Finishing My Artus Shawl: Joy, Disappointment, and Letting It Be

I did it! I finished my biggest knitting project of the year.

It’s May now, which means I won’t be wearing this shawl until fall—but that’s okay. I know I’ll wear it with joy when the time comes. Or at least, that’s what I hoped when I began.

The Story Behind the Shawl

This isn’t my first time knitting Artus by Natasja Hornby (also known as Moonstruck Knits).

I made one last year, but it turned out too small for my liking—so I gifted it to my mom for her birthday. The colors were dreamy and perfect, and I’ll include a photo so you can see.

For this new version, I used local Slovak wool, leftovers from a previous project. I wanted something warm, happy—something that felt like a hug. This yarn fit the bill.

Because of the yarn and the size, I imagined this piece becoming a future heirloom. I used larger needles than the pattern called for so I’d get the oversized, cozy result I wanted. It worked. The shawl is big—just the way I like it.

Knitting Through the Season

I started this project in early February and finished it at the end of April.

It took longer than my last one—naturally, because it was a bigger piece. The techniques included colorwork one-by-one and mosaic, both of which I enjoyed. I didn’t rush the process. I let it unfold slowly.

While typing this post, I found a five-leaf clover and two four-leaf clovers—thank you, Jesus. It felt like a little nod of encouragement.

I’ve since blocked and dried the shawl, but the ends still need weaving in. If I’m honest… I might leave that part until fall.

The Unexpected Letdown

Now that it’s finished, I have to be honest: I don’t love it.

I loved knitting it. I love the yarn. I love the colors. I love the design. But… I don’t love how it wears. It doesn’t sit around my neck like a shawl should. It doesn’t wrap well. Even around my shoulders, it feels off.

It’s beautiful—but I’m not sure I’ll actually use it as a shawl. Maybe it’ll just become a blanket. It’s very warm and works beautifully draped over the couch. But as a piece I spent months knitting… I’m disappointed.

And still, I’ll find peace with it.

Not every project turns out the way we imagined. That doesn’t make the work meaningless.

“Sometimes the joy is in the making—not in the wearing. And that can be enough.”

I’ll let this piece live where it wants to live—in my home, on the couch, close by. It didn’t turn out as I hoped, but it still carries the beauty of effort, color, and time.

Have you ever finished something you loved making… but didn’t end up using the way you expected?