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