Shawl blanket = shlanket

Sew something, don't blog it. Knit something, don't blog it. That's my life, I'm annoying like that. I finished knitting the West Knits Marled Magic Mystery Shawl, idk, FOUR months ago and I'm just writing about it today. Better late than never?

I had never done a mystery knit along before this shawl and didn't know what to expect. Here's how it goes for those who are unfamiliar with MKALs: you purchase the knitting pattern without knowing what the finished product will look like. You are given a materials list to start and then each week (or whenever the designer decides) the next step of the pattern is released. It truly is exciting waiting for the next clue! It got to the point where I was talking about knitting so much that my husband was calling Stephen West "my boy" and would say, "isn't your boy releasing the next clue tomorrow?" 😂


If you want a full on list of what fingering yarns I used you're going to have to check my Ravelry project page because I used so many and I am way too lazy to rewrite it here. Stephen suggested using scraps, but I definitely didn't have enough scrap yarn to make this shlanket (shawl blanket), so I used mostly full skeins of yarn from my stash. I picked really bright colors and I am so happy with the result! This thing is insane and I love it.


The directions for the pattern were clearly written and the confusing techniques had You Tube videos to accompany them, which I was grateful for. The videos were definitely helpful and I really enjoyed Stephen's unique personality. He genuinely made me laugh a few times during the MKAL and I don't know if knitting has ever made me laugh, but that may be because I have a black heart or something idk.


There is a lot of garter stitch and seed stitch and it is more visually pleasing than a "normal" garter and seed stitch (imo) because two strands of yarn are held together and alternated throughout the project. The color combos are endless and I even enjoyed swatching, a first for me. There was an optional section of brioche knitting, but I didn't do it 😔 At the time I didn't know how to brioche and didn't want to stress myself out trying to meet the deadline for the next section and trying to learn a new technique. On the plus, I did take a Craftsy class not long after and learned it, so I am ready to brioche on a future project.


There were two size options and I chose the larger of the two, the shlanket. Originally, I wasn't sure how I felt about the sizing. Would I use something that big? Answer: HELL YES, and I am so glad I made it. My love for the ginormous shawl became official when I was traveling to Chicago. I brought it with me on the plane and used it as a blanket when I was cold and then Luke and I alternated using it as a pillow when we were trying to sleep. I also brought it with me to the movie theater to see Dunkirk (highly recommend seeing it. Also highly recommend Baby Driver. Not that you asked, just throwing it out there.) and it was nice to have on my lap when it got a little chilly. I'm all about that socially acceptable blanket life!


This project kinda got me addicted to knitting shawls. Now I want to knit shawls all day, everyday. It's fun making something that doesn't have to fit! Can you guys recommend any patterns that I need in my life? I'm ready to rage on shawls.

P.S. Thanks to my sister, Kelly, for taking these photos.

Charley Harper

Let's play a game, Fact or Fiction. Which number below is false?

1. I have had a septum piercing for 13 years.
2. When I was younger I once sculpted a quail from a rock.
3. Dick Van Dyke was my first crush.
4. I would never wear jeans with sandals.
5. I'm addicted to watching the tv show Basketball Wives.


Do you have your guesses? Ok, the answers are "fact" for all of them, with the exception of number four. I never thought I would be someone who would wear flip flops and and jeans, but I have officially become that person. More of a function thing than a fashion thing for sure. What was the point of that game? I wanted to throw in the fact that I really like quails and wasn't sure how to bring that up 😂 Welcome to the most pointless paragraph on my blog hahahaha

Quails remind me of my childhood. I grew up on a cattle ranch on twenty acres with no neighbors in sight. I'd see deer, ground squirrels, would hear boars at night, and see little flocks of California quails sprinting across the hills. In the one sculpting class I took in my life, I sculpted a quail from a rock to show I was a quail super fan or something. Dang, I wish I still had that sculpture, but I gave it away to someone a long time ago.


Back to the point of this post: my friends at Birch approached me and asked if I would like to sew something from the new Charley Harper Western Birds fabric line that was being launched. As you can see from the photos, I obviously said "yes" and immediately chose the quail fabric. Birch calls it a cotton poplin and it can be used for quilting or garments. There are a lot of different designs and colorways for the cotton and knit and a few options for double gauze, canvas, and the 108 inch poplin. I have never bought fabric 108 inches wide, but I think it would be a really great option for a quilt back.

The pattern is the Closetcase Patterns Kalle Shirt/Shirtdress sewn in view tunic aka "C". It was a fun one to sew and I would like to make the dress version next. This was my first button popover placket, and while it's not perfect, I am happy with how it turned out. I used to be ashamed of my sewing imperfections, now I just decide that I'll do better the next time and move on with my life.


Speaking of imperfections... if the shape of the hem looks wonky blame me 😁 My serger took a bite out of part of the hem (my bad) and I had to "even" out the other side, so the front would look the same. I don't think it's super noticeable, but like I said up above, "moving on."

I liked the challenge of the popover placket paired with no sleeves to set in or cuffs to attach, like I usually have to do with button ups I make. I also liked attaching bias tape to the hem instead of folding the fabric over and stitching. This thing would be a beast to hem without bias tape, so yeah, no thanks. Idk how I feel about the instructions for attaching the collar, I'll have to try making it again and see how it goes the second time around. Not sure if I am being picky/stubborn because I like doing things the way I am used to, or if I genuinely do prefer the construction method I use when making Grainline Archers.


Any other Charley Harper fans out there?