Jupiter Shawl Test Knit

One of the reasons this blog fell by the wayside is that a few years ago I discovered the magic of using Instagram to find inspiration, and to document, my crafting projects. It opened up a whole world of craft for me, including the concept of pattern testing.

I was always vaguely aware that patterns got tested, at least the good ones did. But I never realised it was something that I could take part in. I’d always thought it was something only really experienced crafters. Who was I to provide that sort of service? Crafting is just a hobby for me after all.

Putting aside the fact that “just a hobby” is a problematic phrase in itself; I also realised I’d completed many projects over the years that in the past would have been “too hard”. Not to mention, all patterns, even the easy ones, should be tested. And why not be tested by crafters of all skill levels?

Once the idea of testing a pattern started to feel comfortable, even exciting, it just so happened that on scrolling through my Insta feed I came upon a testing call from a designer I have been following since starting Alikelylass . I first followed Beatriz Rubio at SambaKnits after seeing one of her beautiful shawls. Interestingly, I am not a shawl person. I’ve only knit one before, and I rarely wear it. But something about hers caught my eye and even though I wasn’t about to go knit it, I wanted to see more of her beautiful work.

Back to the testing call, it was for a new pattern called the Jupiter Shawl. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s absolutely beautiful, and I wanted it, despite not being a shawl person!

Before I could think too hard, I leapt on the opportunity. I’m so grateful I was able to take part. Within a week I’d picked my yarn, Hedgehog Fibre’s Twist Stock which I bought from Skein Sisters. Colours were Dune and Crystal. It was my first time using this yarn. Usually I would balk at the price, but I felt this project was worth it. And I don’t regret a thing! The yarn was so wonderful to work with.

From the initial cast on…

First row

To the lace…

Garter and lace sections

To the finished product!

Garter and lace sections blocking

This pattern was so easy that even I was able to follow! I used the chart to knit the lace section and after a few rows got the the gist of how it worked so only needed to refer to it every now and then. It was a great knit for completing while watching TV. There’s enough going on to keep it interesting, but not so much that you’re constantly having to concentrate else make a mistake.

The combination of the yarn and my gauge meant it turned out smaller than I’d hoped, so I did an extra two sections. This meant I ran out of Crystal and if you look closely at the pic you might notice the last twenty or so rounds are only in Dune. They’re similar enough that I don’t mind.

After all each creation has its own story, and nothing hand made is perfect. Otherwise what would be the point?

Cannot recommend this pattern enough. Here’s is the link to my project on Ravelry if you’re interested. Alikelylass’s Jupiter Shawl

Thank you for reading.

x

Wearing the finished product

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Blog Revival

It has certainly been a hot minute since I’ve posted on this blog! So long that in looking back over my posts I have forgotten that I even wrote some of them. Quite incredible to read words you have written once you’ve forgotten ever writing them. It feels like you are reading someone else’s thoughts and experiences.

Even more incredible to have forgotten projects you have worked on. Presents made for others. Objects that are now sitting in the bottom of drawers, having never lived up to their expectations. Maybe the presents, too, are living in the bottom of drawers, unwanted or just no longer loved.

Memory is so incredibly unreliable and capricious. At least mine is. Especially since having a child. I thought that as he grew older my memory would come back, but perhaps it’s gone for ever. Or perhaps it was never as good as I thought it was!

Either way I’ve come to realise that as life moves forward, inexorably, it seems a good idea to document what’s happening. Reminiscing has always been a fun past-time for me. I love looking back through my feeds to see what I used to get up to. Love looking back at old family photos and videos to remember how little our babies use to be, to remember our holidays, birthdays, dinners, parties. Or even just the times we spent together, not doing much, just enjoying the company.

I’ve seen those memes where we rouse on people who are filming experiences rather than enjoying the moment. Where there’s that one person happily living life while everyone around them is looking at the view through their phones. And it’s supposed to make us all feel bad for not being that one person.

While there’s a part of me who certainly agrees with this sentiment, there’s another part of me that likes knowing I’ll be able to re-live that moment again and again through the photo or the video. That having the record is also important. That it will be cherished and enjoyed many times in the future.

I’d love to be that mindful person who experiences each moment to its fullest, and creates memories that can be re-lived and retained without some external trigger. Alas, I know myself well enough now that is not me. I love having my history documented. I love looking back through old memories and reading my old thoughts.

So it occurs to me that I should revisit this blog and try to revive it. There’s been a lot of crafting going on, especially since… you know… 2020. The creative drive has been strong. And I love to have a place that documents the progress of each item as it comes to life.

That’s it really.

Let’s see how long it lasts this time!