My Turquoise Project

So, here is what I am doing with my hand dyed yarn. I tried out a few patterns, but since I don't usually knit with tonal/variegated yarns, it took a while to find something I was happy with. And, I think this really looks great, as the colors are interesting, plus the pattern really brings out the softness and squishiness of a DK weight merino.
This shawl might remind you of the Icelandic Sunrise Shawl, and at first, that was what I tried to knit. But, the purling part was not coming smooth to me and it was a bit of a struggle. I admit, I did not try the Norwegian Purl method, I went for a more easy option. So, my version doesn't have a single purl stitch in it, and each cluster has 5 stitches instead of 4. The effect though is very similar, shawl will be very very warm, it looks interesting and has a great texture. One minor problem - I ran out of yarn. Yes, I used both skeins and I still have a couple rows I'd like to do for finishing and a FRINGE. I think this one really needs a fringe for a nice, finished look. So, I am up to a challenge to repeat my dyeing adventure... we'll see how that goes...

My Sunset Shawl

Waterloo Sunset

It all started with yarn....
Around Easter time I was experimenting with some egg dyes and section died some mohair/merino yarn. I was planning a shawl with it, and cast when the ColourMart contest on Ravelry began. I was planning and playing around with stitches creating several versions of patterns, but when I started to knit... they just did not seam right. I wanted something flowing, something with clean, clear lines. So I started all over again and once again, this is designed "on the go"...
 
When I was knitting this shawl, I was thinking of the last year's summer evenings, that we spent near the beach. There is a playground for children, and we usually stay there till it's dark. Watching sunset every evening while listening to the sea and children play is my perfect ending of a summer day and I am so looking forward to do just that this summer, too! Just the thought of it makes me feel happy and puts a smile on my face. One of my test knitters named her shawl "Waterloo Sunset", and I looked up the song.... although this had not been on my playlist before, it surely is now. I'll be quietly singing it while watching my sunset and wearing my shawl...

Have a happy summer!
Inese

Waterloo Sunset - 2

You can find this shawl on Ravelry as "Waterloo Sunset",
a downloadable pdf version is also available here: $6.00 .

A Diamond For A Girl

Diamond for a Girl is a simple shawl with a lace edging featuring unusual diamonds. This is the perfect everyday shawl for all those, who love lace, but usually tend to keep it in the closet till 'special occasion'.... well, I do that, too, I have to shamefully admit (and promise myself to wear one of those next chance I have :)). So I designed this shawl - simple, feminine, classy, with just enough of lace at it's border to add that special something you are looking for. The pattern comes in various sizes, you might want to go a size up or down depending on the yarn weight you use. Despite the fact that most of the shawl is a simple stockinette stitch, I would say this pattern is for those, who have already done at least one lace project. The pattern is not difficult per say, but it does require a good amount of concentration at certain rows, thus adding a bit of a challenge and interest after all that mindless stockinette.... This pattern is for sale and you can  for $3.50 as a downloadable pdf file. You can also find Diamond for a Girl on Ravelry - this pattern has been test-knitted and there are a few projects of other knitters to see this done in different yarns and sizes.
I hope You enjoy knitting it! And I really appreciate all the shared projects - they give great inspiration!