I finished my latest project on Tuesday, the Queen Anne's Shawl. This is a really easy project if you have the brain power to count, which to be honest on most nights I do not. The lace chart is very easy and it also has written directions if you like that better.
Made with Berroco Modern Cotton in the color #6624 or Salty Brine. It is a a slightly green, slightly blue color that is perfect for summer. I made this with one skein of yarn, so around 300 yards, and a size H hook. Next time I make this, which if you know me at all will be right away, I will make it with a bigger hook. The original pattern calls for a fingering weight yarn and a larger hook so the shawl has more drape. I chose a bigger hook, just not big enough to make it look like the photo in the pattern.
Ah well, live and learn my friends. Even after all of these years playing with yarn, 30 years if I am counting correctly, there is always more to learn. And frankly if I would just pay more attention to the pattern directions and yarn suggestions I would have a lot less to learn.
While I think this will be fun to drape across your shoulders with the coolness of a summer evening, I really like it wrapped around your neck. I think a summer scarf is so much fun. Alas this is not for me. First of all it is never cool enough in the evenings here to wear it and I never go out anywhere fun to put it on. I am working so much that frankly I want to stay home when I can. I am a bit boring that way. I know exactly where it is going. I think my projects whisper a name to me while working on them and once that thought is in my head there is just no changing it. Hope my friend will like it.
This weekend I am working on Twiddle Mitts that my dear friend Kathy B is requesting in honor of her lovely Mother who has recently passed away. Kathy's mother suffered from Alzheimer's Disease and Kathy is requesting these fun mitts to help others suffering from it also. My Mother had Dementia but did not fidget or twiddle, she simply stopped moving. Regardless of the disease it is so hard to see your parent suffer. I hope to get two out to Kathy by next week. I am sure she would love some help if you would like to join in.
Hope you are having a good week.
32 comments:
That is a very pretty shawl, I am going to have a close look at the pattern and see if it is within my capability. I can crochet but am not very experienced.
As usual Meredith it is beautiful. I am always on the lookout for scarfy shawly patterns and have some lovely cotton yarn that would be perfect - thankyou!
Have a lovely weekend,
Jillxo
Lovely shawl. I just can't get my teeth into anything at the moment. I have a roomful of yarn and no impetus whatsoever to get going on anything. Maybe it's because the days are much longer and the outdoors calls to us 'get off your touche and do something outside'! The last lot of baby stuff I made was less than merely glanced at and I don't think the baby has had even one wear out of anything so that's stemmed my enthusiasm for gifting handmade somewhat. I like the idea of those Twiddle Mitts. I might go look at the pattern and do something about it. Have a great weekend, Meredith. xxx
Lovely shawl, the minute I saw it I thought 'perfect for summer evenings'. I like to stay at home when I can as well, I have been rushing around like a mad woman lately and it's not over yet. Hope you have a good weekend Meredith. CJ xx
Ah Meredith, in the midst of your busy life it's so sweet of you to think of Kathy and the project she has in her mother's memory. Your shawl is absolutely stunning. I prefer a written directions over charts. For some reason the charts confuse me terribly. I think it's a side affect left over from the stroke I had years ago. I finished my shawl last night and I have it blocking today. I can't wait to share pictures with all of you. Have a lovely weekend my friend.
Blessings always,
Betsy
It's beautiful! I hear you about that summer shawl thing. I love the idea of them but rarely ever have any use for them.
Beautiful! I love seeing your crochet projects!
Meredith, that shawl is exquisite! I actually use my lighter shawls in summer for an important thing.. when we go to a restaurant or a movie the AC is usually uncomfortably frigid and a light shawl makes the difference between misery and comfort to me. You're nice to do a fiddle mitt.. I'm so slow at making stuff I wouldn't be done til next year. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Lovely shawl that makes a lovely scarf.
Joy
Very pretty shawl....both the pattern and the yarn color are so pleasing.
It's lovely Meredith I think it's turned out really nice and your friend is going to love it. I have been making twiddle mitts too although we are calling them muffs here, they are in great demand everywhere it seems. Have a great weekend. :) xx
What a gorgeous shawl, perfect for summer, and the colour you chose is so pretty. I'm sure whoever you gift it to will be thrilled. My mum's in the early stages of dementia at the moment, such a cruel disease. She hasn't started fiddling yet but she can't sit still, she's up and down like a yoyo.
Meredith, that is so lovely - the color is perfect for summertime!
I want to try and get at least one Twiddlemitt done. If not in time for Kathy, I'll make some for the nursing homes around here.
Have a good weekend!
Meredith,
Thank you for spreading the word on the TWiddle Mitts. I liked hearing they are in great demand from Linda. Have fun with it.
The shawl is a beauty. And you made it in my mom's favorite color. I agree there is always more to learn.
Wishing you an unexpected hour of quiet today. !!!!! Hugs to Lil Buddy and your perfect pooch dog.
What a gorgeous shawl and a perfect summery color. Love it. I'm hoping to knit up a Twiddle Muff or two for Kathy this weekend. I think it will be a fun and quick project which is perfect for me right now.
Very pretty little shawl!
This is so pretty and the cool green color is perfect for summer. You are always so willing to share your talent with others. Meredith you are just such a special lady. Hugs!
I am a great fan of a shawl and this one looks wonderful, as you say perfect for a summers evening. A stunning gift.
The shawl is so pretty, Meredith, and a wonderful gift for someone. I hope you are able to enjoy time at home this weekend. Some of us are leaving Saturday for camping on the other side of Mt. Hood this coming week. xx
It is so pretty and delicate! Beautiful color.
I like your shawl!
And ofcourse, you'll always have something to improve in crafts.
I recognise what you say about paying (more) attention to the instructions :-)
Usually I don't feel like following a pattern! I'd rather give it a twist of my own.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy your shawl,
Sigrid
Beautiful shawl!! I can see this shawl being just right for cool spring evenings here.
keep well
Amanda xx
When I saw the shawl, I immediately thought about our summer holiday in Cornwall, lovely. The Twiddle mitts sound like a really useful project, you are ever so kind and always thinking of others. Have a wonderful weekend. x
That shawl is beautiful and I love that soft color!
Wishing you all the best,
Hugs from France~
That color is so pretty against the white tee. It will be perfect for fending off over ambitious air conditioning that seems to be a problem this time of year in restaurants.
Oh, what a gorgeous pattern! It must be the Spring/Summer Of Shawls. I'm working (knitting) one myself--ever so slowly--and it's such a comfort to watch it grow and take shape. A couple other knitters I read are shawling as well.
I read Kathy B's twiddle mitt entry and was so surprised to see her connection to the author Rev. Andrew Greeley, whose entire canon of novels I own. As a Recovering Catholic from way back, I read his work voraciously.
The internet/blog network continues to amaze me, almost daily!
Such a pretty colour for a summer shawl. Your work is always lovely. And I agree, there's always something to learn.
Your shawl has turned out really well. So light and pretty. The crochet blanket pattern is effective too. What a great way to use up your sample pieces. Jo x
What a beautifully light and pretty scarf. great to hear you news. Jo x
Ah, Meredith, you have been down the rabbit hole of crochet! And, such beautiful items you have created in your "hole". ;) What is up with us? LOL! I used to LOVE to knit. Kind of looked down my nose at crochet... now, I can't escape its magic spell. LOL! Wishing you a wonderful weekend. blessings ~ tanna
A very pretty shawl! I hope that you are keeping well, Meredith, and enjoying this month of June.
Amalia
xo
That's a lovely shawl Meredith - it looks simple with its solid stitch pattern and pretty border but looks can be deceiving - thanks for the warning about the need for constant counting.
Your turn of phrase makes me laugh; e.g., having a lot less to learn! haha. I love that you experiment and don't think your outcome is all that bad!
A heavier fabric is perfect for keeping the chill of air conditioning off your shoulders but I'm inclined to agree with you that your Queen Anne's shawl looks fabulous around the neck as you have styled it in your photos here.
The perfect, pretty,practical present.
Lovely work, Meredith. x
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