Friday 9 September 2011

A Cross off the List Ta-dah.............




...............A while ago now, I had a lovely bunch of yarn to do something with. I had just finished the Japanese Flowers throw. Do you remember this one? It was supposed to be a triangular shawl but I got a bit carried away and ended up turning it into a bed throw......and I am so glad that I did....but I still had the urge to make a shawl in the Japanese flowers. I  LOVE my shawls. They seem to have been making a come back in the world of fashion I see this season. I may not look so out of place for a while! 

After making something so eclectic and bright, I fancied something muted and calm. These shades were just right. All soft and snuggly, perfect for the Autumn days and winter evenings.




Now, I am not really sure for my reasoning, but I decided to keep all the flowers looking the same and I decided to leave out the dark grey. I think I just was after soft and calm.


So I made a start. Wowzer, it was a yarn eater, or was it just that I had bought small balls in a chunky knit, so each ball didn't last long at all. That is why this little beauty took so long. It was left in my bag until I had the time to go back to the specific yarn shop and get some more. 

I wanted to get it done before the chill in the air started to creep in. It is finally finished.









Boy is it warm and cosy. Perfect for Autumn evening strolls, and sofa chilling. I am glad I have finished it. I would have hated for it to have been stuck in the unfinished pile indefinitely. 

It was a pig to photograph though. The light was awful, in between blustery downpours. And it needs blocking, which I will do at some point.

As for the colour.............I like it.........it is soft and delicate, and definitely calming, and it will go with a lot, but I cannot understand why I didn't use the dark grey and mix the flower colours up a little. It still would have been a muted palette, and it would have given the shawl a bit more depth. Ah well, you live and learn and this warm and cosy shawl will certainly get plenty of use once the chill kicks in for sure.

Another project ticked off and wearable!

Happy a fabulous weekend all!

xxx

(Edited to add: I remembered why I decided not to make all the flowers different. It was because I was using such a limited colour palette, that I thought the flower colours would end up looking 'clumpy' when joined together. I still could have varied the inner colours for each and I think that would have looked nicer on the finished product, but never mind, I am still happy with it!)

70 comments:

  1. fantastic!!!!! It's so beautiful =)
    I like it

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  2. It is absolutely gorgeous, dear Lady! A shawl for a duchess and yes, the gentle colours really do look good. Sooo, what's next on the 'to do' list? Man, mine is getting longer and longer by the week.

    Kind thoughts,

    Stephanie

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  3. Wow! Stunning! Those colours are so beautiful together and such a lot of work to complete this...the end result is superb. You must still have the dark grey.. you could buy more of the other colours and do another bedspread...:)x

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  4. I love those colours together and to be honest it looks pretty perfect how it is. Sometimes I like things looking the same, it gives a calmer effect and I reckon that's worked well on your shawl. As much as I love colour and deciding what colour to put next to what sometimes I look at things I am making and they make me feel a bit bleugh. Calm is good sometimes!
    You could always do another one...(I'm running and hiding...)

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  5. I think it's really pretty and I like the simple same colours. - maybe you need two different ones !?

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous!! You are super clever!
    The 'It was a pig to photograph' line made me LOL.
    Refreshingly honest - love it.
    And I love your blog : )

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  7. It's divine. Sure it would have been different with the dark grey and the colours more mixed up, but not better! No way. I don't think this could be improved. Love it!

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  8. These are my kind of colors, I love soft and calm shades. It looks so soft and warm. So pretty, the pictures too! I hope the sun will shine for a bit here, cause I have the same problem with taking pictures -_-'. It's raining cats and dogs here in Holland and it's kinda depressing to be honest :p. A well, time for hot tea.

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  9. I think it is utterly lovely, and bucks the trend of mix & match bright colours.... I like order & consistency in pattern, so this is looks perfect to me, & I also like quieter colours when life is hectic & fast.

    Now I sound a proper fruit loop!

    Lx

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  10. Its gorgeous is what it is!

    I have had a go at making these but had no idea how to attach them to each other. I actually fancy doing one in only two colours. One in the middle and the other for the outer edge. I love bright colourful homeware but I dont like colour much on me! lol. I like to blend in the background I think.

    The wool looks really soft and snuggly too. I think its a triumph! Love the dressmakers dummy too!


    MBB x

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  11. Well I loooooove it. Just as it is. Oh I sound like Mr Darcy! Funnily enough I have a half started JFS in similar colours, well, pink and pale blues. I'm using the kid silk haze left overs from my Shawl of Dreams which has been sadly abandoned because it isn't looking like the one in my head and I'm cross with it. My shawl will be a summery one but as ever you have given me the wantsies and I want a winter one now. But I have way too many wips...and silly knitting is getting in my way!

    Love those flowers too, I've been pinning those a lot lately it seems.

    I have a mental image of you dragging your dress form out to the shed. swearing under your breath at the wind and starting to look like a feral mutt! (Others who read this will think I'm being v rude!)

    Woof

    xxx

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  12. So so so pretty! It was definitely worth the time and effort. Beautiful!

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  13. This is beautiful. I love the colours. It is my favourite thing of all the gorgeousness you have created.
    It will look so nice with boots and a lovely skirt. I would probably want to sit and stare at it all day.
    I do think shawls will make a reappearance. I imagine Plumo will stock them soon.
    For some reason, Cuckoo has now made me imagine that you live on Cold Comfort Farm.
    Byee. x
    I hope you have your own shop one day.

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  14. Wow that is absolutely stunning! I have always wanted to learn to crochet and that kind of project is enough to give me that extra nudge! Really really beautiful, congrats :)

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  15. This is absolutely beautiful and I love the corsages x

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  16. Love this shawl it's beautiful. Subtles are my favourite hues :) x

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  17. That's beautiful and I love the colour combination.

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  18. I love this! Is it as soft as it looks :) Great job!!! And I love the color combo too!

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  19. Pure Joy my friend..this is darling..and I adore the colours...you inspire me my friend.

    Hugs for a great weekend...enjoy all it brings your way. xoxoxox

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  20. Ooooh, it's so lovely Vanessa!! I really must get my ar$e in gear and make myself something like this!!

    S x

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  21. it is so warm and so pretty !!!

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  22. Te ha quedado tan bonito¡¡¡¡¡ y la combinación de colores es tan delicada¡¡¡¡ Me gusta mucho.
    Un saludo.

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  23. Beautiful!!! Love the soft colours. x

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  24. This is absolutely gorgeous and will be wonderful now the weather is getting cooler. Such beautiful colours.

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  25. It is absolutely beautiful! I love the soft shades, not too pale, but muted and subtle. You did a lovely job. I love the mannequin too, I've just got tailor's dummy called Dolly to help display my knitting! Have a lovely weekend, Vanessa.
    Helen x

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  26. It's lovely and given me inspiration. I've wanted to make a japanese flower scarf for awhile. But all the ones I've seen had multiple colors and picking so many was intimidating. Three colors, I can handle.

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  27. Love, love, love the colours. I love pinks and greys. I also love how that yarn looks - soft and fluffy.
    I totally understand the reason you give for not doing the motifs in different colours - that's exactly why it's taken me so long to decide what to do with my brown/pink stash of 4 colours.

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  28. I think it's lovely as it is! As you say, we learn so much after we've finished. Now you have the perfect reason to make another! I really love the soft gentle colours, so comforting. :)xx

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  29. the wool looks so beautiful and snug- i bet that will be lovely and cosy for the winter months vanessa, its so very sweet ;0)xxxx happy weekend with the boys- well done to them for surviving! hehe sophia came home with a big graze in an intimate part after running then falling on an over turned chair- bless her- she was all tears!]lots of cuddles this weekend xxxxxx

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  30. Wow! This is a stunner!
    Clever, clever you.
    Xx

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  31. Really calming, soft colours. Looks lovely. I finished one myself this summer (see my very amateur blog) and pleased with it too although as yet, not worn it! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing the next project of yours finished.

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  32. Lovely, lovely!! I realy love the colors!! Nice weekend for you and your family. Claire

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  33. Beeeeooootiful. This is one of my favourite of your makes - it's a stunner.
    Enjoy your weekend
    Emily x

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  34. I love your shawl! It is absolutely stunning!!
    xx

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  35. Gorgeous! These colors are so soothing.

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  36. It seems these colours are everyones favourites.....mine included! And your yarn looks just gorgeous.....as does your shawl, of course.....what else is there to say.....just fab!!!

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  37. ooooh this is lovely.
    well done.
    fab choice of calming colours.

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  38. Goodness Vanessa, it's a work of art and it looks fab on your dressmakers dummy. Well done! Have a lovely weekend, love Linda x

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  39. Beautiful, love the colours.
    Carol xx

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  40. This is a beautiful shawl Vanessa, seeing this makes me want to do something in similar colours myself.
    It's lovely and feminine but not too girly because of the grey..
    It looks like such soft wool, it'll be perfect for wrapping up in the winter.

    Ashley xxx

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  41. Oh my word, Ness! You are so amazing, am so in awe of you!
    How do you fit it all in! Super wow woman!
    Love the colours and the pattern,
    Just Wow!
    Have a great weekend, wish You were in Wales!
    Becca
    x

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  42. Lovely colours and design. Fabulous.

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  43. Wow you are amazing! I adore your shawl - it is absolutely stunning. The colours are just so serene. I don't know how you do it with all those wee bears to look after - maybe you don't ever sleep? You're a total inspiration! I could do with a beautiful shawl today as it's really cold. Fire is burning, teapot is full and hot scones are just coming out of the oven. Ooops, there goes the diet - again. Have a fab weekend hon. Leah xx

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  44. I lurve it! Gorgeous colour choices!

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  45. gorgeous..lovely...so clever... i am afraid to try such a complicated pattern so for now I will just have to covet your lovely pics :)
    x x x x x x x x x x

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  46. oh so chic!! I love those colours... so romantic. I love your new header too ^_^

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  47. Ooh this is gorgeous!!!! It reminds me of a crocheted poncho I had a few years ago when the Princess was a baby.
    I really wish I had kept it, but alas, for some mad reason I didn't.
    This is gorgeous and I love the flower. Missed a few of your posts it seems, they didn't come up in my blog post. How odd!
    Hope you are well Vanessa.
    Gem x x x

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  48. its apsalutely gorgeous i love it, your blog is heavenly and i love it

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  49. I remember you showing us this lovely wool, I thought it was lovely then. But it looks absolutely gorgeous crocheted up! I love these colours, so soft and pretty, to me dove grey is girly. I love how you have done it; it could be different but not better. You have already done one (not a shawl but the same pattern) in many mixed colours, so keeping a simpler pattern was actually doing it differently. The corsage sets it off perfectly.

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  50. Oh wow, this new scarf is sooo pretty!! I love the colors and that felt flower is of course the Perfect finishing touch. Thank for for being so inspirational again!

    Happy Sunday,
    Love Maaike

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  51. It's beautiful! It will keep you so cosy too! Your Dahlia brooch matches it perfectly!
    Rachel x

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  52. I don't feel I can add anything to these comments - it is SO beautiful! I haven't really progressed past granny squares but I aspire to this...
    happy new week to you
    fee x

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  53. Absolutely gorgeous! I was wearing dusky pink and soft grey the other day and had forgotten how much I loved it as a colour combination. Japanese flowers has also got to be one of the prettiest things to crochet. I have serious shawl envy now!

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  54. WOW! That's amazing and I really LOVE the colours you chose!

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  56. So pretty!!! And such perfect timing...(I usually finish my "winter" wear in the heat of summer, and my summery looks sometime in December!)

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  57. Swoon, swoon...oh my goodness Vanessa, that's the most beautiful thing Ive seen! I love bright yarn but I also adore the softer colours and love your choice here. You are going to look sensational in it! Well done to you, so inspiring - want one!! lol

    Big hugs, Julia x x x

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  58. It's soo lovely, I love the colours and how cosy it looks!

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  59. It is so so beautiful and I love the corsages


    greatings Conny

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  60. I'm really loving these beautiful colours - all soft and cosy, definitely perfect for this time of year! I have a similar shawl that used brown instead of the grey (works just as nicely, but somehow I prefer the grey). Will have to get my hooks out, methinks x

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  61. It's really beautiful Vanessa, I love it. You have such a gift for colour and design. xx

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  62. Stunning..love the colour combo x

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  63. not sure if I asked before,forgive me if I did! I would love to know which pattern you used,and how to get it(gladly pay,not looking for free,of course that would be a bonus!) If you could email the info,or just post I would be so grateful!
    Regards,Heidi
    forgot to mention,you did an awesome job,and I adore the colors!

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  64. Wow, this looks so pretty...and that yarn is just amazing! Would you mind telling me where you got it from? It's ok if you want to keep it a secret though, I would understand...

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  65. yes this is beautiful <3 would love to know what yarn it is ! pinned it !

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