For me, a shawl is often a great canvas to show what your yarn and their shades can do! If you need a few suggestions for our #NaturesShadesAlong then feel free to take some inspiration from here, or dig into my suggestion bundle on Ravelry. If you didn’t need inspiration and now you have an even longer list then sorrynotsorry, ha!

Age of Brass and Steam, by Orange Flower Yarn

This is a DK weight shawl, which would be a great pattern for natural shades, with each section being a different shade, or perhaps changing the colour of the garter YO sections – this might be a great plan for those wanting to use that small dyed allowance!

I think this would look great in a range of different breed yarns, but a North Ronaldsay would be beautiful!  I was really impressed with Lauriston Farm North Ronaldsay yarn, which ErickaEckles sent me to try after our first #woolexploration.

Mytilus wrap, by Donna Smith

The minimum amount of natural shades you need to use are two, and there are lots of 2 colour shawls. I love Donna Smith’s Mytilus, which is a DK Shetland shawl, knit in Donna’s own yarn Langsoond. I think I would definitely make this is Shetland wool, but it would look incredible in any breed wool; smooshy in BFL, lustrous in Wensleydale or Gotland! Maybe you will go down to a sport or 4ply and make a lighter shawl?

Windsinger, by Libby Jonson

Actually, we could have a lot of Libby’s designs in this -along, as you can use two or more shades in many of her shawls and garments.

I do love Windsinger –  4ply/fingering, simple garter and eyelets, but how you use your natural shades is up to you!

Necessary Neutral, by Sally Mellville

This popped up on my Ravelry highlights a few weeks ago and I thought it would be incredible for this KAL

Not only is this incredibly striking, but it will be an utter stash-buster too!

Moonraker, by Melanie Berg

There is scope for LOTS of Melanie Berg shawls in this KAL too, particularly if you are looking to take part in the Mostly Natural option. In fact, I have some Birlinn Yarn that would look fabulous in this, perhaps teamed with some Uist Wool.

I totally urge you to look at all of Melanie’s designs if you are at all stuck for inspiration. Also, did you know, Melanie is about to launch her first book too? Exciting stuff!

Alchemy, by Janina Kallio

Talk about striking! I love how this looks – it reminds me how hounds tooth. Again its DK ( I am often drawn to a DK shawl) and uses approx 675m.  I’d be tempted by something with a bit of gloss and texture for this and not a bright contrast. Perhaps John Arbon’s Zwartble and Exmoor Blue in the lightest shade and darkest shades; or the natural cream and “black” Wensleydale (which is very brown) from Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Shop

It is so lovely to see so many of you excited for Natures Shades over in the Ravelry group. You have such great enthusiasm for naturals, I love it!

Are you ready to cast on, on 13th July?