Ta-dah: Northmoor Lock ( #cftcmakealong )

I haven't had time to soak and block it yet (the truth is might wear it before I do) but my Northmoor Lock shawl for the make-along is finished. The make-along is intended to challenge participants to expand their skills, and the crocheters amongst you may be wondering why I chose this when I've already posted numerous crochet projects, some which have used more complex stitches than this one.

The thing is, I have had a total mental block about written crochet patterns. Making the stitches is no problem, and reading/ following charts isn't an issue, but put a written pattern in front of me, and my brain goes into panic mode. As the lovely designer is far too professional to tell you, this was no different. I spent an evening in mild panic despite the clear instructions. So I am very happy to have finished it without any problems at all (once I got going).

It was quite bright when I took these photos, so the yarn looks a little washed out compared to the true colour, but I wanted you to see the pink/lilac and yellow flecks which are visible in the finished shawl.

Finally some feedback for anyone considering this pattern and yarn.

• After swatching I decided on a 5mm hook for this yarn, which works up more like a DK than a 4 ply/ fingering weight, but still had plenty of yarn in one skein, in fact there is a little bit left. 
• This pattern can be worked any length and width - it's very easy to modify. I haven't checked against the original, but wanted mine to be quite long and thin. This was easily achieved, using the pattern as a recipe for the increases/decreases and the shapes along either edge. 
• It worked up really quickly. I spent just a couple of hours on it when I first started and then just picked it up a few minutes at a time (after carrying it around in my handbag) - before I knew it, I was almost done. This would definitely make a great last-minute gift project and I can imagine whipping one up on Christmas Eve! 
• It seemed much more portable than a knitted shawl as I wasn't worried about dropping stitches, and when I did make a few mistakes (my increasing was too fast at first) it was really easy to rip those rows out and do that bit again. 
• Mine isn't perfect (some was done in the car on a journey and I wasn't concentrating enough), but I think it's a very forgiving design and once it's wrapped around my neck a few times, I doubt anyone would really notice the couple of 'quirks' that mark is as handmade. 

All things considered I am really very happy with it! A great first crochet shawl... and now I'm deciding which I should be my second - I'm planning to start tonight. If you would like to see the other FOs (and WIPs) so far, head on over to the Ravelry group. 

I am compiling the make-along giveaway details and will include them in my next post (I've been busy with a few deadlines, and have fallen behind with the blog) so keep an eye out for those - if you haven't joined in yet there is still plenty of time. You can find the details here.