More Rain Outside

So I’ve said this before, but The Rain Outside shawl has to be one of the most satisfying patterns I’ve ever knit. The long sections of garter stitch are perfect for finding that zoned out knitting groove, that “haven of refuge and sanity,” that knitting provides, and the lace short row panels act like little landmarks that keep things interesting and let you measure your progress.*

Plus, this time I was knitting with Hedgehog Fibres yarn, and the colors reach right down into my soul. “Poison” and “Ruin.” Lordy.

And look at the wrap and the drape. Every way I fling this shawl around myself it stays put. Some of the commenters on Ravelry mention that they don’t like the drawn-in top edge, but I think that’s one of the things that makes it so wearable. It gives it just enough structure to help it hold on around your neck and shoulders.

I’m not planning to knit a third The Rain Outside right away, but I’ve got it in my mental inventory now, and some day, it will be just the thing.

I’m thinking my next shawl might have to be a Find Your Fade. By the time I get around to it, I’ll be the last person on the planet to knit one, but oh well . . . It’s not a race, right? I still haven’t knit a pair of Hermione’s Everyday socks, and that hasn’t killed me. Yet!

On an entirely different note, I’m thinking about a redesign for the blog. What do you think? Do you like it when a blog you’ve gotten used to changes its look, or do you prefer for things to stay like they are? I’d be interested in feedback if you have it.

 

*This wonderful description of knitting is from Susan Gordon Lydon’s Knitting Heaven and Earth: “When I am knitting, I can withstand boredom, inactivity, even conversations that would normally make me squirm with restlessness. It is as though I have a little portable world of my own wherever I go, a haven of refuge and sanity.”

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15 Comments

  1. thehookstook

    How funny that I read this post just as the rain started pelting down outside!! I’m not a shawl wearer, and one of the things that puts me off is the item not staying on – so this sounds like a good pattern to try if I got tempted by shawls. I especially like the colours you’ve chosen for this second version. And I totally agree with the statement that when knitting I can withstand conversations that make me squirm with restlessness!

    • melinda

      Haha! That IS funny about the rain! I completely understand what you’re saying about wearing shawls. I used to feel that way too, but the more I’ve knit them and wanted to wear what I’ve knit, the more I’ve gotten used to just tying them on any which way and having them (mostly) stay on my shoulders. I think in the beginning I might have been being TOO careful if that makes any sense. Now, if an end comes lose or it feels like something is slipping, I just tuck it back in and move on. So far, no one has pointed out that I look really weird, so I’m taking that as a good sign. It’s certainly possible that people are just being polite, but I’m working really hard not to dwell on that possibility. LOL Thank you so much for stopping by the blog and for commenting! 🙂

  2. Dammit, now you have me wanting to knit another one for myself. LOL My green one is a little smaller but I still love it but that red is just stunning. It really is a satisfying knit but I’d say the same for the Fade. It’s easy to memorize and you can zone out while knitting it. Plus you’ll get excited for each color change.

    • melinda

      Hahahaha!!! Well, that would serve you right since nearly everything you knit goes to the top of my queue. LOL! Seriously, I’m glad to hear that about the Fade. It’s nice to have it out there on the horizon. Lately, when I need a break for work, I spend time thinking about yarn combinations, so I’m sure it will happen before too very long.

  3. That turned out absolutely gorgeous! The colors pop on you and look so good. I do not mind when a blog changes up their look…unless its to something that doesn’t look better or makes it more difficult to get around 🙂 I’m headed to Ravelry to see if I’ve put this delightful shawl in my queue or favorites and if not, it’s going in immediately!

    • melinda

      Thank you so much, Paula! And thanks for the feedback on the blog design. I think I might just go for it. I can’t wait to hear what you think of the shawl if you knit it! 🙂

  4. Gorgeous shawl, Melinda! It knit up so beautifully, and I like your description of the colours reaching into the soul; this is where colours should go. Those striped waves of garter are so splendid. Happy to read you had lots of pleasure in making it. Gorgeous work, and lovely to see you wearing it! 🙂

    • Knit Potion

      How did I miss seeing this in August, Shirley?! Thank you for the lovely comment! I’m going to tuck the idea of the soul’s being where colors should go away in my mind forever. Love it! 🙂

    • Knit Potion

      Thank you so much, Melissa, and thank you for stopping by! The colors got me as well. If anything, they’re even more gorgeous in person. I can’t wait to knit something else with Hedgehog Fibres yarn.

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