Pattern: Simply Curious Shawl

Designer: Helen Stewart of Curious Handmade

Yarn: Another “deep stash” yarn here! This shawl is knit from Briar Rose Fibers Grandma’s Blessing (Chris Rooisen is the dyer), a beautiful sport weight, 100% superwash merino yarn that has been discontinued for years now. I had two skeins (600 yards each), and I needed to dip into the 2nd skein with about 85% of the knitting to go. (So I still have substantial leftovers for some other accessory or other in future.)

Needles: US 8s, as called for in the pattern. (I didn’t bother with a gauge swatch.)

Started/Finished: Started in early March 2025 just before leaving for England, and finished in mid-April 2025.

Notes: I followed the pattern instructions exactly; no need for any modifications. I didn’t knit a swatch. I found this to be perfect project for meditative knitting and found it easily portable while traveling, and well-suited to tv viewing (although not while watching The Pitt).

This is a lovely shawl with a simple pattern repeat (although I never could quite memorize it) in a double-asymmetric shape. It has the rhythm and charm of a Hitchhiker, but no “teeth.” (The shape is more curved than a Hitchhiker as well.) Helen’s patterns are always extremely well-written and easy to follow, and Chris’ yarn is gorgeous to work with – and just lovely to look at (her color dyeing is just so inspired). The shawl is surprisingly light and luxurious — it’s pretty to look at, it drapes like a dream, and the color is just divine.

What will I do with it? It’s in my shawl pile, and I know I’ll be using it year round. (It’s that kind of shawl.)

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