Wednesday 7 May 2014

Officially a Shawl Person


I say it bravely, I say it boldly, I say it with style and moxie: I am a shawl person!


I finished my Ricicles Shawl last night, and it is loooovely! I used my favourite chalky pastel shades:


The pattern, from the very clever and talented Sandra of Cherry Heart, was a dream to hook, it whipped up quickly, and it used less than 50g of each shade (save for the pale pink, which I started another ball just to finish the border).


I weaved in the ends with Little Flower at my side, snuggling under our quilt. I used various cottons from my stash, some Sirdar Simply Recycled, some Rico Baby Cotton, and my new fave, King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK. I would love to make an autumn version of this with just the bamboo cotton...


Because Little Flower modelled my Nordic Shawl, it was only fair that Bunny donned my Ricicles Shawl, here draped around her neck – another bonus for the pattern, because it easily scrunches up to wear as a scarf. I have a strong feeling I'll be sharing this with her, she sure enjoyed wearing it this morning...

I wore it on the school run this morning – it is surprisingly warm given that it’s full of holes! I tend to wear my shawls sort of sideways, with one end flung over my shoulder with aplomb (a rather dramatic way to wear a shawl, as if I’m saying to the world, “Yeah, I’m wearing a shawl, you gotta problem with that?” In actuality, I receive kind compliments, or no one even notices...).

I can hardly believe it – two completed WIPs in less than a week! Get me! Probably the first and last time that will ever happen...


I’m happy to report that baby birds are back in my garden! So far we have Little Starling here, perched outside my kitchen door, peeping in to ask for his breakfast. I think he learned this from the other winged pals in the garden – most mornings Mr. Blackbird or Sir Robin fly over to the door while I’m making my tea, cocking their heads towards me until I come out with the birdseed, bleary-eyed in my old dressing gown and slippers. Not exactly as charming as birdsong waking a Disney princess...


And here is the latest generation of blackbird! This little fledgling plays in the garden when the girls are at school, here with the giant Swiss ball...


...and here poking around for food beneath the slide. We’ve lived in this house for 10 years, and every year I watch the newborn blackbirds with their parents. It makes my heart sing!

Happy crafting!


Chrissie x

46 comments:

  1. What a beauty of a scarf! Pretty colours and fab pattern...
    I love making shawls too, but I don't wear them that often I am afraid. This one looks very usable though!
    Those birds are so sweet to have in your garden! We don't have many overhere, but that might have something to do with the cats ;-). A shame, because I love to see them pottering aruond...
    Love from Mirjam.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a gorgeous shawl. I love the colours you have used. My goodness you are on a roll .I cant wait for your next project. I am definitely a shawl person in fact my two daughters never leave home without one and I didn't have to force them.
    Have a lovely day

    ReplyDelete
  3. it's lovely Chrissie, it's looks nice and light and easy to wear. Also handy to know how much wool it used! enjoy it, Heather x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your shawl is pretty and I love your shawl attitude!! It looks really stylish. I'm just a tad envious of your baby birds too. XX

    ReplyDelete
  5. It's lovely, the colours are very pretty, I'm almost tempted to have ago myself. I really want a shawl for wrapping around my shoulders at the garden table & the knitted pattern I have looks a tad scary at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  6. beautiful and expertly modeled too! Love the colours always.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's simply lovely - and those pretty pastel colours...swoon... Well done, you - you're setting a precedent though, we're going to expect at least one finish a week from now on! What's next on the list?
    Happy Wednesday,
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's one beautiful shawl! Loving the purple pastel colours

    ReplyDelete
  9. It is truly beautiful Chrissie! Perfect colours, which are very you. I hope you continue to enjoy wearing it.
    Marianne x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous1:06 pm BST

    Your Shawl is fab I love it. clever you..I have a christening shawl on the go at the moment, perhaps I shall have a go at a shawl next...I love watching the birds too such a busy time of year in the garden
    Thea xx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Gorgeous Chrisie and so beautifully modeled too !
    Have a great week,
    Kate x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Beautiful colors for a beautiful shawl !!!
    Lovely pictures too !
    Have a great day !
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  13. So very pretty Chrissie!!! I can totally see why you have shawl love. When I get a few things finished this is on my radar to make, and seeing how beautiful your shawl is it makes me want to make one even more!! Hope that you love wearing it at your jaunty angle and that you get lots of great comments!! I bet that you look great in it. xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely colour choices Chrissie. I think you've done a great job x x x

    ReplyDelete
  15. You do right to wear it with aplomb...it's gorgeous Chrissie! :)
    V x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your shawl looks so gorgeous, Chrissie! What lovely colours, and the shawl looks soft and delicious to wear! Loved seeing the birds too.....we once had a blackbird's nest full of baby birds in our beech hedge, but they didn't return the next year unlike yours!
    Have a wonderful week!
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful, love the colours and the pattern. I love the idea of wearing it with aplomb...you go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. and you should wear it with pride, it's beautiful! Lovely colours. i'd probably be a shawl person, but my husband would laugh at me and make me self conscious. i once wore a pashmina to a wedding and my cousin (who is about 4 years younger than me) made some comment about pashminas being for old ladies - she actually wasn't being mean, I don't think she realised what she'd said! I. however, think that ladies in shawls/pashminas are elegant!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I could have written this post!! I've just bought loads of the bamboo cotton, and intend to make a ricicles shawl (although there are a couple of other things first). Love the colours you've used.
    And I saw the first fledglings today. A group of starlings appeared. Shouting away to each other and arguing on the beed feeders. I love this time of year. x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautiful Chrissie, the colours are so soft and pretty! And wearing it with pride, good for you girl!!!!
    Gill xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love your new shawl, what pretty colours xx

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful! Gorgeous colours Chrissie, enjoy being a shawl person!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gorgeous makes Chrissie and your little model is a beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  24. It's beautiful, I love giant cosy shawls like that yet I've only got one :-S I think I need to remedy that problem!

    ReplyDelete
  25. That shawl is just perfect... I love the colours - and admire your persistence for weaving in all those ends...

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous6:22 pm BST

    I still wear my shawls like a scarf, I should have more confidence like you and just go for it! Love the shawl and the colours. I think King Cole is a really good brand and very much like the yarn I have from them. Do you feed your blackbird's sultanas? We do although it is an expensive business and today the thrush arrived back in the garden. He comes every year for sultanas for his family and we can almost hand feed him. Enjoy your week xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, the sultanas are such a treat for them! I try to buy birdseed blends with them already part of the mix, but when I see the babies I always reach into the cupboard and give them extra! I have a song thrush that comes round when the blackbirds aren't looking - they are quite the rivals...now if I only had a hedgehog like you have! Cx

      Delete
  27. beautiful shawl......I love the colours!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Its beautiful Chrissie and I love your description of how you wear it :-) ... Bee xx

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Chrissie
    I happened upon your blog whilst bloghopping, and am so glad I did :) Such great things you make :)
    Your shawl is gorgeous, love the colours :)
    Jillxo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Absolutely beautiful shawl Chrissie, well done, and it looks gorgeous on Little Bunny - you may well have a fight on your hands with this one!
    Thank you for the lovely birds - I always am delighted to see them, and would also love to hear them - if only I could! love, Joy xo

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your shawl is so pretty, Chrissy. I'm sure it looks beautiful (and sassy) on you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Go Chrissie!!! Gorgeous shawl....I SO want one!!!! S xo

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love it!! Such enchanting colours and such a beautiful pattern. Adore the baby birds - we're loving having them visit too!! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's gorgeous!!!!! The colours are so soft and pretty. I never thought I was a shawl person but have now knitted many and love them. I've never made a crochet one though, maybe I should give it a go. Enjoy the rest of your week. Deb x

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love it. You used beautiful colours. I used to run a mile at the word shawl (they're for old people, surely, I thought) but that's changing. They can be stylish and modern and fun. Wear your shawl with pride, Chrissie!

    Ok, I've enjoyed a lovely catch up here and will leave you alone now! xx

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh it's beautiful! I love your soft, natural but warm palette of colours, very lovely and it's looks super cozy on your mini model too. I didn't see myself as a shawl wearer either, but now I adore them, I must have hundreds favourited by this time. So, I love that you are a proud wearer of your shawls, go for it I say!

    S x

    PS Thank you so much for the link up sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sandra is so talented and so are you! I love the shawl, and I have to say I love making them, yet I rarely wear them. I feel like it is hard to always keep them on, but yet I can't stop making them, what is wrong with me?
    Hugs to you,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
  38. Totally gorgeous. Such a lovely collection of colours and if it used up odd balls then that is completely up my street too. You should try Elise next to really get you going.... Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Gorgeous shawl - lovely colours!
    Maria x

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sweet shawl! I love it when it can be worn as a scarf too (double purpose)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I really like this fine delicate looking scarf, looks especially sweet on your eldest. I'm not officially a shawl person yet, but when I do I will most certainly blame it on you ;-) !!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your shawl is beautiful. I love the bird pictures. We had baby bunnies a few years back but we rarely have baby birds around.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Much shawly love from me. Beautifully worked m'dear :) And isn't Sandra just so talented!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous10:39 pm BST

    Chrissie I love your shawl ... The colours are sublime. I too am hooking up a shawl but boo hoo ... It's not for me!! Must make one for me next!!! Thanks as always for the inspiration! Emma x

    ReplyDelete