Crochet projects are perfect for winter, especially when they get bigger and drape over your legs and keep you warm as you work.
I have two shawls on the hooks right now, one using the Virus shawl pattern and the other using the Lost Souls pattern. Both of these patterns are available on Revelry. Shawls will wrap you in warmth and love.
I’m really enjoying using the new crochet hooks that I’ve been purchasing with the 50% off coupons at Michaels. They are ergonomic with soft handles which are perfect for those of us with arthritis. And how about the coloured handles? One thing I’m wondering about is the 4 mm hook? I can’t find one. Do they make them?
The latest shawl to be completed is the Virus Shawl, crochet pattern found on Ravelry.
I used Austermann Step 6 yarn from Grey Heron, our local lys. This one was in many of my favourite colours of greys, greens, rust and a bit of beige. It’s a worsted weight yarn and was lovely and soft to work with.
I actually used this yarn for another pattern, but I had made a mistake in the pattern which I didn’t see till after it was completed. It bothered me, so I left the shawl for ages, and then finally decided to unravel it. Then I started another pattern, didn’t like it, unravelled it again and left it for the longest time. Finally I settled on the virus shawl pattern and it made up nice and quickly. I actually wish I had a bit more of the yarn to make the shawl a bit longer.
I wondered why it was called a virus shawl and there are a few explanations that can be found on the internet. Originally it was called a Dreieckstuch (in German) which means triangle cloth. Then the shawl pattern was so popular it went viral. Another is that the pattern keeps repeating itself and seems never ending like having a cold virus. Someone else said perhaps you wear it when you have a virus to keep you warm. No matter what, it is a very popular pattern.
At first I thought I would have a hard time with the pattern as it only had a 4 row repeat but you kept increasing the number of virus repeats in every row. But once I had done a few of the rows it became easy to figure out what row would come next. It became a project I could work on while watching my favourite British tv show, Coronation Street, without constantly referring back to the pattern.
~Shawls and scarves I’ve made~
- April scarf
- close to you shawlette, browns
- Close to you shawlette, greens
- cowls
- crest of the wave scarf
- fishtail lace scarf
- granny stripe shawl
- knitted neck warmer
- lacy scarf
- lean on me
- life way shawl
- lost souls shawl
- mobius scarf
- multnomah shawl
- one row scarf
- one stitch lace scarf
- sewn neck scarf
- shoulder snuggle
- stacked squares scarf
- summer flies – green
- summer flies – white
- virus shawl
Linda
It’s beautiful I love the colours, it’s another one I have on my to do list, all your shawls are lovely. I have those hooks from size 2 mm to 6 mm and they are great to use. 🙂 xx
Crafty Gardener
I can’t find a 4mm in the Loops & Threads brand from Michaels but others are available. I really love how they feel when using them. Goodness knows why I keep making shawls but can’t resist some patterns. They are really getting good use during this awful cold weather we have been having. Thanks for stopping by
Nicola
I have seen the Virus shawl so many times now that I think I may have to make one myself!
Are you freezing there? We have -9 this morning with a forecast of -15 tonight, which is the coldest all winter. It’s been a pretty mild winter for us so far.
Crafty Gardener
I think that is why I made it, and I’m glad I did, not that I need anymore shawls. We have had a polar vortex with bone chilling temperatures of windchill of -30 Celsius. I think it has finally shifted a bit today, really foggy and temperatures just above 0 Celsius. But there is drizzle right now and it is causing slippery conditions in many places. I’m working on a Lost Souls shawl now, for one of our daughters, so will be able to get more work done on that. Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer A. Jilks
You have perseverance! I think it might have bothered me, as well. I like the idea of it keeping you warm while you work!
Do you sell your goods? I’ve never crocheted!
Crafty Gardener
No, I don’t sell anything. There are so many crafters that sell on various sites, too many to compete with. I make for enjoyment and to give as family and friends gifts.
Lorrie
The virus shawl does have a curious name. It’s beautifully done. Having something over my knees to work on is a good idea as our winter seems to have arrived. A skiff of snow, chilly wind, and temps below freezing. Have a good week!
Myrtle
It is a beautiful pattern and like how it became the Virus Shawl Linda
I too love the colours.
Lavender Dreamer
I love those pretty colors too! Wow! You’ve done so many pretty designs and colors. I like the green and love the white one!
Margie
Your crochet wraps will definitely come in handy during these winter days. Spring can’t come fast enough for me!
Chas Greener
Wow what pretty colors and love how it turned out. Thanks for sharing.
Teresa
It looks so pretty! I love that yarn.
Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.