A Rainbow in Wool

After all that cutting last week, I was a little afraid to touch my vest for a while (you know, just in case it decided to unravel as soon as I tried to pick up stitches or something), so I need a fun interim project. Jen had let me borrow a shawl pattern from her a while ago, and once the thrill/terror from cutting the steeks had subsided, I decided it was time to purchase my own copy of the pattern and use up the free Noro I had in my stash. Just a few days later, I had myself a shawl!

Pattern: Forest Canopy Shawl by Susan Lawrence
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock (70% wool, 30% nylon), color S229, a little less than one skein
Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) Addi Turbo circs
Dimensions: approximately 27" by 54"
Started/Completed: January 6/January 10
Mods: added three pattern repeats

One skein of yarn was more than enough for this shawl, which made me happy. I might've had enough to squeeze out another repeat, but it would have been very close and wondering if I was going to run out would've made me cranky. Plus, I kinda like how the shawl starts and ends with the same color in the repeat (totally by luck, by the way).

If you're new to lace, this is an exceptionally easy pattern. It has both written and charted directions, and it's easily adaptable to different weights of yarn (just adjust your needle size accordingly). For me, having knit much more complicated lace before, it was a real pleasure to just sit down, memorize the pattern, and knock out an entire shawl in a few days.

I'm still not a huge fan of the Kureyon Sock, but it worked well in this instance for a rustic look. I really do like the stripes -- they worked really well with this not-too-complicated lace pattern.

Now -- on to finishing the vest!