Psychedelic Shawlette

I wanted to experiment with the Ice Merino Gold Batik Yarn in Purple Pink Orange Lilac. Clearly, the colors of this yarn are not for the faint of heart. I expected not so subtle transitions from one color to the next because of the hues of these colors. I got attracted to this yarn because of the bold statement the colors make.

Pictures of Ice Merino Gold Batik belong to Ice Yarn

I decided to crochet a shawl using the pattern called "Almandine Shawlette" by Anastasia Popova. This was published in Interweave Crochet Accessories 2012. The yarn used in this photo is Fyberspates Sheila's Sparkle Sock made of merino, nylon, and stellina. It has the same yarn thickness - Fine 1 - as the Ice Merino Gold Batik, so it became the perfect substitute.

Scanned image from Interweave Crochet Accessories 2012

Working with variegated yarn can make the process of crocheting amusing because of the color changes from one stitch to the next. I took this picture when it was still a work in progress.

This is my finished version of the pattern. I used up 1 whole skein plus around 40-50% of a second skein of the Ice Merino Gold Batik yarn. I used hook 3.5mm (6/0 Japan or E4 US).

This is a shawlette, so don't expect a full-blown shawl that can cover your entire body. In terms of size, it might be between a scarf and a shawl. Check out the spread of this shawlette. The length from left to right is around 64 inches.

This is the back. The variegation has a different effect from this side compared to the front.

This shawlette can also be worn like a scarf. You don't have to go full on grandma wearing it like this. Wearing this shawlette can catch attention. If it can talk, it will shout :) I actually have a love-hate relationship with variegated yarn. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't. Honestly, the pattern of the shawlette itself can work without any variegated effect because the design already stands out on its own. Sometimes though, I get the urge to "destroy the peace" and create a different character for the project.

I am accepting commissioned work for this pattern. A different yarn color may be used, depending on yarn availability. This shawl is also on sale. Kindly send me an email at gantsilyoguru@gmail.com or a private message at my Facebook Page, Crochet by the Gantsilyo Guru, if you are interested.

Ice Merino Gold Batik is currently being offered at Gantsilyo Guru Selections in varying colors.