A special crochet project

I have recently had the great joy of taking part in testing a crochet pattern for the very talented Sandra from Cherry Heart.


The pattern was the Getting Ziggy Shawl and I first saw this design on Sandra's podcast episode 13 and fell in love with it. However I was disappointed that the pattern was not available at the time but looking forward to when Sandra was able to release it. I am pleased to say that she released the design for testing last week and I was very happy to be selected as one of the testers. I have never taken part in testing a design before so this was an exciting project for me to be involved in.


The recommendation on the pattern was to use a merino/silk yarn so I visited a local yarn store on Friday to select my yarn. I chose a 4 ply yarn by Fyberspates which is 45% silk/55% superwash merino called Scrumptious in purple and glisten. This yarn is just about the most soft and squishy yarn I have ever used and was an absolute delight to crochet with.

I could not wait to get home and get the yarn wound into cakes ready to start the pattern. The pattern is termed as 'advanced' but everything on the pattern was clearly explained with helpful photos to guide you, especially on the edge shaping which was the most advanced part but which gives the shawl its beautiful shape.


Here is a photo taken on the second day of crocheting, I really could not put my crochet hook down so it was lucky that I had four clear days of not having to to to work so that I could really get my teeth into this project.

Not a lot else got done over the four days it took me to complete this design, it really was an addictive project and my hook was on fire! 


I completed the project on day 4 and then set out to block the shawl. I am pleased to say that it blocked out to the correct size perfectly.

I couldn't wait to take it off the blocking mats and try it on. I am never sure how to wear a shawl, somehow they always seem to look better on other people than on me so I tried it first wrapping it around a coat hanger (pinching Sandra's idea) to get an idea of how it would drape.

Here is is laid out flat so you can see the shaping.

And finally, it was time for me to try it on. I should have done something about my hair before getting my DH to take a photo and selected a better backdrop than the garden fence but as usual was in too much of a hurry.

I couldn't be more happy with how this has worked up, I have loved being part of Sandra's testing team, This design did take a fair bit of concentration and after being a crocheter for over fifty years I have discovered some new techniques which I will be able to use for future projects. The pattern will be released by Sandra on Ravelry very soon. I love the colourway she has used and I am already thinking of new colourways that I can make this design in.