November

Hey, I made it back after mere weeks rather than another month! I’m still settling into the new post-PhD rhythm of life, which is made odder by the fact that we’re in lock down again. Slowly, slowly, I feel like my powers of concentration and desire to take on slightly more challenging crafty projects is returning, and I love it.

One thing I have started since I last posted is a Moonraker shawl.

I have a bit of a history with this shawl. I’ve long admired this pattern. In general, I love Melanie Berg shawls. She always makes them to a nice, generous size, and the slightly asymmetrical shape that she tends to use is much easier to wear than a straight triangle, or even some other shallower asymmetric triangle shawls that I have made in the past. I actually bought the Moonraker pattern a couple of years ago, and attempted it only to give up in frustration as I reached the special swirly stitch that you see above. For the life of me, I just could not figure out how to do it. I could see what was intended, but found it impossible to get my needle through all of the stitches. So I gave up.

Recently, I saw a beautiful version of the Moonraker shawl, by Yarn and Floss. This inspired me to have another go, and on revisiting the pattern I discovered that all I needed to do was read the pattern notes more closely and the problem was solved!

I’ve recently finished another Melanie Berg shawl, Drachenfels.

I’ve come to the conclusion that shawls are the perfect garment to keep neck and shoulders warm while working from home, and have another planned for my needles after I finish Moonraker.

I’m off now… I have more to tell, but not much time tonight so this is a flying visit. I’m also thinking of dipping my toes into the world of vlogging… not sure yet, but watch this space!