Thursday 30 July 2015

Starting the Sea Glass Shawl

Have you seen the Sea Glass shawl pattern in the Simply Crochet issue 33 magazine? I know Daisy has already started one of these shawls and it is looking really gorgeous so far. You can see hers here.

It just so happens that I've also started crocheting one of these shawls. Well look at it! It's so, so beautiful, who could resist making it?


Fortunately I even have a very good reason for making mine; we're going to a wedding at the beginning of September and this is what I intend to wear with my dress.


Lace weight yarn had to be purchased. I picked the colour to match my new shoes. It was tricky to match the colour as I had to buy the yarn online from the Wool Warehouse. Picture me at a screen, new shoe in hand, trying to match the colour to various yarns. This is what I finally decided was the best match and, now that it has arrived and I can see it in real life, is actually a perfect match. 


It's Juniper Moon Farm Findley yarn which is 50% extra fine merino wool and 50% mulberry silk. It feels so soft. So very, very soft.


The pattern looks difficult but it is easy enough to follow. The shawl is made up of thirty four starfish motifs, joined as you go, arranged in three rows; ten motifs in the top row, nine motifs in the middle row and eight in the bottom row. After the first two starfish motifs I was able to continue without needing to refer to the pattern.

This is the first row complete with two motifs of the middle row also done. The colour isn't quite as dark as this really.


A bit closer so you can see more detail. This is much closer to the true colour.


Actually, as a matter of interest, the colour is called Rappahannock. I have to admit that this meant nothing to me until I checked it out on the internet.The Rappahannock River is in eastern Virginia and traverses the entire northern part of the state, from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west, across the Piedmont, to the Chesapeake Bay, south of the Potomac River. That explains why the name has been used for this shade of blue!

The dress with which I will be wearing the sea glass shawl has a lot of beading at the neckline so I won't be doing any beading on the shawl. When it's finished I'll let you see it (it will improve immensely after being blocked). I'll also let you see the dress and shoes.

Thank you all so much for your lovely comments on my crocheted top. I've also done a wee cardigan which I'll have to let you see. Work continues on the big blanket!

All the best for now.

24 comments:

  1. I had not seen this pattern! How gorgeous! Looks like yours is coming along nicely, and the color is really pretty. I'm curious to see it finished and what you have to say about the pattern. Does it seem to take forever or does it go pretty quickly? I may have to go purchase this pattern and give it a try.

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  2. The pattern looks gorgeous! I hope you get it finished in time. The colour is really lovely; just like sea glass!

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  3. I love it.....its going to be stunning. The blue is a beautiful color.

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  4. Wow that is such a beautiful shawl! I love the motifs, it's such a visually interesting pattern. The yarn you chose is beautiful, can't wait to see the whole ensemble!!

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  5. Hi Gillian, wow, this is really such a stunning shawl pattern.
    And it looks like you are making great progress indeed.
    That yarn looks fantastic, I'm going to check it. It must be very fine.
    What size hook are you using and how large is one motif?
    Well done for matching the colour.
    Looking forward to seeing it when it is finished!!
    Ingrid xx
    Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

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    1. I'm using a 3.5 mm hook. The motif is basically a hexagon. When it's blocked it will be at least 6" across. Maybe more.

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  6. This shawl is beautiful isn't it, and I love the colour of yarn that you chose! I could do with a shawl to go with a dress that I will wear to a wedding in October but I don't know if I would finish this in time! Perhaps I should have a go! You have inspired me!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your shawl and hoping that you enjoy the wedding you are going to! xx

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    1. Go for it Amy. The shawl works up very quickly on a 3.5 mm hook.

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  7. Such a beautiful shawl and gorgeous shade of blue.....well done on matching the colour so well to your shoes! It will make a wonderful wedding outfit with your beaded dress.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    Helen xox

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  8. Your shawl will be simply beautiful !!!!!! Very good choice of the pattern and the yarn .... have a lovely weekend !

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  9. I can't wait to see this shawl finished, it's going to be beautiful and the yarn you chose is gorgeous. Hx

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  10. Hello Gillian, the shawl is amazing, so soft and gentle. A beautiful colour choice, and I can hardly
    wait to see the finished item.

    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  11. I hadn't seen the pattern yet but my, it looks gorgeous! Love the color you decided to use for your shawl. It will look like the deep sea in the sun!

    Take care
    Anne
    Crochet Between Worlds

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  12. Hello Gillian, Lovely shawl. I like that pattern. I thought I had commented on your gorgeous jumper but it didn't work! Both the blues really suit you. Will you have your shawl finished in time? Have a great weekend. Barbara xx

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    1. Should be finished in good time. I hope!

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  13. This one will be so beautiful! Cant wait to see it.

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  14. It is going to be gorgeous.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  15. Wow, so beautiful! Can't wait to see it finished. Nice pattern and the yarn looks so soft. I have not seen this pattern in the magazine's German version "Simply Häkeln" up to now, I hope it will be in the next issue. Have a nice evening! Nata xxx

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  16. That shawl seems gorgeous! You've chosen a very nice colour. Totally summer blue.
    I also noticed your king size cotton blanket, I love it!
    PS: I became your new follower today, nice blog!
    Sigrid

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    1. You're very welcome! Lovely to have you join in.

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  17. Hello Gillian, you were the lucky winner of my receny giveaway. Please could you let me have your postal address Best wishes, Una, uomalley82@yahoo.co.uk Una’s blog:
    Great Balls of Wool

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  18. Hellooo Gillian
    the colour you have chosen is beautiful...looking forward to seeing the whole outfit.
    I have 10 motifs to go and then I will be finished...
    bestest daisy j xx

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  19. I'm coming a bit late to this Gillian but just wanted to say that the colour of your shawl is stunning - and the yarn looks beautiful. I hope your shawl is progressing well.
    Caz xx

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    1. Yes it's coming on very well thanks. I've just started the edging. Then ends to sew in and get it blocked.

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