I’m happy to report that I’m doing fairly well in the “Focus, Marianne!”-department, and I’m slowly but surely ticking things off my “must catch up with list”.
This – long overdue – post falls in that category and is about my “Hotel of Bees Shawl”-journey…
I’m not sure about you, but every once in a while I see a project that almost literally takes my breath away.
For me Christina’s / A Spoon Full of Yarn “Hotel of Bees”-shawl was definitely one of those – don’t you agree with me that it is utterly-utterly gorgeous?
I immediately bought the pattern (here), and the project skyrocketed to the top of my (already very lengthy …) “crochet projects I want to make”-agenda.
Knowing I would not have the time to start right away (still caught up in finalizing stuff for my book at that time), I nonetheless went ahead and bought the yarn for it (beautiful “Fonty Soyeuse”, a mix of 70% wool and 30% silk) in a lovely shade of light blue (color number 112) and dark beige (color number 102).
Looking at the fabulous versions emerging on Instagram (#hotelofbeesshawl), and more importantly seeing and touching the super-fabulous HOB-shawl my talented friend Inez / GoedId Handwerk, I could not resist the urge to begin my HOB-shawl any longer.
As it turned out, this was a bad decision … You see, the design is not a “let’s crochet in front of the tv”-kind of pattern: all concentration and attention is needed, and at that point in time apparently I lacked too much of both.
In fact, I ended up beginning twice … and still my stitch count was off – frustrated I undid my first 20-something rows crocheted during the last attempt, sadly thinking this was not a project for me, and that I would have to crochet something different with the exquisite Fonty.
However … I’m not the kind of person to give up easily … plus I soooo loved the shawl …
So, right before we left for our summer vacation, I decided to give this pattern one more try, and take it with me to ‘la douce France’.
“The rest is history” as they say. Being in total relax-mode, lounging near the pool, in “Le Petit Chauteau”s alluring surroundings clearly was key in making my “Hotel of Bees”-shawl.
This time things went well and smooth, and the shawl was finished in 2 days (of almost non-stop crocheting): I couldn’t have been (and still am) any happier!
Bétaille and “Le Petit Chateau” turned out to be the best setting for some pretty photographs as well, and I can assure you that very fond memories have been crocheted into my “Hotel of Bees”-shawl…
Any projects you’ve fallen in love with lately? Would you mind sharing them with us in the comments?
I did – all over again – very recently: will share that particular project here very soon…
Love,
Marianne xx
Super mooi blogbericht, wat een beauty!
Lieve-groetjes,
Verie
Dankjewel, Verie! Wat lief! Fijn weekend! Marianne xx
The first shawl I really like! Beautiful combination of colours!
Thank you so much, Christina – that’s a lovely compliment!! Marianne xx
Absolutely stunning ❤
Thank you so much, Tracey! Marianne xx
Gorgeous! What a pattern!
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more with you: the design is just fabulous! Marianne xx
I put it straight in my to do list!
Wat een mooie sjaal, leuk en origineel patroon in een prachtige kleurencombi!
Dankjewel, Daphne – lief! Het ontwerp is écht fantastisch, hè? En ik ben zeer in m’n sas met mijn kleuren/versie! Liefs, Marianne xx
This is so beautiful. Is there a pattern for it? I am really into making shawls right now. I keep making them for myself but give them to friends. This one I would have to keep. LOL
Thanks, Susan! I love making shawls as well – you’re absolutely right: they make perfect gifts!
Glad you’ve found the pattern – happy crocheting! Marianne xx
I found the pattern. 🙂
Super! xx
Hi Marianne, what an absolutely beautiful shawl! I have just started crocheting again in the last few years from having a break for many, many years.. 35 years to be exact!!
Anyway, I have just discovered this beautiful shawl, and the colours you have chosen and the yarn are gorgeous. So, I have some lovely Cascade Heritage Silk yarn in a 4 ply.. And I really don’t think it will work. I have already wasted 20g of the first colour just trying, pulling out and trying again ? So I was after a bit of advice from you, as your crochet looks stunning and you are clearly a talented lady. Do you think the cascade yarn will work on a 4mm hook? Or should I take a deep breath and order the beautiful Fonty yarn from France???
Love your website.. Will check in and become a regular.
Happy crocheting..
Best wishes
Jane x
Hello Jane,
I’m sorry to get back to you this late – I’ve been rather absent online as of lately. Thank you for your lovely compliments! Yes, this is such an wonderful design: I love this pattern too!
I’ve had to look the Cascade Heritage Silk yarn up – unfortunately I’m not familiar with it. I see it’s suggested you use a 2,25-3,25 mm hook, but you might want to try a (much) bigger hook? For me this usually makes all the difference when crocheting, and causes a much better drape in your project.
All I know is that the Fonty was just perfect for this design… Good luck, and happy crocheting! Love, Marianne xx
This is so beautiful. I am going to make one, Can you advise how many skeins of yarn for colour 102 and 112 were used?
Many thanks.
Hi Angela! Thank you for your sweet compliment – much appreciated!
I’ve tried to find how many balls I used, but unfortunately cannot find the info anywhere…
The pattern tells how much grams/metres are needed however, so you should be able to do the math fairly easily.
Sorry I can’t be of any help…
Happy crocheteting! Love, Marianne
Thank you for your reply, Marianne. All’s good and my calculator is at work now.
Appreciate your effort to respond. Thank you🙂