Saturday, July 16, 2011

Toscane

Toscane shawl

One of the things I love most about living in Canberra is winter, with the crisp air, smell of woodsmoke and gorgeous blue skies. However I am not loving winter so much this year. Winter has been kicking my butt. I am so cold all the time, probably from being so sick and having reduced circulation from not moving enough when I was recuperating from my surgery. For the first time in 20 years, I have actually looked forward to summer. And I hate summer.

Last year I made a beautiful charcoal coloured shawl using Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, and I've been wearing it constantly on these super cold days we've been having. It is so unbelievable warm and as I still had four skeins of the "Bristol Red" Silky Wool in the stash from when I purchased it last year, I thought it was time to make another big warm shawl to keep my shoulders and neck warm.

Toscane shawl

This is the Toscane shawl, another pattern by EclatDuSoleil. I really love Helene's patterns, obviously - this is my third of hers and I have plans to make more. She has a real knack for shawl pattern writing.

The pattern recommends using a floufy yarn like alpaca to bring out the bobbles in the stitch pattern, but I went in the opposite direction with a very matte, very textural yarn. I like how it turned out. This shawl will be worn frequently - like it's charcoal cousin, it's warm and cozy. Unlike it's cousin it's RED, my favourite colour.
Toscane shawl

I think I'm going to wear it tomorrow for an early, cold start to the Old Bus Depot Markets' Creative Fibre Day. I don't do the markets anymore, but Carrie does and she'll be selling my sack bags on her Fibrewebs stall. I've offered to help her out for a couple of hours (and not just because I might get first dibs on her lovely  hand dyed yarn). If you're in Canberra, come along - it's always a great day.

Seven bags made

More bags for the Bus Depot Market

13 comments:

  1. Beautiful shawl, great color.

    Same same (hate Summer), but this Winter has been particularly drab and dank (and wet!). Looking forward to Spring!

    Enjoy the market tomorrow!

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  2. Gorgeous color for your shawl. I too have felt the cold this winter which I think is absolutely freezing but much better than scorching hot weather. I love your sack bags Michelle, do you do custom orders at all.

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  3. Hurrah for lovely warm red shawl! Looks great and love your stripy goodness top as well!

    Boo for not being able to go to the markets tomorrow to buy another of your lovely sack bags!

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  4. Very pretty shawl and cute bags! Hope you chase the cold weather away with the warm shawl. It's supposed to be summer here and it's pouring with rain!

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  5. I LOVE that border! It just makes the whole thing...look forward to seeing it tomorrow. I agree the winter thing,'tis been a long long one this year.

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  6. The shawl is just divine Michelle- you are inspiring me to get out the hooks again. Totally agree about this winter it has been super cold with not enough of our beautiful clear crisp days to balance out the grey dreary cold days. Stay warm.

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  7. It's truly gorgeous Michelle - you are my shawl inspiration; now I have to queue another one! I'm doing an Amorique in Wollmeisse at the moment (yes, SO copying you) but I'm nervous that I'm going to run out of yarn before I finish the border. Anyway, stay warm and cosy, and I look forward to seeing the next shawl that you make!

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  8. Lovely new project bags.

    As for your shawl...it is divine! Love the pattern, love my faviourite red colour :)

    Gorgeous

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  9. Oh look at that! I love this yarn, but I didn't think it would be possible to crochet something so impressive with it. it looks fantastic!! And um, any sacks left over, by any chance?!

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  10. That shawl is beautiful!!! And I love the description of your blog -- I just started collecting vintage Pyrex, it is seriously addicting!!!

    Stop by any time!
    :) Maureen

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  11. I think the shawl is great (love the colour) but those lunch sacks are divine! Too clever you are...

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  12. Another gorgeous crocheted shawl ! ..and I ADORE your bags and am very sorry you no longer make them :( cause you choose beautiful fabrics and they are beautifully made.

    Let me know if you do sew again :D

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  13. I love the shawls. How does it work, this downloading. What if I stuff it up?

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