Magenta shawl intertwined with cables, bramble & rice

Today, on 21 July 2021, my blog SunchiBee Knit&Purl marks 10 years of its existence on the web where I share my craft: handknitted and crocheted things, DIY projects like revamping old pieces of furniture, building things from scratch but also in this little corner I like to share things, people and places that inspire me. 

I wanted to create something new to share on this special day to make it more festive, so I decided to go the extra mile and push myself to knit something more complex. The final product is this personally designed and handknitted magenta shawl that is my favorite to wear this winter. I really wanted to make it look rich in texture so I played with multiple cables which I accentuated with the rice stitch and decided that the bramble stitch would make a sturdy and yet elegant edge to this garment.

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Sweet Snuggle Baby Cocoon - pattern created by Lilia Vanini, knitted by SunchiBee

It was so much fun knitting this beautiful snuggle up - hoody baby blanket. Just recently, I learned that my close friend's daughter would be hosting a baby shower and I had about a month to organize a gift. I instantly knew that I wanted to knit one of these snuggle up blankets for the little bub-to-be and I embarked on my SunchiBee Pinterest account to look through my file of 'Knitting around the world" that I have been saving for quite some time. I found a couple of handknitted images of what I liked and then went online to look for a pattern for one of those. Luckily, very shortly after, I stumbled across the Sweet Snuggle Baby Coccon, pattern by Lilia Vanini from LiliaCraftParty- available on Etsy- and instantly knew that I wanted to knit this gorgeous piece.

I am sharing here the photos of the final product which I absolutely love and adore. I struggled at first with the Cluster Stitch but soon got the hang of it, following Lilia's detailed instructions on page 8 of her pattern book. I love the combination of the patterns here. The Cluster Stitch adds some complexity to the pattern and creates a perfect variation between the two cables edging the blanket. I absolutely love this design; it makes such a signature piece. 

Thank you to Lilia Vanini for sharing her pattern _/\_