This is huge fun! Not only is the pattern intriguing and fun to knit, the yarn matches perfectly. Still, working on this is an effort, there is a lot of concentration involved and some struggling on the way, when the rows get bigger and you still have to knit with your nose tied to the pattern. I rarely use the term “heirloom” for my knitting, this is one because of the sheer unpredictability of the pattern and the time it takes to make such a thing.

Unfortunately I’m afraid this pattern doesn’t work as a shawl for me, because a lot of the charm lies in the sort of woodland look and that doesn’t show it’s glory when folded and draped over the shoulders. So, call me crazy, I’m making a baby blanket of it, probably one of the more exotic baby blankets one can find, but … well, I love the mother and I will love the baby, so who cares about the effort. Imagining a little human on or under this glory of dragonflies, butterflies, twigs and leafs - I guess, it’s exactly the right place for the girl to start her life.

I think there is a mistake in row 69: in Chart 2 A the fifth stitch from the right wants to be a p2tog, but then the pattern won’t line up properly. This has to be a purl stitch instead of p2tog.

My yarn is very soft Merino in a beautiful teal for the main part. I’m taking a leaf out of this project’s book and knit two corners of the main part and the edge in a beautiful royal blue, because there’s not enough teal for the whole blanket. I think it adds interest to the blanket, which is a work of art in itself.

Will have to be done by April and what with commissions all around this is a bit of a struggle.

I tried to make the charts a bit more manageable, in order not to have to cross 4 feet of charts per quarter row. This is rather difficult however, since of course the charts can’t be to small to see. The good news is, the pattern keeps one on one’s toes and it’s stunning to watch the intriguing little vines, dragonflies and butterflies come out of my hands. Very rewarding, I hope my niece and nephew in law will like it.

Taking a picture in progress is almost impossible, since even now it’s too big to have it provisionally blocked for displaying it.

Update: Done and washed. I didn’t block it with pins, as I wanted to try out if it is possible to wash it and lay it out, so the kid’s parents won’t curse washing the thing. It is beautiful, I think, this light corner just gives it a bit of interest. Doing the edge was, well, not fun, as this edge comes in parts, so more darning in to do. But I love the thought of a new little human feeling cozy on a huge blanket full of flowers and butterflies. This is the kind of knitting, which leaves me very content in the end, as it is an effort, but well worth it, when seing the result.

All in all the colour is a bit darker and greener than the pictures suggest. It’s my favourite kind of green.

Yarn usage:

dark teal: 525 grams
light teal: about 320 grams

body of shawl including corners 570 grams, i.e. 62% of yarn.