Project Title and Brief Description
This shawl was adapted from a round tablecloth pattern in volume 155 of Magic Crochet. It is called Falling Water and the designer is Yoko Suzuki. It was made in white #10 polyester thread with a #4 steel hook.
Why Was This Your Best Project From 2010?
The original pattern is for a round tablecloth. I changed the pattern by removing one of the six panels in the original pattern to give the shawl a good ‘drape.’ This meant I had to work back and forth rather that around and around. It was a challenge to figure out how to do this. I had a stroke almost 5 years ago and while I was fortunate to have no physical problems from the stroke, it messed with my mind a lot!! I had been a medical transcriptionist and the stroke took that away from me. After the stroke, I could crochet but I couldn’t comprehend pattern directions. It has been a slow climb to return to my old self. I gradually could begin to follow simple instructions. This shawl was sort of my challenge to myself to see how far I had come. I finish it in the summer of 2010 and entered it in the Indiana State Fair. I was more than happy when it won a blue ribbon in its class. I felt like I was almost back where I want to be!
Lessons Learned
- I did it by myself. My advice for a stroke survivor (and maybe everyone struggling with an obstacle) would be to just keep plugging away and be aware of and celebrate your little milestones that other people can't even see.
Amy Solovay, Crochet Guide, says:
To Ann: What an inspiring story, and an inspiring shawl! I really enjoyed your submission. Thanks for sharing your story with us. I am sure it will be an inspiration to many others. Congrats on the well-deserved blue ribbon! I'm thrilled for you!
To Everyone: I've noticed lately that many crocheters have been modifying table linen patterns and turning them into shawls. Sounds like a fun and challenging idea. Here are a couple of pages you might like to take a look at:
- If you're not up for modifying an existing pattern, try our free shawl patterns.
- If you want to see variations on the classic pineapple design, check out our free pineapple patterns.
