One of her presents is the No-Fuss Shade-Loving Shawl by Susan Ashcroft. I started this on the very last day of May and though it was finished a while ago, it's been waiting to be blocked for ages. I used James C Brett Woodlander double knitting yarn which is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. As there was a small percentage of natural fibre I decided to wet block the shawl. This means that the garment is rinsed through then pinned out and laid flat to dry.
Here it is laid out on the bed. It's blocked in to shape, however, the edges were starting to roll.
I did what I should have really done at the start and steam blocked it. A squirt of steam from the iron is the best way to block garments made from acrylic yarn and as you can see, it sorted out those curly edges.
I really like the colour, blues mixed in with beige and cream, and my mum liked it too, she said it will go with lots of things.
It has a nice drape to it, I wasn't sure it would have as it's quite a thick shawl being knit with double knitting yarn, It sits nicely on my mum's shoulders and will keep her nice and warm through the winter months. She always feels the cold so it will be handy to grab when she feels a draught.
I've been wanting to have a go at a shawl for ages and now I've tackled my first one, I feel much more inclined to have a go at a lighter version and perhaps choose a more lacy design.
Happy birthday to your mum. I love that you made her a shawl just the thing for this weather. x
ReplyDeleteThank you. She really liked the shawl and I'm sure it will get lots of use as she does feel the cold.
DeleteA lovely present that I'm sure will be much appreciated. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteI made her a lap blanket a couple of years ago and she uses that all the time so I'm sure it will be the same with the shawl.
DeleteThe shawl is gorgeous, Jo. A perfect present to give your mum. I hope she has a very happy birthday! :o)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm pleased how the shawl's turned out, it'll be nice and warm being knit in dk yarn.
DeleteYou are just so clever Jo. You can't be the love that goes into homemade/handmade presents. I too love the shades and the way the patterns stripes comes together.
ReplyDeleteIt's a really easy pattern that anyone could use so long as they can knit and purl. I know that not everyone appreciates handmade gifts but my mum likes things that I've made for her.
DeleteMany happy returns of the day to your Mum, what a lovely present you have made her, I´m sure she will enjoy wearing it when its chilly and of course be remembering you xcx
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm sure the shawl will come in very handy when she feels a chill, it's nice to have something to just drape around your shoulders.
DeleteHappy birthday to your mum. I once actually made a lacy shawl lots of years ago - it was made from fine black wool and so was a torture to make but worth it in the end. A friend made a cream version - much more sensible.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I often think it's the things which are hard going when in the making that are stunning once finished, it's just the getting there that's rather tough.
DeleteIt looks wonderful such a thoughtful gift, made with love. Happy Birthday to your Mum and wishing her many more.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I know my mum feels the cold so it's a gift which will definitely get used. It's so hard to think of things she needs.
DeleteHappy birthday to your Mom, I do try to avoid Doctor appointments on my birthday. Love the shawl, such pretty colors.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have to agree, a doctors appointment isn't the treat I'd like on my birthday either.
DeleteIt's beautiful Jo, the colour changes are subtle and lovely. Happy 82nd birthday to your mum, I'm sure she'll be so cosy this winter with her pretty shawl to keep her warm.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think the colour of the yarn is really pretty, the photos don't really show it off at its best.
DeleteA happy birthday to your mum! That is a lovely shawl which I'm sure will be treasured -I'm working on my first one, a Christmas gift for my daughter using yarn that she picked out at knitters fair we went to in September. I'm about half way there and I can't wait to see how it turns out once it's all done and blocked.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's a lovely pattern, very easy for a beginner shawl knitter like me. I really enjoy knitting for someone who's appreciative of handmade gifts. I'm sure your shawl will be just as loved by your daughter, you must show us when it's finished.
DeleteA Happy Birthday to your mum! It's a beautiful shawl. X
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm really pleased how it turned out.
DeleteHappy Birthday to your mum! The shawl turned out beautiful and I am sure it will come to good use with the recent colder weather.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm sure it will be in use right the way through winter, my mum feels the cold so it's the perfect gift.
DeleteLove your shawl. Happy birthday to your mum, we share the same birthday, I'm just a few behind her, I worked today, did not want to waste a day off.
ReplyDeleteThank you and a very happy birthday to you too. I hope it was a good day at work.
DeleteHappy birthday to your Mum, and what a lovely shawl!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. My mum was pleased with her gift, I think I chose the right pattern as my mum loved it.
DeleteMany happy returns of the day to your mum. Beautiful shawl, I really like the pattern as well as the colours, looks warm and cosy xx
ReplyDeleteThank you. My mum commented on how pretty the pattern is too. It's definitely warm and cosy.
DeleteI hope your dear Mom had a wonderful birthday. The shawl is lovely; beautiful yarn and design.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I think she had a nice day. I really enjoyed making the shawl, it's an easy pattern to follow.
DeleteJo, it's lovely. Your Mum must be thrilled. I bought 3 shawl patterns at Yarndale. I'll have a look later as I think one is lacy & knitted in sock yarn. I started a crocheted one whilst in UK, but need more wool, which I bought at Morley Markets, but can't find over here. I was on quite a roll, as I'd never done anything quite like it before. I think that's what started me looking at shawl patterns, plus they weren't heavy to take home (lol). Take care.
ReplyDeleteMy mum was really pleased with her gift and it should keep her nice an warm all through winter. Shawls seem to be the in thing at the moment, lots of people are knitting or crocheting them. There's some lovely patterns on Ravelry and many of them are free.
DeleteThat's a lovely shawl, great colours too. My mum feels the cold too so maybe I should knit her one for her 80th next year. Happy birthday to your mum.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm sure your mum would love a shawl if she feels the cold, they're so easy to just pull round the shoulders when there's a draught. I think my mum will put her gift to good use.
DeleteReally love the colours of you Mum's birthday shawl, beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMe too, they're such pretty colours and they all blend together really well.
DeleteWow, this really turned out beautifully! And I love the colors you chose, so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm really pleased with it and so is my mum. I think the colours will go with lots of things.
DeleteOh this shawl turned out lovely, love the colour and the pattern. I'm sure your mum will make good use of it now it's gone colder.
ReplyDeletex
She definitely will. I could do with one myself, the weather's so cold now. We're forecast snow tonight, I hope they've got it wrong.
DeleteBeautiful shawl ♥
ReplyDeleteI'm really pleased with it and my mum loved it.
DeleteBelated birthday wishes to your mum for yesterday. I hope she enjoyed her day. I can see why she liked her shawl, it's such a delicate colour combination.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Thank you. I think my mum will get lots of use out of the shawl, she was really pleased with it.
DeleteThat's a lovely gift, and happy birthday to your Mum! I never really got the whole shawl thing for years, but now I'm definitely and convert and think you can never have enough of them :-) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've been the same but seeing how people wear shawls, I definitely want to knit more. I like the way they can be worn like scarves rather than draped around the shoulders.
DeleteA belated happy birthday to your mum! The shawl looks lovely :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. The weather's turned much colder so I'm sure the shawl will be put in to use immediately.
DeleteOh I hope that your Mum enjoyed her special day Jo despite the doctors' appointment. Love the muted colours of your shawl. Your thoughtful gift may well have come in handy with the recent drop in temperature.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my mum had a lovely birthday. The shawl will definitely be put to use very soon, if it hasn't been yet, we had snow yesterday.
DeleteSending my good wishes to your Mum too. I'm sure she had a Happy Birthday, even though it included a Doctors appointment!
ReplyDeleteThe shawl you made looks lovely and the shades of blue look great together.
All the best Jan
Thank you. My mum wears a lot of blue so the shawl will go nicely with most of her outfits.
DeleteFabulous gift you've knitted up, love the shades of wool used.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with how it's turned out and my mum's pleased of the gift now that the cold weather's arrived.
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