My gift making has slowed down significantly recently. In fact, all my yarny projects have. I’ve been dealing with my never ending cold, work deadlines and general apathy. So while I’d finished knitting The Rain Outside shawl for my friend about 2 weeks ago, I couldn’t bring myself to actually write about it or take some acceptable photos.
But it’s high time to update my blog so here we go!


Alright, let’s get back to the shawl. I saw this pattern for the first time knitted by Dana on the Yards of Happiness blog, and then on several other blogs I follow or just visit sometimes. Still, at that time I haven’t thought about knitting it. I liked it but there were always other things I wanted to knit more than this shawl. But when I bought the West Yorkshire Spinners Gemstone collection yarn in DK weight, I searched on Ravelry for the DK yarn shawl patterns and out of everything I’d found, I liked The Rain Outside the best. It seemed perfect to show off the two contrasting colours of this lovely wool.
I felt a little intimidated by the lacy short rows sections at first – but there is really nothing to fear! The short rows are super easy, there is no special technique to apply here, just turn the work and knit without any wraps, picking stitches etc. Other than these lacy sections, there are just rows of garter stitch which become very long at the end, so much so that my 100 cm long circular needles were hardly enough!

So what do I think now that the shawl is ready? I like the pattern, and I love how large and warm this shawl is. Just perfect to wrap it around the shoulders and feel really warm and cozy. Despite my worries, it’s also not scratchy! The colours make an interesting combination too. My friend specifically requested to add some fuchsia to her wardrobe so here it is – my photos are not the best, the colour in reality is a little less neon and more like fuchsia as requested. I’m not very fond of the tight upper edging and when I read the opinions of Ravelers, some loveit while others complain, so I think it is the most controversial part of the pattern. But all in all I’m happy with it and I think my friend is going to wear it a lot this winter.

So that’s all from me for now. I’m getting excited for the Dublin Knitting and Stitching Show which begins tomorrow. I’m planning to go on Friday or Saturday. Can’t wait!
That is beautiful! I love the two colors together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Julie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a really beautiful shawl π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh it’s lovely! I’m contemplating making my 4th one for my cousin for Christmas π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’m sure your cousin will love it because let’s be honest: who wouldn’t? π
LikeLiked by 1 person
True! LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely, just lovely. I totally love the results from the short rows. Your friend will be thrilled to have this!
Would you believe it, on my last shopping spree, I’d added the same two colors to my cart for a shawl, but then changed my mind about knitting it? (Regret, regret, lots of regret)
I’m sure your cats love you all the more for spoiling them so. π
LikeLike
Thanks! π You can always fix the mistake on your next shopping spree and knit the shawl after all π
As for my cats… Stella definitely appreciates what she has (I think because she has comparison with her rough first year of life), but Ciri is an ungrateful spoiled devil. Which doesn’t make me spoil her any less of course!
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is really lovely! love grey and pink together! π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I like these 2 colours together too and I enjoyed working with this wool a lot. I avoid pink in my clothes because I look awful in it so I take any chance I get to knit with it for someone else βΊ
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fabulous Rain Outside!! I absolutely love it, Kat! And it looks great on YOU! You must make one for yourself. π
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I probably will some day π This knitting queue is getting longer and longer!
LikeLike