This knit was delightful! I have to say I enjoyed every moment of it. The original pattern calls for only one skein of worsted yarn knit into a shawlette but I have had a huge hank of Briar Rose 'Grandma's Blessing' yarn in my stash since Rhinebeck 2007 that called out to be knit into this. But, if you do have one lone skein of yarn somewhere in your stash what a great holiday/gift knit this would be. It's quick, it's fun and the result is lovely.
I knit leisurely over the course of a week but it was the type of project that I wanted to pick up every chance I had. The pattern is well written and fun and the yarn was pure joy to work with.
Blocking it was a whole different experience. When I gave the shawl it's first soak it bled SO badly and I couldn't get it to stop. It just bled and bled, although it didn't lose any color and I never had any dye on my hands while working. Many rinses later the water was *almost* clear so I called it done and laid it out to block.The yarn holds it's shape nicely and has such a lovely drape.
I did modify the border/edge a bit and knit the shawl substantially larger than the pattern calls for. You can find my mods on Ravelry. I plan on wearing it to Rhinebeck in a few days! Sqweee!!! I'll be there with Leah and I hope to see you there too. Be sure to say hello!
Abi, that's so lovely! Honestly, I think there's nothing like a lace shawl. Wish we could run into you at Rhinebeck, but it looks like our new sheep are being delivered this weekend!
Best,
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa Bramble | October 13, 2010 at 09:17 AM
so, so pretty. Am drooling!
Posted by: Christine A | October 13, 2010 at 09:26 AM
thanks so much melissa :) i'm sorry we wont see each other at rhinebeck but it was SO great to meet you at the adirondack fiber fest! i can't think of a better reason to miss rhinebeck though. new sheep! congrats!
Posted by: Abi | October 13, 2010 at 11:58 AM
thanks christine :)
Posted by: Abi | October 13, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Heaven, indeed! It is amazing.
Posted by: Kara | October 13, 2010 at 12:01 PM
It is truly a beautiful shawl and you will get much use of it.
Also, I don't know why I didn't think of it on your last post where you talked about it running, but when my mom, who is a amazing knitter, had a project that ran she would submerge it in a container of water with a little vinegar which would set the dye and stop it from running.
Posted by: karen | October 13, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Lovely!!!
Enjoy Rhinebeck!
Posted by: Renee | October 13, 2010 at 06:08 PM
thanks kara!
Posted by: Abi | October 13, 2010 at 06:20 PM
i know, i really should have tried that. i knew about that myself but for some reason i didn't do it. if it starts rubbing off on my clothing or runs again i'll give it a go :)
Posted by: Abi | October 13, 2010 at 06:23 PM
thanks renee!
Posted by: Abi | October 13, 2010 at 06:23 PM
Lovely job! I will be looking for you in your shawl.
Christy Verity
Posted by: cverity | October 13, 2010 at 08:45 PM
Absolutely beautiful...and the color is perfect. Great job! Wish I were going to Rhinbeck this weekend and could see the shawl in person! Ho hum...one of these days...have a GREAT time!
Posted by: Claudia | October 14, 2010 at 01:11 PM
yay! make sure to stop me!
Posted by: Abi | October 14, 2010 at 10:33 PM
i wish that too claudia! it would be so wonderful to meet you in person.
Posted by: Abi | October 14, 2010 at 10:34 PM
It came out gorgeous and I will be able to spot you!! See you there. :)
Posted by: karin | October 14, 2010 at 10:41 PM
silly lady. like i'm not going to run up and give you a big hug anyway :) can't wait!
Posted by: Abi | October 14, 2010 at 11:14 PM
You're going to be easy to find in that bit of lovely! Thank you for reminding me of this pattern - I bought some worsted weight alpaca in Australia last year for this pattern and completely forgot about it! I need a quick gift before I go back to Australia and I think this will be perfect!
Rhinebeck. Sigh. Some year, I'm turning a trip to Rhinebeck from California into my annual vacation!
Posted by: Kathy | October 15, 2010 at 11:39 AM