I started a project in fingering weight yarn when we moved to the ranch and I usually finish what I started before moving on to something else. Then the weather turned from summer to fall and I found myself wanting to cast on a project with worsted weight. I threw my "one project at a time" principle out the window and cast on a Knox Mountain Knit Co pattern {I love all of them!} with West Coast Colour yarn.
Pattern: Paradise Valley by Knox Mountain Knit Co.
Yarn: Home Grown by West Coast Colour
Weight: Worsted
Yards used ~ 670
Cost of yarn: CAD$94.90
{The cost of yarn is what it would typically cost, including tax. I bought OOAK colours as part of the dye trials sale at 20% off.}
After working with fingering weight most of the year I was amazed how quickly the worsted weight knit up. While I was a little worried that the three colours would clash a bit, it turned out that they work together very well. I used US9 needles, 40" long, and I would have used longer ones if I had them, because the shawl grew quickly and those needles were at their limit fast. As much as I love the top-down designs {because I'm a fan of anything symmetrical}, knitting sideways is definitely easier to handle, especially for worsted weights.
I love all the different stitches that make up this shawl, double seed stitch is one of my favourites. However, the highlight of this pattern is the cabled trees, and I love both the look as well as the story behind the pattern. Paradise Valley is located along a stretch of highway that connects Merritt and Kelowna, also known as the Okanagan Connector. I've driven that highway countless times in the last 12 years, most recently to visit my son who lives in West Kelowna now. The trees in the pattern are reminiscent of the pine trees along the way, and having that connection makes it extra special.
Seriously, look at those cabled trees!
The yarn blocked very well and did not need much pinning down. I soaked it in lukewarm water, pinned it along the top onto my blocking mats, and pulled the centre down into shape. No pinning needed on the sides, and it's keeping its shape nicely. I'm super happy with those pops of colour!
What are you working on right now? Leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to check it out!
P.S. This post is not sponsored or endorsed in any way by the pattern designer or yarn company.