Not a Phase Shawl

Not a Phase Crochet Shawl, Starring Mediocre Yarn

Not a Phase shawl

This is the story of a yarn I almost gave up on because I didn’t like knitting with it. I set it aside to donate to a local second-hand craft store, but every time I walked past it I was reminded of how much I liked the colors. So I decided to try again, with a crochet pattern this time.

I ordered the Half Moon colorway of Lion Brand’s Shawl In a Cake yarn because I liked the colors, but I have a lot of complaints. The texture is inconsistent: thin in some spots, and fuzzy and matted in others. It’s not scratchy, but I wouldn’t want to wear it next to my skin, so I avoided hat or scarf patterns.

I decided to try Eva’s Shawl by milobo on Ravelry. The instructions suggested using a large hook, and that definitely made the yarn easier to work with. The lacy and open nature of this pattern also means that the yarn’s problem areas aren’t as obvious. I don’t recommend knitting with this yarn, especially stockinette or any stitch where the yarn’s inconsistencies would be on display.

fuzzy yarn

I finished the shawl in just over a week, which is quite quick for me. I memorized the pattern easily. The holes of the lace stack up above each other, so it was easy to tell if I made a mistake. Someone’s project notes mentioned that it’s a very forgiving pattern, and I agree! 

I’m glad I gave this yarn another chance, because I do like how it looks in this specific pattern. I still wouldn’t recommend it though!