impressed and just might want to help too.   

Have a great day.

34 comments:

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

What a gorgeous shawl, really do love that pattern, and the yarn used, your friend is very lucky xx

Jennifer Hays said...

It's beautiful, Meredith. Your loved one will be so appreciative. I love the way it's light and airy. I think it has a very lacy look. You should be really proud of it.

Willow said...

I'm great at getting sidetracked from what I 'should' be knitting. It works much like getting lots and lots finished when I don't want to cook or clean...
Your crocheting is lovely--I wish I knew how to crochet well.

Pradeepa said...

Beautiful shawl! Your friend is going to love it.

Kris said...

Hello, and long time no see Meredith! I have missed seeing what you are up to. What a lovely shawl this is!!! I love the color too.
I am really falling in love with knitting. I am almost done with my second shawl. So fun.
I was happy to see you had stopped by to say hello on my blog. Don't forget me, my friend.
Love,
Kris

Araignee said...

Oh, wow....that is just gorgeous! You're not keeping it? I don't know if I could ever be that generous. It's mighty pretty!

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith.. that is so classy and elegant! I'm sure the lucky person you will give this to will treasure it. I'm sure enjoying making my little blanket.. but a trip to Michael's in in order, I need a few more skeins of that colorway. I'll go check out your link. Yes, during this time of women being trashed and threatened by someone .. empowerment is a good thing to support. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

mamasmercantile said...

I love it Meredith, what a wonderful gift. The blocking really did enhance and shows the pattern beautifully. Love the colour too, will go with anything. Perfect.

Fiona said...

What a beautiful shawl, I think I'll have to pick up a crochet hook again. I think the women's project looks like a really great organisation, thank you for highlighting it.

Janet said...

What a beautiful shawl and such a thoughtful gift. Isn't it a wonderful feeling working through the stash and crossing off the list.

busybusybeejay said...

What a gorgeous shawl.I love it.

Bridget said...

Oh wow, Meredith that is really lovely! I think the color is just perfect.

A few years ago, a friend gave me the gift of Firehouse Chili Mix from the Women's Bean Project - I'd never heard of it before. But now I try to buy things from it whenever I can. It's a good cause and the food items are amazing.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Meredith that is a gorgeous shawl, perfect for a cool day! Hugs to you.

Lynne said...

Hahaha I have that same shawl pattern in my library too, I just love it! Sadly, I gave away my stashed yarn. I'm glad to see one of us made it :) Beautiful finish Meredith.

Mac n' Janet said...

Someone is very lucky to get a shawl like that, such a beautiful color and design.

linda said...

It's amazing Meredith and a great stash-buster what a beautiful gift. :) xx

Vera said...

Meredith! Your shawl is GORGEOUS! I love it. Someone is going to be very, very lucky.
Thanks for the reminder of the Women's Bean Project. Their products are really nice and it is a wonderful group to support.

kathy b said...

Now that shawl is a statement! WOW. The recipient will love it

Betsy said...

Meredith that is a beautiful shawl! Good for you in persevering in finishing in spite of the pain in your finger! The color and yarn are perfect for that pattern. Whoever is the lucky recipient will surely treasure it. I hope you're enjoying some cooler days my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Karen said...

Oh, I love this shawl, Meredith. No doubt, the lucky recipient will love it, too!

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Absolutely gorgeous! It looks so cosy and warm but elegant and sophisticated at the same time. I'm sure your friend will love it and enjoy wearing it. (I know I would!)

Needles and Wool said...

what a lovely shawl! I love the color and the detail! that is a great cause to donate to each year I agree that it is a very worthy cause especially now after we hear allegations of women being treated poorly and disrespectfully by Trump... it is really horrible. I hope you and the family are doing well!
Lisa

Judy S. said...

Nice work on that pretty shawl; you sure whipped it out quickly! Someone's going to be very happy with it. Now I need to go check out your "bean" site.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Your shawl looks just awesome sweet friend. ! ((Hugs))

Unknown said...

Lovely shawl, I've been wanting to make one for a long, long time too. Hope your finger gets better, is s*cks when our crafts give us pain, even just small ones...

Nance said...

Lovely work. I'm shawling right now, too, and for gifts as well. Three, to be exact, and they have to get done before I make one for myself. That's my motivation/reward.

I've been inspired to give generously to a local women's group as well, thanks to the republican nominee's...philosophies. Perhaps some Karmic Balance will help the universe.

Caffeine Girl said...

That is a gorgeous shawl. Someone is going to be very happy when they are all wrapped up in it! I'm not sure I'd be able to give it away if I'd make it. You are so generous!

Maureen said...

Beautiful shawl! Someone is going to love that!

I have the yarn to make a Harvest cardigan, but haven't started it yet. I keep getting sidetracked by socks!

Maureen

Jo said...

It's beautiful, such a lovely pattern and a fabulous colour, I'm sure the recipient will be thrilled with it and get so much use out of it since it will complement so many outfits. The Women's Bean Project sounds like a very deserving cause.

Melanie said...

This shawl is absolutely gorgeous! You are so talented, Mere. The Women's Bean Project sounds like a very worthy cause.

Chris said...

Beautiful shawl!! One day I will have to learn to crochet better. You are so good at using up your stash... I have so much sock yarn- maybe I should get a loom like yours. Enjoyed reading about the Bean project. Have a good weekend

Christine W said...

That's a beautiful shawl!

Jo said...

That has gone straight onto my ravelry list - just done it! I love it with the tassels too. If only my arm would let me crochet for more than 30 mins! The yarn you have chosen looks really cosy, I am really enjoying blocking work at the moment. Jo x

Toni said...

It's lovely!!!