Everybody loves crochet shawls

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During lockdown we all tried new things and basically just did whatever we needed to do to get through the days that stretched into weeks, or for some of us months or years. Here we are, an astonishing three years later, and while things have (mostly) returned to pre-pandemic routines, some things have been forever changed. Some of these changes are overwhelmingly positive, like my (and the internet's) love of crochet shawls.

Crafting, crocheting, knitting, painting, writing, reading, yoga, baking. You name it, we tried it (I'll be honest, I wanted to try making sourdough bread. I didn't. I still haven't, but I might).

I started crocheting before the world changed. So, for me, crochet wasn't a new thing I decided to try with my newfound free time, but rather the thing I turned to when I needed to be alone with my thoughts. And there was a lot to think about! What I really wanted was a project. Something I could work on and complete. So I did a lot of internet searching and reading looking for new crochet patterns. I even tried writing some of my own patterns (more on that later).

What I found was like a bazillion shawls. Completed crocheted (and knitted) shawls for purchase were everywhere, yarn skeins, hanks, and cakes specifically marketed for shawls, and lots and lots of patterns. Everybody loves shawls!

I had made a few shawls before. A lot of shawls, actually. Somehow I figured a shawl was the logical next step after blankets. My first shawl was a simple two-row repeating pattern. I gave it to my mom as an "I'm sorry you tried so many times to teach me how to crochet, and I just couldn't figure it out back then, but look, I have now!" present. I doubt she's ever worn it. It's probably on a hanger somewhere, or she's re-gifted it. Anyway, many a shawl has been crochet and given as a gift, and honestly I really enjoy making them!

Crochet shawls are the perfect accessory to dress up any outfit, from little black dresses to jeans and nice top. If you work from home, having a few shawls makes it the transition from comfy t-shirt to video conference professional quick and effortless! You can find some of my favorite (and many are free!) shawl patterns here.

Pattern for the pictured shawl available for purchase here. I made this shawl for myself, so I chose a different colorway than the pattern. Pictured using Cotton Kings Sultan Deluxe in Oppenheimer Blue (27). I completed the last row and border using black yarn of approximately the same weight I had leftover from another project. It's a lovely pattern and will look great using about 1000m any color(s) you choose!