It's the second week for a our current yarn of the month, Cumulus. So that must mean patterns!

(As usual, if you want to see any more details about the patterns, just click on the picture.)

One of the best things about Cumulus is how versatile it is. Thanks to the fuzzy texture of the yarn it adapts well to a wide range of different needle sizes, depending on the look you're after and what you want to use the finished fabric for.

Our first pattern recommendation is one that showcases how well Cumulus works on larger needles.

This absolutely gorgeous shawl by Susanna IC on Ravelry, is also called Cumulus! You'd only need 3 balls of Cumulus (shown in #910/Sea Green) to make this delicate shawl and it would make a lovely extra layer over a pretty dress on a summer evening or worn like a scarf in the winter.

We absolutely love the way the beads are added to the lace pattern, helping the fabric to drape nicely.

If you prefer a larger, less lacy shawl, why not try Affinity by Louise Zass-Bangham? If you read our post last week, you'll know how well Cumulus works when combined with other yarns, and this shawl showcases that, using Cumulus with Scrumptious 4ply (both shown in Water) to highlight the contrasting textures.

Again, this example uses beads (applied with a crochet hook), but it would still be lovely without them too. You'd need 3 balls of Cumulus and a skein of Scrumptious 4ply to make this shawl, and there are plenty of similar colours to the Cumulus range in Scrumptious 4ply. Why not try some of the combinations below?

Fancy a sweater instead? Why not try Mithral by Carol Feller?

Knitted on 4mm needles to give a drapey fabric, Mithral combines a simple lace pattern with a ridge pattern for a sophisticated yet easy to wear sweater that will work up surprisingly quickly. There's plenty of guidance in the pattern for altering it, so you can make the sweater you want. I really need to finish mine! It's the perfect light weight sweater for layering, I love how floaty the fabric is, while still being warm. It works really well in bolder colours too, the sweater shown above is knitted in #913/Slate, but I'm making mine in #907/Magenta. Cumulus is very economical for sweaters too, this one takes just 7 - 10 skeins (or 6 - 9 skeins without a cowl neck) and is sized for nine sizes from 32 - 56 inch bust.

If you'd like a closer fitting sweater, how about Modra by Vladimira Ilkovicova?

Knitted on smaller needles than Mithral (3.0mm and 3.5mm) to give a firmer fabric, Modra would be perfect to wear over a crisp white shirt or a camisole, and looks just as good worn with jeans as it would with a dress or skirt. The sample pictured is knitted in #904/Teal, but if that's not your colour, we think it would look stunning in #912/Camel or #911/Silver. Another economical sweater, it takes just 5 - 9 balls.

Last but not least, we love Cumulus for big cosy shawls, like this one, Etherow by Anniken Allis!

7 balls of Cumulus (shown in #908/Plum) make this lovely big shawl, perfect for bundling up in on a cold day or slipping over your shoulders on a cool summer's evening.

Which pattern would you make?

Happy Knitting!