This time of year, we in southern California experience “winter”. It gets rainy and cloudy. I’m in the foothills, so once in a long while, we even get some snow! We’re all quite happy when we get rain, because we need it so badly (and I can take a tiny vacation from watering my flowers!). Lately, we have had some great storms! Dark skies, ominous clouds, downpours, a bit of fog. So, in that spirit, I designed this shawl.

I chose moody colors of warm grey and changeable blues in fingering weight to evoke the menacing clouds. You’ll need one skein of Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Stone color and two skeins of Cascade Yarns Heritage Wave in color 501 (blues). I added 833 size 6/0 glass Toho beads (optional) in trans-lustered teal. They are attached using a tiny crochet hook or a beading tool. Directions for accomplishing the beading are included. It’s fun!

You don’t need much of the second skein of Heritage Wave; you can make a pair of socks or a beanie with the leftover yarn.

The stripes denote the changing skies during these storms and add drama to the pretty beaded lace. Beading adds some sparkle and complexity to the overall look. It’s big and drapey and easy to wear with its fashionable crescent shape. The lace is not too difficult, and I am available to answer any questions. My e-mail address is at the bottom of all of my patterns. The lace is charted and also written out for those who don’t enjoy working from charts. Complete instructions for the wraps and turns are included and don’t worry; it’s not hard!