Two years ago when the pandemic started, I purchased a yarn from lionbrand that I absolutely adored. It was Jade Green, and it’s from the line: Shawl in a Ball. I may be biased to this line of yarn because was the first yarn that I used for my first shawl. The color that I used was restless rainbow. The second shawl that I made was a gift for friend and I made it with crown jewels. That color was stunning. I’m still kicking myself for not taking pictures of that shawl. Needless to say, I really love this yarn. I’m so sad to see it discontinued.
When the pandemic hit. I was able to get other colors of that particular yarn. This color just stuck out to me. I loved the dark transition, back to the light. It really did remind me of a jade bracelet.I didn’t know what pattern or design I wanted to work with, so I first I decide to use a stockinette pattern for that yarn.
And it was a fun project to work on. I looked forward to the transitions, and I was just happy knitting away. I didn’t know what I wanted from this yarn, so I just picked something plain. Looking back, I think I was more interested in the color changes.
I liked it, it was nice. But something about it didn’t settle in my heart. After I finish that I wasn’t so much in love with the yarn because I was not in love with the pattern that I used. I went with a straight stockinette stitch, because I wanted to see the actual transitions of this yard. however, this yarn, and me were not feeling this stitch. Not only that, I learned how to add a border stitch with my poncho so I added a border stitch after the fact. Not saying, it didn’t look great, but the border stitch color transitioned at a different transition than the actual Poncho 🫠. If I think back on it, if I’m going to add a border stitch, I should really plan that before I start the project🤔.
It took me about two years since the pandemic to unravel the Poncho that I made, and decide to do something else with the two balls of yarn that I purchased. For a while it just sat there looking sad and unraveled. The beautiful thing is–there are 2 balls of yarn, so I can make two different projects. I wouldn’t have to feel like I wasted the yarn on something that I didn’t like.
I must admit, years ago, I really was not into shawls. I figured what was the point, just put on a sweater if you’re cold. But as I got older and knitting more, I finally see the purpose of all these beautiful shawls. They not only dress up an outfit, but it can add color and add warmth. It’s just overall awesome. Also, the ease of taking them off and putting them on are so appealing that I can see why people are so enamored by them.
For this one, I decide to use a stitch pattern that I found on LionBrand.com for the website called the Tassel Shawl. I haven’t decided if I’m going to continue in the same pattern directions or branch off into my own thing. Knowing me, I like usual, branched off into my own thing.
I don’t know what it is, but the transition using crochet instead of knit, makes it look more airier and delicate I guess. I love both crafts. So I’m not partial to one over the other, but I do knit more.
In the meantime, I really loved how the shawl came out. It wasn’t too big or long. There are things that I’m thinking I’ll do differently, but overall I’m pretty pleased with it.
I do tend to lean on knit more, so I’m looking forward to finishing a shawl with a border in knit for this yarn.
In the meantime, what do you think? Are you a fan of shawl in a ball yarn. What is your favorite go to yarn for shawls.