Let me introduce you to Ausma!
The pattern is Ausma by Inese Sang and is knitted using A Verb For Keeping Warm's yarn, Reliquary II. The yarn is lace weight, 80% merino, 20% silk.
During 2020 - 2022, and even into 2023, I belonged to several mystery yarn and knitting clubs. I joined in order to support favorite vendors during what was a difficult time. I wanted to do my little part. I didn't actually manage to knit everything I received during that period, but I have no regrets. This was one of the club offerings I received from A Verb for Keeping Warm, and although I adored the pattern, I was initially less than thrilled with the colors of the yarns. I did not re-up my membership in the shawl club, but not because I regretted anything about the club. In fact participation in these clubs has converted me into a knitter of shawls. I don't think I will ever give them up, even though sweater-knitting remains my first love. However, I prefer to have more control over what I actually acquire and make. When I was younger I would make something just to try a technique, to learn something new. Now I only want to make what I love. I feel no need to be on trend. I feel no need to be the first. I want to knit not just for the joy of knitting, but for the joy found in the finished object.
Back to Ausma.
This is basically a warm neutral shawl. But my coloring is basically soft and cool. Beige has never been my color. The base color, Santolina is a beige. It is a fairly neutral beige, but it is not a taupe. As I knit this I have made a valiant effort at convincing myself that I can wear this shawl with taupe, and you might think so as well from the photo below.
But you would be mistaken. In this photo, in low bedroom light, on a black background the shawl looks beautiful with my silver/taupe evening skirt. And it would probably work in an evening situation. But, in bright sunlight, in florescent light, or anywhere the lighting is warm or glaring, the difference in the colors becomes markedly incongruous. The skirt looks more silver/taupe, and the shawl quite yellow in comparison. It would not flatter the skirt; it would not flatter my skin. I do not have a photo to show you, so you will have to trust me on this.
The contrast color, Paloma, is definitely warm. The Santolina tones it down in the interior puffed rib panels, but the outer border is definitely warm soft pumpkin color.
Despite this, I have no regrets. I loved knitting the shawl. I have already purchased more of the same yarn, Reliquary II, in shades that will work for me with the intention of knitting another Ausma, one that will see plenty of wear. I do not regret the purchase. I do not regret the time spent knitting. As I have been writing this post however, I have also realized that I feel no need to hold on to Ausma now that she has been finished. It is time to release her into the world. She has already been donated to a worthy cause, and hopefully she will make someone very happy. That thought makes me very happy.
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