First Frost Shawl

This is my latest knit shawl. The pattern is called the Xenia Shawl by Vanessa Smith. Available through the wonders of Ravelry! As I worked on it I was not sure that I was going to like it, but now that it is done it has quickly become a favorite!

I had originally tried to get it made by December 25th. It was a KAL through the SunShine Yarnies group on Ravelry. Alas, I did not get it blocked and ready to wear until December 29th! It uses two SunShine yarns, and it is a crescent shaped shawl - one of my favorites if I had to choose a favorite other than the Faroese shape that is!

The pattern utilized a couple of things that were new me, and that's great because I love learning something new!

This way of adding a stripe was different, but I love it. It looks as nice on the front (the photo above)as it does on the back (see the photo below)

I love the little bit of additional texture that this method provides as well (photo below). Subtle but nice!

Now - on the next shawl. I am almost finished with a pair of "the-cure-for-cold-feet booties - and then next shawl will begin. A new friend and I are doing a mini KAL together knitting a scarf that will be made with Sport or DK weight yarn. I will begin making a second scarf using fingering weight (my favorite) at the same time, so I will have two fun projects going at once...not to mention the two large quilts that I happily working away on at the moment. 

I love choosing patterns and yarns to go with! I have several new skeins of glorious Madeline Tosh Merino Light on hold Island Wools, and I'm anxious to get them on the needles !

It feels really good when a project that you weren't sure you would like turns out to be one of your newest favorites!