We all have stories to tell and each of us has our own way of doing it. I like to tell my stories with yarn and a crochet hook, so I thought it only fitting that I call this shawl ‘My Story’.
When I was still at school, we read a book called ‘Groen is die Kleur van Genade’ (Green is the Colour of Mercy). The first time I saw the Pistachi Oh So Nice Whirl colourway, it reminded me of that book. I love the way the yarn progresses from browny-grey-kakhi to vibrant, living greens… just like the storyline of the book. So when I look at this shawl, I don’t just see a shawl. I see myself at 14, walking home in the scorching summer heat, trying not to trip as I read while I walked.
I have been working on a large project for a while, and while doing so, I watched almost all of Grey’s Anatomy (again). One of the episodes is a musical one. In that episode, ‘Callie Torres’ sings a song called ‘The Story’ and I can’t get it out of my mind (you can see it HERE). I have listened to it at least a hundred times in the last month. The song is (among other things) about the stories that the lines on our faces tell about us. It made me think about the stories our ‘creations’ tell about us.
When I design a pattern, I am telling you MY story… but when you pick that pattern and choose the colours to use for it, you are telling us all YOUR story.
The pattern for the My Story Shawl is extremely simple, without being boring. The border is created as you go, yielding a simple scalloped/picot edge.
I am not very confident in front of a camera, so after countless attempts to get a photo I was happy with, I asked Christiaan if I could take some photos of him wearing the shawl. He agreed as long as I didn’t include his entire face (plausible deniability).
I think he made a very good model :)
Jenny has worked up a sample of the My Story Shawl in the shorter colour-change Invicta Colour (958) so that we could give you an idea of what it would look like. I have to admit that I cannot choose between the two. Part of me wants the grace of the Whirl, but another part of me loves the ‘happy’ of the Invicta.
Scheepjes Whirl is available from WoolWarehouse and Deramores (Internationally), as well as other Scheepjes retailers.
Want to see more of our ‘My Story’ journey?
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Naomi says
Two things. LOVELY pattern and I story that goes with it. Second, is there an english version of the book? I’m intrigued.
I have the pattern saved and the perfect yarn to help tell my story!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Naomi. No, I’m afraid there is only an Afrikaans version :(
Katy W says
This is now my go to shawl I have made two and love,love,love this pattern. I used Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable in the colorway Stained Glass for my first shawl and my second was made with Lion Brand’s Shawl in a Ball colorway Restful Rainbow. I am planning a third one in Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable colorway Dragonfly. I love how fast and easy this shawl is to make,I even showed off my first two at a fashion show in my knit/crochet group in Detroit Michigan. :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Katy.
This is also my go to shawl. I have made three so far and have another three on the go! I adore the Whirl versions, but the Scheepjes Invicta version was also very nice to make. I am contemplating trying the Spirit yarns too as they are so soft and snuggly.
Jenny :)
Anette Fourie says
A while ago I met Sophie’s Universe, it was just after my mom, Sophie, died. I fell in love with the pattern and put it in my retirement bucket (things to do one day). Funny, I never thought my retirement will be so near (didn’t thought I’m getting older – still feel young!!!). Retirement is here and on the 31st of January 2018, it is Goodbye Tension, Hallo Pension.
I can’t wait, my hands are itching to start creating things, so glad I met Sophie and you.
Dankie vir die Groen is die kleur van Genade!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Anette. Ek is jammer om te hoor dat jy jou ma verloor het. Ek love jou ‘goodbye tension, hello pension’ saying. Laat my asb. weet hoe dit gaan!
Lucy Wynne says
Hi Dedri,
I’ve just found your lovely pattern and I’m so excited because I found some beautiful yarns on sale.
Each slowly transformed into another colour and as I looked at the different balls I could see the landscape of the Isle of Skye (a place very special to my late husband and I) right through the changing blues of the sky.
I bought the balls having no idea what to make but knowing that whatever it was would come and 6 weeks later here is your beautiful pattern which will realise my vision.
I can only crochet a little each day due to disabilities but I know that as I do so many wonderful memories will be ensconced in my lovely shawl.
When it is finished and wrapped around my shoulders it will be like a hug from my beloved – Thank you.
Lucy, Kent England
Dedri Uys says
Hi Lucy. Thank you for your lovely comment. How wonderful that you are embracing the story-telling of your work and making something that will remind you of the memories you shared with your late husband. I have never been to the Isle of Skye, but I look forward to seeing your completed My Story so that I can feel like I have.
Dedri
Jo navin says
How lovely to hear the story behind your beautiful design Dedri, I’ve got my yarn and I’m just about to start. Love and hugs Jo xxx
Dedri Uys says
yay, Jojo x
Joan says
I love it, the whirl version is definitely my favourite!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Debra. Thank you :) I try to imbue everything I do with as much meaning as possible… I figure the more I pack into every experience, the richer my life will be.