The Perfectly Pink Shawl
Documenting my crocheting isn’t something I thought I would ever do, but I’m learning more and more every day about myself and how art impacts the world around us and our own personal lives as well. Crocheting is very personal for me — from the yarn to the pattern to the person I’m giving it to. I think it is only right to document my pieces as I finish them and send them out into the world for myself and others.
This shawl was a labor of love. I made it specifically and from the very beginning for my Mother-in-Law. This lovely lady created the most amazing partner and friend in my life, and she also supported us in ways that no one else would. She is a shining ray of inspiration for me to continually do better — learn and grow and be kind.
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Pink is her favorite color. I found this yarn from Tippy Tree Yarn, hand-dyed, wool and wool-blend DK. The border is from Tronstad Yarn, wool with no dye. The use of these yarns is significant not only because of the color, but also because of their locality, their size, and their quality. These businesses are small, based in Colorado or Wyoming, and they are run mostly by women. This is important to me because I know that I made a shawl for my beautiful Mother-in-Law that is made entirely of love from the sheep to the hook.
The pattern of the shawl is a combination of patterns. I love the butterfly motif mixed with a double crochet, half-double crochet that makes it simple yet elegant with a nice weight to drape over the shoulders while indoors reading a book. The picot edging in white really makes the lighter colors in the pink pop out, softening its edges and giving it a delicate appearance. The finished shawl measured 73" wide and 24" long with 3 skeins of Perfectly Pink.
This is the first time I’ve ever blocked a piece, and I found it easier than I expected. It did take longer than I thought it would, but I will never NOT block a piece ever again. It makes such a difference in how the piece is shaped and finished.
Happy Mother’s Day to a beautiful and amazing woman, Bernice Brown! Thank you for loving us and helping us grow to raise an amazing human who will be as kind and gentle and strong a you!
