While they were here, after the kid-dos' bedtime, I had time to sit and work on my Traveling Woman Shawl, which I finished and even got blocked while they were here. (I did take my step-daughter to a couple of our morning group knitting sessions, while Grandpa entertained the boys.)
I don't really have much to add about the process, just photos of my lovely step-daughter modeling. She complained that I was taking pictures of her first thing one morning, before breakfast or even before hair brushing. She knew they would end up on the world-wide web and was wishing I'd waited a bit later in the day. But it was dry from blocking and I was excited.
I will add that I was having a lot of trouble with the free Ravelry pattern on Row 5 of the first lace pattern. So I decided to purchase the "buy-able" version and it worked out fine. But if you buy it, be prepared to make a lot of decisions - the pattern is 15 pages long with options for yarn weight, numbers of repeats you might want to do, etc.
For the yarn, I used a beautiful fingering weight from Ogle Design, called Coloration, 420 yards. She sells on Etsy and also in some yarn shops. She's from my state and I know some LYS's in our state carry her yarn, but I can't speak for LYS's in other states. But, this yarn is well worth the money - it is so soft, 100% wool, and I'm guessing merino, with a lot of spring. So nice.
I had bought a ball at Susan's Fiber Shop but could see that I was going to be a bit short. So I contacted Ogle Design Shop on Etsy and she happened to have one more like it. So I bought it and have quite a bit left! (Hmmmm, socks, I'm thinking.) As you will see the yarn goes from cream (natural) to black. So when I started the new ball, close to the end of the shawl, I started at the black end. It worked out well. |
| Before Blocking |
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| I think you will have to click on the picture for a larger version - to appreciate the lacy Yarn Overs. |
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| After blocking |
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| Isn't lace work just grand after blocking? So exciting! |
I hate shawls! Well, knitting them anyway. Find me one that starts at the big end and works down, then we'll see! LOL
ReplyDeleteYours is beautiful! I love the yarn! It's so crazy how much the shawl changes after blocking. And what a loverly model you have. ;o)
Sounds like you should knit a wide scarf with little, fancy yarn on big needles. That would make a lovely wrap. And thank you, Catie, for your kind words. :^)
DeleteJust noticed this post. The shawl is really lovely. Go and have a look at the lace shawl I've just finished. Blocking made such a difference to it.
ReplyDeleteI have seen your lovely crocheted shawl on your blog. Almost makes me want to crochet. :^)
DeleteBlocking is like magic for lace.