Emma Mitchell

Author, designer-maker, naturalist, illustrator, mum

By 32 Comments

An unseasonal shawl

We are experiencing a summer with actual real live sunshine. It has brought
waterpistol-paddling pool-jugs of Pimms meteorological joy. Back in June, before it began, it
was still too cold to venture out without a coat, mittens and long johns worn under jeans. I was still in
wintry crafting mode and buoyed by my modest cowl success using Kat’s design, I decided that I would like to crochet a shawl. I don’t mean a triangular scarf with delusions of grandeur. I mean a proper full-sized warmth-bringing shawl that Miss Pole might wear if her fire went out unexpectedly. I tweeted my shawl plans. Several people, knowing my beginner crocheter status, suggested, very kindly and gently, that it may have been foolhardy. ‘Try some wristwarmers. ‘Try a dishcloth.’ I’m afraid to say that this made me all the more determined.

I love the way that treble crochet, with its tallish minirows of three loops, can be combined with chain stitches to make lacy, cobwebby holes. I wanted to make some of this lacy stuff. Before I learned to crochet I would stare at a crochet shawl I own (bought in Mango in 2004) trying to work out how on earth it was made. It seemed to me to be a form of fascinating woolly calculus. So, when I found this on ravelry I knew I would have to give it a try. It is essentially a gargantuan semi circular doily with pretty scallopy bits made from sets of seven treble crochet stitches. 
I decided against mohair though (suggested in the pattern) – it’s a bit too floofy for me. Instead I continued my odyssey through the deliciously soft, dreamily self-marling colourways of Manos silk blend. These yarns are spun by artisans in the rural communities of Uruguay. Each skein comes with a label signed by the woman who handspun and dyed it. Wonderful. This time I chose Europa (colourway 9695), named after one of the more beautiful moons of Jupiter.

This area of Europa, called Conamara Chaos, is surely the inspiration for this yarn. Goodness it’s stunning (both the moon and the yarn). I have a short crafting attention span but the colours change every few stitches in a skein of Manos, turning each of those stitchy scallops into a tiny, beautifully subtle rainbow. The marling keeps my eyes happy and my brain interested.

A wonderful thing has happened during this project. For the first time since I made my first beaded necklace in 1998 as a brief distraction from a rather stressy PhD, I have found a craft that I reach for to relax. I look forward to the next row and to seeing the muted colours shift subtly as I make the stitches. Before the school holidays began I admit to snatching a minute here and there in the sometimes slightly fraught time before dashing to the schoolbus. This is a sign that it is the crafty equivalent of sniffing a bit of lavender.

I haven’t yet finished the shawl but it’s grown rapidly from something that would fit a guinea pig to something that just about reaches around my shoulders. I need more cosiness though so I’m continuing, despite the heatwave. I find it’s a soothing way to pass the time whilst the little ones are scooting, making lego palaces or seeing how long it takes for an ice cube to melt in the sun (approx 17 minutes). I’m fairly sure that this project will be done by the time the weather gets slightly chillier in September. It’s a reason to look forward to the (whispering here) Autumn.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. That yarn is so beautiful. I am sure you will find your shawl very useful I have a small one I made ages ago which I wear round my shoulders in cold weather as an extra layer for warmth and am currently crocheting on in a fine soft yarn to wear on summer evenings or to have with me on warm days in case of chill. Those ladies in Cranford times knew a thing or two I think!

    Reply

  2. Golly gosh, that is too beautiful, the pattern, the colours and your very brave diving into making this gorgeous shawl. I am feeling rather inspired xox Penny

    Reply

  5. Oh yes, and double yes. And thank you for reminding me that I have a Cranford box set which will be perfect telly for next week's Not Camping.

    Reply

  6. Good you you! I too am crocheting a shawl (I have been ever since I was pregnant with Katinka, whose now 5 :>/ but it's not arriving, it's the journey!)Anyway, you have inspired me onwards. We must get together and shawl up like old ladies
    :>)

    Reply

  7. Such a beautiful shawl emma and a real achievement. I marvel at it as I still can not work out crochet but hope I can make something like this one day! Must be the best way to relax, safxxx

    Reply

  8. That will be lovely. I'm in the process of ordering wool and choosing a pattern for a shawl as well, despite the sunny weather. Hope you have a good weekend Emma.

    Reply

  10. Emma, your crocheting has found a very friendly match in that exquisite multi-colored yarn. As that shawl's triangle grows, its beauty multiples.

    I agree about the beauty of the treble crochet stitch. It can become a wonderful ingredient to any design.

    Do you think it's funny to be enthusiastic about wooly crocheting (or knitting) as August begins. I admit to enjoying my own current wooly knitting.

    Best wishes. xo

    Reply

  11. What a stunning yarn and a lovely project. You are so right about colour-changing yarns and the interest they bring to a project.

    I think this shawl would be perfect for Miss Matty – it's so delicate and feminine. 🙂

    Reply

  12. It is even more beautiful in real life! The colours are lovely. They remind me of a moor land. You are obviously very talented to make this so early on in your crocheting career.

    Reply

  14. That looks wonderful Emma! I know exactly what you meant too, you ought to try a ripple blanket next as it gives the same feeling, I think it is the rhythm of it and like you say the colour change keeps your mind pleased too 🙂

    Reply

  18. Oh wow,

    What a beautiful shawl it is Emma! Lovely pattern & colours. It will look lovely on you when the days get colder. I am working on pillow cases at the moment, but I would love to make a shawl like yours or a cowl for winter as well.

    Happy week,

    Madelief x

    Reply

  19. Ah so beautiful! i have been too scared to venture away from grany squares, this pattern may persuade me otherwise, thank you for sharing! x

    Reply

  20. I'm in awe – just cannot get my fingers round that crochet lark.

    And you said the A word – I was in shock when I saw the berries on our rowan tree turning orange. Surely it can't be coming already???

    Reply

  23. That is really gorgeous Emma! I seem to have lost my crafty vibe at the moment but I plan to go looking for it!! The yarn is stunning and you are really going to enjoy wearing your beautiful shawl! Locket xx

    Reply

  27. Whoa, that is beautiful. First of all, I love the yarn and need some for myself ASAP, but more importantly, the final product is a stunning achievement. Why no photo of you wearing it?! I want to see how it looks on a person.

    You should post this on Kollabora, the crafting and DIY community. A lot of us there, including me, are amateur yarncrafters and prone to sharing other people's pride in their early crochet successes.

    Reply

  28. I've just blocked the very same shawl in kidsilk haze…. itsn't it a wonderful pattern?

    I love the yarn you used. Beautiful beautiful colours!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *