This was posted on the facebook group that I joined, Creative Crochet Crew.

Shawl for Cynthia

Here's the story about the new project I'm working on, and enjoying very much. It is also giving me a break from the Jonah afghan!

While visiting recently, Cynthia wrapped herself in the crocheted shawl I have on our couch. She appeared very happy and warm. 

I offered to make one just for her, to her delight.  We met at Michaels store and selected the yarn together.  She chose these two colors, to go with her living room decor. I have since named Mushroom Barley Soup and Rusty.

Email to Cynthia:

Dear Cynthia

I have been enjoying the challenge of working with this VERY THICK yarn for your shawl: Mushroom Barley Soup and Rusty!

  I have never worked with such fat rope before.  To get the feel of the material, I have been trying many different stitches and designs.. hoping to use BOTH colors in the finished shawl.

Here is my process:

1) Every other row, a different color. The texture and thickness were too different. Also, this stitch style made the shawl STIFF, not cozy.

2) Tried your original suggestion of intertwining the two yarns. So heavy! 

 It would have made you feel like you were wrapped in a concrete shawl!

3) Then I figured, I'd just give a suggestion of the mushroom barley yarn.. with a different stitch, but then it looked like fuzzy teeth.

3) Then I figured, I'd just give a suggestion of the mushroom barley yarn.. with a different stitch, but then it looked like fuzzy teeth.

4) So I tried just Rusty. Too stiff.

5) Finally I realized that a more open stitch with the lighter yarn would serve our purposes of having you wrapped and warm and cozy on a cool evening.  

So this is what I have come up with... Mushroom Barley with a hint of rusty.  This is about a third done.  It will be much taller.

IT FEELS GREAT.

​

Email reply from Cynthia:

Wow, thanks for trying out so many options. It's great having such a crochet master on this. It looks gorgeous! I'm very excited. 

Thank you! 

Love, Cynthia

Enjoying the magnificent beauty of your gift full out!

Here's the "thank you" email from Alice:
So LOVE this blanket, bubie!!!  Karl and I get to look at our wedding colors all the time now! Looks like the Picnic House!  This gorgeous gift kept Karl and me warm all through the night!

Sending Love & Smooches...

Your Pal Al