Sunday, November 5, 2017

The Virus Shawl....well sort of...................




My latest shawl is finished.  This is my version of the ever popular Virus Shawl, that seems to have been made a million times as far as Ravelry is concerned.  I have had this shawl in my library forever.  I have never made it as I really did not like the density of the shell stitches.  Then I realized, after looking for hours for a new pattern to make, that I could adapt this and make it more airy.   Based on a search of variations of this shawl when it was completed I can see I am not the first person to think this way.  Actually, there are so many variations of this shawl out there it is amazing.  As for me, I adapted the second and third rows of the shell portion of the pattern.  I added a chain 1 between the DC's on the second row, and a chain 2 between the DC's of the third row of the shell.  Next time I make this, and you know there will be a next time, I will also limit my chain 7 spaces to a chain 6, I think the space is just a bit too large and it makes the shawl not flow as nicely visually.  

This shawl was made with the Queensland Collection Sunshine Coast yarn I recently purchased.  I used almost two skeins so approximately 560 yards of yarn and a size H hook.  The color is Terra Australis, 100.  I am happy that those 560 yards of yarn did not linger in my stash, they were bought and made into a project right away.  I am usually not a fan of beige's and browns but I do like the earthiness of this shawl.  Hope you like it, too!


Did you know that a six year old can't smile?  They simply won't or so I am told.


They have to think about it for a while...................


Then when you forbid them to smile, simple say that they can't do it, look what happens!

By the way a very big thank you for all of your lovely comments about Little Buddy's train costume.   You all made my day.

34 comments:

Crafty in the Med said...

Well....what can I say but your variation looks splendid! It marks the shell pattern nicely!

keep well

Amanda xx

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Gorgeous shawl!!! I love those colors...I'm a big fan of shades of grey anyway but the brown really blends in well with this new shawl of yours. As for Little B....LOL....I use to use reverse psychology all the time when my kids were little too and although I just love that little guys smile, he's even cute frowning. ;-)

kathy b said...

Oh that smile. IT lights up my world. On a very cold damp dismal Wisconsin day. Brrrr.
I LOVE your shawl. Your pattern changes made it really lovely

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Ha-ha! Sure is a cute smile. Your scarf is very pretty. I love the earthy tones.

Jo said...

The shawl's beautiful and I love the colours. I think six year olds must be contrary, that's a winning smile if ever I saw one.

linda said...

It's always good to use a bit of reverse psychology where kids are concerned it works every time what a sweet smile bless him. The shawl is stunning Meredith and the colours are fabulous especially for this time of the year. I think you are right it would look even better with a smaller chain count, I'm looking forward to seeing the next one, you don't half whip em up quick. :) xx

Araignee said...

Your shawls are spectacular. I can't believe how fast you get them done! 6 year olds were my speciality when I was a teacher. I miss that wry sense of humor. They are the best!

Una said...

Cheeky monkey!

Teresa Kasner said...

That is a beautiful shawl, Meredith. I wear one of my shawls almost every time I go out in the world. My new cotton pastel one was great for summer. I'm now using my fuzzy autumn colored C2C triangle one.. so cozy. Your little son is so sweet.. I love how you coaxed a smile out of him. And I love that his smiles are natural. So many kids that age have a big fake smile for photos. I'm on the last parts of a hat for Dayle. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Christina said...

This is a perfect shawl for the changing seasons (assuming it does get cooler in Florida). I was thinking of picking up my crochet hooks and make something small, just to get into the crochet swing of things. Funny, my children always do the opposite of what I tell them to do :-) beautiful (forbidden) smile! x

CJ said...

Beautifully done, and what gorgeous yarn. You are clever adapting the pattern so nicely. I'm happy to hear that six year olds can smile; that last photo is gorgeous. Sweet boy. Wishing you and yours a good week Meredith. CJ xx

Lee said...

Beautiful shawl.Love the Earthy Colours and the Pattern.Awww Buddy you have the most wonderful smile so don't stop.Thanks for your comment and yes that's it Noro Yarn,I lvoe it.Take care.Huggles from Cornwall xxx

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Another beautiful shawl. I have a six year old that things when I point the camera at him he can't smile either. Silly boys. Tiger has now lost 3 teeth! So cute. Hugs!

Between Me and You said...

Stunning work as always, Mer. I love the colourway you used.Gorgeous Smiley-Boy. xx

Mac n' Janet said...

What a beautiful smile he has!!!!

Caffeine Girl said...

That is a dramatic and stunning shawl! Just beautiful.
I just saw LB's Halloween costume. You outdid yourself! that is just amazing.
It's so funny to see Florida lushness as our trees get more and more bare!

Gracie Saylor said...

While I regularly alter patterns by accident, I so admire your planned design changes...and that you understand how to do it...beautifully! I also admire the result of your reverse psychology for smiles :) xx

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

I remember that smile/not smile trick - thanks for bringing back a memory. Beautiful shawl. Hugs.
Joy

Babajeza said...

He's a cutie. :-) Have a nice week! Hugs, Regula

Anonymous said...

I love your version of that shawl and you've chosen the right colour!
Funny how those little ones are sometimes easy to mislead :-)

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Your shawl is pretty and would be nice for fall! oh the non smiling child....hahaha! He's funny! Glad Buddy finally decided to smile! Happy week!

Blondie's Journal said...

This is a very pretty shawl...love the colors. The name, Virus Shawl. I think of myself as the Virus Girl. Once you get one, it lies inside you for-evah. :(

Little Buddy, of course, is the cutest little guy I've ever seen. But I have to say, he has the healthiest coloring...those pink cheeks, don't you just want to squeeze and kiss them?!!!

Take care, Mere,

Jane x

Bridget said...

Well, Meredith you have made another gorgeous shawl! It's truly lovely.

Hmm. Something you are not allowed to do, becomes something you do. Sounds like a teenager to me. ;-)

Delighted Hands said...

Beautiful shawl. I like the adaptions you made.
Beautiful smile when it is his idea!

Betsy said...

Good morning Meredith! The first thing I saw this morning was your little sweetheart’s precious smile. What a way to start a Monday! That reverse psychology always worked for me too. Your newest shawl is gorgeous! I love the changes you made and that yarn is perfect. We had a very snowy weekend here with a winter storm warning dumping about 7 inches of the white stuff. I hope you have a lovely week my friend. Blessings, Betsy

Nance said...

Are you done with knitting forever now, in favor of crochet? Your work seems to go faster; perhaps that is why. The earthtone colours are lovely. You'll wear it often, I'm sure.

Jo said...

It is a beautiful shawl. You block you work very well. I am only just starting to get good at it. It really adds to the overall effect.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Appreciate your comments on my blog, but for some reason I'm not able to respond via email. I normally respond to all comments, so please don't think I'm being rude, especially since we are Florida friends now :-)

Christine W said...

He looks adorable, your son I mean. Well, this shawl is also lovely! 😉

Melanie said...

I love your shawls. I don't know anything about knitting, crocheting, anything to do with needle and thread...but I do know beautiful work when I see it!

LB always cracks me up. He has quite the sense of humor!

Jodiebodie said...

So much to adore here - the coffee coloured tones in your shawl and the handsome young man whose smile just makes me want to melt!

It was very interesting to read about the stitch variations of your shawl and to learn that there have been many modifications of the Virus Shawl pattern already. Your shawl looks lovely and will complement many colours.

Judy S. said...

Awesome shawl, Mere! I love it and the color, too. Great photo of LB! You got one without the stuck out tongue that our GK have as their specialty.

Tanna said...

I LOVE the virus shawl. One of the few I"ve done more than once. Ha! Yours is BEAUTIFUL in this colorway. That little smile... priceless. blessings ~ tanna

TheAwakenedSoul said...

Yours is beautiful. I like your version better than the one on Ravelry. Those colors will go with everything. I love neutrals.