Some time back, I purchased Shannon Cooks Bradway pattern, and proceeded to purchase the yarn for the project at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook traveled from Victoria, BC Canada down to Bainbridge Island, in Washington state, USA! They were signing books and patterns and hanging out at the store. I went to the event mainly to get a booked signed for Carmel, as she just loves Jane Richmond. Well, both gals were delightful. I went with a couple of friends, and we were having a great time — we were at the yarn shop, looking at yarn, talking, laughing, checking everything out. Up comes Shannon Cook and she introduces herself to us. She was so friendly, it was as if we already knew her. Well, I bought her pattern (Bradway) too.
I really am not a shawl person. But, I bought a book, the pattern, and some other stuff, and we had a great time. Shortly thereafter, the Bradway just exploded. Everyone was making it, and there was a knit-along at the Churchmouse. Well, I thought about it and looked at all the colors in Shelter by Brooklyn Tweed, and came up with three colors that I liked.
It was a really fun knit. I love the way Shannon Cook writes patterns. She tells you exactly what she wants you to do, right down to the way she wants you to bind it off. She is not a lazy designer. It wasn’t difficult or hard, it wasn’t tiny yarn that took forever, it was worsted (but not heavy). It clipped right along, growing all the time. It was ever changing and not boring. She even told you how to block it out.
So many things are left to the knitter with some patterns. Some of the projects look great, some don’t. If you follow Shannon’s directions, there is no reason why your shawl shouldn’t look great too!
So, my favorite things:
- Worsted – so it clips along, but Shelter….so it’s not heavy or bulky
- Three colors and varied stitches, so it’s not boring
- How to cast on, how to knit all the stitches, how to bind off, and how to block
- Photos so you can see just how to wear it, many different ways
- A friendly responsive designer that feels like your new best friend
- A great new shawl to add to the wardrobe (or a damn impressive gift)
I follow Churchmouse Yarns & Teas and Shannon Cook on Instagram!
