Quietly Knitting Away

So as not to disturb...

Although I've been feeling under the weather for the past couple of weeks, I have been doing some knitting here and there. It seems to be just what the doctor ordered, too, because this hat just cheers me up!

The pattern is the Bobbled Topper from Kat's fabulous book, Boho Baby Knits. This adorable hat and matching soaker (which I will also be making) are just too cute, I couldn't resist casting on.

I've also been working on a nursing shawl for my friend-slash-boss, who is expecting her first child in a few months. The pattern is the Leafy Lace Shawl from Louisa Harding's Natural Knits for Babies and Moms. I started it, contemplated scrapping it, but ultimately decided to continue with it (at least for now). My dilemma from the get go has revolved around yarn selection. The original pattern calls for chenille, which I wasn't quite feeling. I wanted something similarly soft, though not too heavy, and oh yeah- not shiny. After much searching, I decided to try fleece. Questionable, I know. It's way soft, but I wasn't sure this kind of "fluffy" yarn would work with this kind of pattern. I feared it would just look like a jumbled mound of messy mush (how's that for alliteration?) but lo and behold, it doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought it might. I actually think it looks pretty good. Color is pretty off here (picture more on the plum side, less pink) and it's not blocked, but I think you can get an idea.

Bulky lace. Who knew? I think it will look good once it's complete and will serve it's purpose as a comfy shawl for late-night (or whenever) feedings. We'll see. (Did I mention how soft it is?)