Funky Knits

KONNICHIWA [Daybreak] SHAWL

Inspired by the yarn club name BlackJapan, I decided to keep the Japanese theme running and named my project Konnichiwa, meaning 'good day' in Japanese. The Japanese theme also greatly influenced my colour choices.

Daybreak Shawl has a semi circular construction with graphic stripes that echo the rising sun and is designed by Stephen West. The moment I saw this shawl I wanted to knit it - it was love at first sight ! So, when I received the first installment of Black Japan my knitting thoughts went straight to this shawl with a loads of black knitted through it. What I didn't plan, was the last minute decision to add the two olive stripes, that, to me set it all off quite nicely. This idea was not mine as Ingvild [ ravelry ] had also done this on her version, and I thought hers looked so lovely it inspired mine. 


My colour choices here [ except for the black ] were completely out of my comfort zone, and I must admit due to this, and until I had it on the floor blocking in all it's glory, I really wasn't sure about my choices. However, this shawl to me, is divine in it's structure | drape | design | and my colour or not - I love it !

I have no clue as to how many stitches were on the needles at the end, and I dare not count them, but it's safe to say this shawl is huge. The size is absolutely perfect it wraps around my shoulders with ease and replaces jackets as it's warm and lightweight, I liken it to carrying a glamorous blanket on my shoulders. I took this with me to the NSW Southern Highlands last weekend, where it was freezing [ according to me ] and this shawl kept me lovely and snug. 

Daybreak to knit is straight forward and easy | I found it a dream. I mostly adore Stephen West's designs, I find them interesting in structure and contemporary in design, which leads me to say there will be more of his designs coming up in my future knitting.

MODS

:: Instead of the suggested CO 2sts | I CO 4sts as I have two selvage stitches

:: It mentions in the pattern notes to knit the edge stitches of this shawl loosely as they tend to get tight, which means blocking will be difficult. I learnt this the hard way and had to frog back my first attempt [ because I failed to read the fine print ] so, I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH !! Your edge stitches will look sloppy but pay no attention as it will block out to perfection and your hard work will be rewarded.

Pattern | Daybreak Shawl

Designer | Stephen West

Needle | 3.25mm

Measurement | 195cm wingspan x 72cm depth [ blocked ]

Yarn | Knitabulous Yarn Merino Sock

Colourway | Sacred Forest

Amount | 100g [304.5m]

Weight | 4ply

Yarn | Flinders Island Fleece

Colourway | Black

Amount | 150g [ approx ]

Weight | 4ply

Yarn | Grignasco Bambi

Colourway | 184

Amount | enough for 4 rows

Weight | 4ply

Brooch | Elk Accessories