I started this shawl a little over 2 weeks ago during the never ending rain storms we kept having. It did practically rain for almost 2 weeks with a few days here and there that were sunny or at least not raining. Knitting this shawl ranked really high on the comfort knitting scale because of the garter stitch with simple increases and because of the color. On those dark and dreary days, picking up this shawl would lift my spirits up and bring a smile to my face. It is such a sunny and cheerful color. Even DH remarked about the delightful color when he saw me working on it.
This was knit for a good friend's up coming birthday. She is going through some difficult times and I hope that this shawl will lift her spirits up every time she wears it or sees it. I see this as a comfort shawl. Something to drape over her shoulders when she curls up with a good book or maybe something to keep her warm on cold nights or chilly mornings.
I knitted this while thinking about her and reflecting on our friendship over the years. It was very meditative. This shawl has a lot of good vibes and cheerfulness that I hope the recipient will feel. Maybe some people would think that I am asking too much from a shawl, but I believe in those things. I have seen the way a child would calm down as soon as she clutches her favorite blanket, so why can't a shawl bring comfort to someone?
I had read reviews that this yarn has a tendency to worm because the yarn is spun around a core. Normally, I am a tight knitter, but for this I loosened my knitting and didn't have too much trouble. I only had to adjust the yarn every once in a while when the yarn loosened from the core. To make sure I had enough yarn, I knit 1.5 balls for the garter portion and then knit the pleated border with the other 1.5 balls. Even though I used less yarn than the pattern called for by making it smaller, it still turned out to be a good size. 
Pattern: Mara Shawl by Madelinetosh
Needles: US 7/ 4.5 mm
Yarn: 3 skeins =447.0 yards of Debbie Mumm for Jo-Ann "Traditions", in the color: Bees Wax 13496
27 comments:
Knitting with intention -- I'm all for it and totally believe in the positive energy worked into every stitch. Great sunny color too. I'm sure your friend will find much comfort in her new shawl. She's lucky to have you.
Oh my! What a gorgeous shawl! I also love the color (and the name of the color...how appropriate!). I'm positive your friend will love it. Really nothing quite like a gorgeous handmade gift from a friend.
(If it makes you feel better we had a few weeks too where it was grey and our pouring every day...it was hard to find street parking because there was so much standing water on the street. But we've had a few gorgeous days in a row and I can't tell you what a lift I've felt in my spirits!)
Your friend will be touched I am sure. And I believe that there are some things that just make us feel better - a blanket, a shawl, a favourite old sweater. It is a really pretty pattern, and uplifting colour. And to know that someone cares ebough to spend good time working on something for you is also a comfort and a blessing.
This is beautiful! I love the subtle striping of the yarn. I might have to give the Debbie Mumm stuff a second look!
I think your friend will love the shawl and hope that your positive energy goes a long way in lifting her spirits!
It's so beautiful, i love the color! What a good thing to do for a friend.
It is so beautiful! I'm sure your friend will feel wrapped in your love and care when she wears it, and be cheered by its sunny colors. That's what makes the process of making something worthwhile. You can put love into it and anticipate the recipient's joy in receiving and using it.
Gorgeous! The blog title really fits perfectly. It does look like a ray of sunshine. Your friend would love it. - me@salihan.com
Really lovely... the shawl and your intentions.
I've had my eye on that yarn for AGES, and love how it worked up in that shawl! SOOOOO pretty!!! Your friend is very lucky, I believe your warm thoughts will add to the shawls'!
This is beautiful ! Hope your friend feels better.
Lovely shawl- and it looks like it's a perfect, flattering fit!
The shawl is beautiful and the color is so cheery. I hope that your friend will feel the good vibes that you are sending!
Beautiful shawl! Those pics are gorgeous! [love your hair too]
I love it that you do that with your gifts. Knitting baby blanket gifts gives me time to put my hopes for the baby and parents into it. I pray and knit [it's easier when I know the stitches...a.k.a. garter stitch] as well. To me it becomes more than a blanket.
I'm sure the love and care for your friend will be felt physically through that shawl...through the warmth and softness it brings. It's a beautiful gift in more ways than one.
Such a beautiful shawl, reminds me of honeycomb with the colors too.
Beautiful shawl - very pretty colorway. I'm sure your friend will love it - and how nice of you to make it for her!
The shawl came out so well--especially the edging! Great job--the colors really show in the pattern.
I totally believe in the same things. I think thats why handmade gifts/crafting is so very special.
oh this shawl is gorgeous! perfect color! i am sure your friend will love it and feel comfort when wearing it. i especially love the edging, really fantastic!
Lovely mellow yellow. And I love all the ways you wear it!
When you make something with love, you can never go wrong. I am sure your friend will benefit from all the positive energy you have knit into this project. Plus, it's beautiful. Nice and sunny! That alone will cheer anyone up!
That is so pretty - and I just love the color. It must have been nice to knit with on rainy days. Your friend will feel very special.
What a great friend you are and what a lucky friend to have a sweet person like you to make her that beautiful shawl! I am sure she will feel wrapped in your caring when she wears it! :)
How pretty! It's the perfect shade of yellow. I hope your friend enjoys it and it lifts her spirits when she's down.
Perfectly simple and beautifully executed (as always)!
oh gosh, now that is SO beautiful. LOve the colour, style and it just looks like sunshine!
Gorgeous work :))
Melx
Beautiful shawl! And you're right, the color is simply gorgeous.
Very pretty colourway ... perfect to lighten up the heart. I'm sure your friend would love it ... and appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Oh! I love this shawl, especially the color and the varigation. Love the ruffle, too. Hope the little one feels better soon.
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