My Seafoam Shawl
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Isn't it great when you stumble across one of those "go-to" patterns? You know what I mean, the projects that are not only fun to do, but also easy enough that you can crochet away during any spare moment. Well, the Seafoam Shawl by Kimberly K. McAlindin from Accessories 2011 is my new addiction. |
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Not only is the Seafoam Shawl beautiful, it is also constructed in such a neat way! The Shawl starts with a row of foundation single crochet which is by far the worst part for me. Though foundation single crochet isn't much fun, I have to say that I much prefer it to suffering through the second row of single crochet into my first row of chains… I always miss one! If you've been avoiding fsc, I highly recommend giving it another chance. Check out Toni's recent blog about foundation crochet to learn more. |
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After the foundation row, the fun begins with a wonderful lace strip. The lace pattern is really quite addicting! Depending on how you block the shawl at the end, the peaks can be really dramatic and pointy or more rounded and subtle. |
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Then, your shawl is shaped using a short row technique. This was just a bit confusing at first but after a couple of rows I was happily crocheting away without the pattern. I played around with hooks and found that I prefer a smaller size hook for the lace and a larger one for the body of the shawl. In the photo you can see that the short rows are relaxing enough to crochet as you lounge by the pool! |
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Another bonus to this pattern is how quickly you will finish! And, you can use leftover yarn from another project as you won't go through much yardage. One thing I want to stress is that I keep using the word "shawl" but it's really more of a shawlette or scarf. You can slightly adjust the size by using larger hooks or heavier yarns. Take a look at my three Seafoam Shawls below! |
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The Mint Julep Shawl Yarn: Jojoland 100% Cashmere lace weight (only a little more than half the skein used) Hooks: 7 (4.5mm) for lace, H/8 (5.0mm) for body This shawl accompanied me to a Tiki Weekend event where the fresh tropical color was just perfect! The cashmere makes the Mint Julep extra soft and indulgent. Smaller in size, this is just right as a summer accessory when the sun goes down. |
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| The Mint Julep Shawl in action! |
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The Tahitian Rum Punch Shawl Yarn: Laceweight (70% merino, 30% silk); leftover from a large shawl. Hooks: H/8 (5.0mm) for lace; I/9 (5.5mm) for body After crocheting the bulk of this shawl at the Tiki event, I thought it appropriate to name her after one of the many delicious tropical drinks offered throughout the evening. The Tahitian Rum Punch Shawl came out slightly larger and more airy than the Mint Julep. You can also note the dramatic points. |
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| The Tahitian Rum Punch in action! |
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The Jungle Cruise Shawl Yarn: Drew Emborsky Inappropriate (90% merino 10% nylon); color is Grunge from the 90's decades line. I have to take a moment to gush about Drew's new line of yarns, I just love his idea of color combinations from different decades! Naturally, I have my eye on the gorgeous and appropriately named "Tiki Torch" from the 1950s collection. He also has a Gemstones set that is equally as beautiful and I crocheted another shawl in the lovely Amethyst color. After working with both of these yarns, I have to say that they are just a dream! They feel so nice and smooshy as you crochet along and just look at how those green shades work up in the Jungle Cruise shawl! The zigzags came out perfectly! Hooks: I/9 (5.5mm) for entire project
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| The Jungle Cruise Shawl bringing some cheeriness to a rainy day. |
| Clearly, I'm a little obsessed! If you want more inspiration, check out Marcy's Seafoam Shawl blog where she confesses her own obsession for this fun pattern. Now you tell me, what do you look for in a go-to project? |