Shawls & Wraps – Me, My Crafts and I

I’ve knit a few West Knits Shawls now. I’ve found the patterns easy to follow even though the finished product might seem complex when first looking at it.

The Completed West Knits Shawls

Vulpix

The first West Knits Shawl I knit, which was also the first West Knits pattern I tried, was Vulpix. Although seeming complex the patterns are surprisingly easy to follow. I hope that I can also master the art of writing patterns for the ‘Adventurous Beginner’.

Vulpix was a custom order for my boss’s brother. He was happy with the result and I enjoyed the process. It knit up quickly.

Fantastitch

When I first joined Instagram I was seeing the Fantastitch pop up a lot. Because I was really inspired by what I was seeing, I wanted to do my own.

I’d had a positive experience knitting Vulpix and Fantastitch was no different. I’d say it was one of the most fun things to knit and the gorgeous yarn just really perks me up!

Slipstravaganza MKAL 2020 – Silver Fox

Because I had so much fun with the Fantastich, I wanted to join in on the Slipstravaganza MKAL.

Slipstravaganza MKAL 2020 – Dirty Mustard

At this point in my life I was newly disabled having found out that I have cyst in my spinal cord and I was unable to work at a job I loved. I am a work-a-holic and being so limited by my body, I decided to push myself with this MKAL by knitting two versions of the same pattern.

It was a real boost to my confidence! As a result of finishing the two shawls, I didn’t feel useless and incapable. I didn’t feel weak or helpless. I’m glad I challenged myself!

Winterlights Hiberknitalong 2020

MKAL Season Fever breezed on and suddenly it was Hiberknitalong Season! I of course joined in again. I had a lot of trouble with the bubble sections. I’d say due to potato brain. So I didn’t enjoy knitting this one as much as the others.

The lessened enjoyment could also be due to the yarn I was using which was stash yarn that continuously split.

Future West Knits Shawls That I’m Planning to Knit

Waiting for the West Knits Shawl MKAL 2021

I’ve signed up for the West Knits MKAL 2021 Shawlography. However, I’m still deciding on my yarn palette. I’m sure September will pass by quickly and then October Cast On will be upon us!

Are you joining the MKAL??

Speckle & Pop Jacket

I want to knit a Speckle & Pop Jacket for my younger brother. I think the energy will really suit my younger brother’s vibe. I’ll be using lots of scrap and stash yarn but don’t really have a cast on date set for this one.

Starflanket

Of course I have to try to knit a West Knits Blanket! I’ve got a bunch of acrylic blend sport yarn I got on sale a while back that I could probably use. Although I want to knit this one, I’m still undecided on the yarn and as a result don’t have a date for cast on for this one either.

Scrap Version Garter Garden Shawl Worn As Hip Scarf

I’m ecstatic to finally publish the pattern for the Garter Garden Shawl design. It’s so pleasing how this came together and how quickly, easily and enjoyably this one knits up. The shawl can also be worn as a hip scarf (perfect for the belly dancers out there) or to jazz up a swim suit. Buy it now here!

Garter Garden Shawl Design

The Idea

I wanted something that I could knit easily while watching TV, but wasn’t plain garter stitch and too boring. I’ve wanted to do an asymmetrical shawl with a pointed edge for a while. So thought this was the perfect opportunity to try.

The Yarn

I purchased the Garden Pond colourway from NNK Yarns after falling in love with it. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to use it. Paired with Currant, another NNK Yarns colourway that I had no plans for but seduced its way into my stash.

NNK Yarns Sock Colourways Currant and Garden Pond

The yarns look absolutely stunning and gorgeous together!

The Result?

Full Length Garter Garden Shawl Version 1

Garter Garden Shawl Beach Vibes

I wanted to reknit the shawl. The first time through I forgot to note properly the lace sections and didn’t trust my stitch count. Again I looked at the NNK Yarns in my stash and found colourways Glacier and Honeycomb. The yarns are both gorgeous separately but together complemented and there was enough contrast to have the stripes stand out.

Full Length Garter Garden Shawl Version 2

I love how this shawl came out with the colours. This is not a colour combination I usually use so it was surprising how well it worked. And really gives off a beachy and relaxing vibe. The beautiful model pictured has secured this shawl for her next beach adventure.

Garter Garden Shawl Beach Vibes Wrapped Around Shoulders

Time to Test Knit!

With instructions typed up and some messy hand drawn charts the pattern was ready to be test knit. The wonderful Theresa volunteered to test knit and lucky for me she is an experienced test knitter and very kind. After lots of new ideas, LOTS of corrections (to my embarrassment but also relief), the Garter Garden Shawl Pattern was improved dramatically!

Theresa’s finished Garter Garden Shawl blew me away! I was so emotionally happy I had tears in my eyes. Someone had knit my pattern! And it was beautiful! I can’t wait to see what more people knit and do with the pattern! So please tag me on instagram so I can see your progress and your finished projects!

Garter Garden Shawl 80s Synthwave Vibe

I like patterns that have the weights used for sections so you can do lots of customization and use up all those left over yarns from finished projects that are still beautiful. Of course the colourway Impossible Princess made its way into this one as it has made its way into several of my projects. I love the combination of pink, purple and aqua.

This scrappy version used two colours still for the garter stripes but there was not a high contrast between the colours, but I love the effect! Colourways for stripes were Silver Fox and Purple Rain.

Scrap Version Wrapped Around Shoulders & Neck

I also made extra sure to count my stitches for the rows to assist knitters through the growth of their own Garter Garden. And finished a little bit fancy using the OOAK colourway Post Migraine Purple, a lovely deep purple, with a picot bind off. It ties in so nicely with the lace sections.

Finalising the Instructions for the Garter Garden Shawl

All the fun stuff was done. Surprisingly the shawl was getting lots of love and instagramers were looking forward to the pattern release. Fire lit, the pattern instructions updated, charts generated, and models requested. And today is the day. It both came quickly and slowly. I’m so excited to publish this shawl pattern!

Garter Garden Shawl Wrapped Over Shoulders

Get the pattern now and knit your own! Buy it here!

Category: Shawls & Wraps

West Knits Shawls That I’ve Knit So Far…