Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

Shawl finally blocked!

2008-04-03T10:06:00.003-05:00

This is the shawl I knitted during the knitalong and finally blocked. I used some of my own hand painted 8/2 tencel in the Blue Bayou colorway and used less than half of the 8 oz. skein. It's nice to wear to church or with a pair of jeans.

Two shawls in progress

2006-10-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

Mary D and Debbie are relatively new knitters in my knitting group. They bought the pattern and are having a good time doing it. At first they both thought the pattern was beyond them, but have discovered that they CAN do it! I'm proud of them!

Debbie is knitting hers out of Webs Barrington Mohair -- the rust isn't on this page, but the yarn is magnificent! Doesn't it look good? We'll block it sternly, and the lace pattern will really sing! She wants to make the smaller shawl at this point, she doesn't want to stop at the scarf.

Mary D is using Heritage Yarns Cloud 9 in Black and Grey in a Rainbow World. She hasn't stated how big she is going to make it -- she gets distracted by her other projects. The marking rings are NOT knit in, but got caught by her lifeline. When she takes that out, they will drop off. I've done THAT!

Debbie didn't join this blog, Mary did, but insists she doesn't know how to upload photos, so I did!

Re: Progress Report

2006-09-19T12:41:00.000-05:00

Hmmm, Mary asked how we are doing, those of us still working on our shawls. I wrote on my Serenity Farms blog about the progress of my shawl - if you visit the blog, scroll down to the entry Just In Time to read more about it.

Here is where I am at, basically - My Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl has been sitting at my side, waiting for me to decide whether she will grow up to be a real shawl or be content as a shoulder scarf. I love the pattern, I love the yarn, I love the color play, I have loved praying for a precious friend (Dale - who is doing so good, Praise God!) while knitting...but I am still not convinced I love this yarn, on these needles, in this pattern - you know, the combination. Its bugging me and so I am trying to ignore my commitement to the thing. Do I continue through the few remaining balls of this one of a kind yarn to complete the shawl, only to find I dislike it even after blocking? Do I stop at the end of this repeat, block it and find out I love it and hate myself for not plodding ahead (and by the way, that would leave me with two balls of the yarn and not enough yardage to make anything else with...) My inclination is to forge ahead and complete the shawl. If nothing else I love the color of the yarn, and the way it feels, even if it does not do justice to the lovely pattern. Sigh....you will just have to stay tuned to see what fickle Cary decides (grin)

Don't you just love seeing Eve's beautiful prize winning shawl though? Congratulations Eve!!!!

I guess I would also have to say that what has been helpful in knitting this project, to me, IS the support and encouragement of everyone else knitting on the shawl ;)

Wedding Shawl earns some ribbons...

2006-09-17T18:43:00.000-05:00

Along with several other things, I entered the wedding shawl in the Finger Lakes Fiber Arts Festivalskein and garment competition. All but one of my items did well, earned a ribbon. But, what I was pretty pleased with, particularly cause my daughter went to the festival with me this year, was how well the shawl did. Here is a photo I took at the festival. Unfortunately it wasn't spread out to show it off properly, but safety was an issue and so it was carefully draped around the form.

And a photo of it taken shortly after I'd finished it.

Thanks to Jackie for a beautiful pattern that worked so wonderfully with the yarn I chose for my daughter's shawl.

Eve

What has been the most helpful in knitting your shawl?

2006-09-10T15:48:00.000-05:00

I was wondering if you have any suggestions/tips/whatever to pass on to others knitting this shawl?

I figure with the number of completed shawls, perhaps there is a goldmine of tips to be shared. Anyone willing to share?

Mary Hunt

How are you doing?

2006-09-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

How are you doing on your shawl? I know there are still people working away on their shawls, I'd love to know how it is coming!

How about a check-in? Mary D, Debbie, who else is still working on theirs?

Mary

Progress Report?

2006-08-24T20:06:00.000-05:00

I'm curious how those still knitting away on the shawl are doing. Just because some of us have finished does NOT mean we aren't interested in your progress! Please let us know!

Mary Hunt

2006-08-18T17:31:00.000-05:00

Finally I blocked my shawl which has been done for 2.5 months! Here are some pictures. It was knit with some Knit Picks Dye Your Own, which I had purchased from someone on eBay who had done a lovely job dyeing it. It's quite a large shawl, about 48" long and 96" wide. That sounds humongous, but on a larger person it fits nicely, wrapping around without being skimpy. This will be gifted through my shawl ministry. There are more pictures and info on my blog if you are interested in knowing/seeing more. Keep knitting ladies...it's really nice when done and I think I'm going to knit another one for me! :o)

2006-08-18T17:28:00.001-05:00

Another View

2006-08-18T17:28:00.000-05:00

Here is a closeup.

Almost finished

2006-08-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

I am almost finished my shawl. I found an error a few rows back, but just unraveled the stitches involved and redid it, then cut and knotted to get rid of the extra yarn (I had left out a decreace). I'm up to about 200 stitches now, so five or six rows - I'm not unravelling 1,200 stitches, uh uh, no way. It turns out I inserted the decreaces a couple of rows too soon, but I don't care. A blind man would be glad to see it...

I'll post a picture when I'm finished.....

Kate

New Knitalong Cancelled

2006-07-27T12:10:00.000-05:00

Margaret and I had planned a new Knitalong. But we were sidelined by health issues that are going to prevent it. We are disappointed, and sorry to disappoint you! There are some things that can't be avoided!

This blog will continue to function, to encourage people who are knitting this pattern.

Margaret Pittman and Mary Hunt

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-07-25T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I just can't believe how fast this second shawl is coming along! I am at 18 repeats right no (been working on it for 9 days!), and I think it needs to have about 22 repeats(about 40 more rows) to make a 54" shawl for my Grandmother.

I am very lucky to still have both my Grandmothers at the age of 44. My oldest son is 22 and he has them as Great-Grandmothers...isn't that fantastic? I know she will be totally thrilled with it. Of course, then I need to make a third one for my other Grandmother too!!! I have three children at home too ages 12 (daughter), 9 (son), and 6 (son)...all from the same brood...been married for 25 years now. (That's my family--also have two pugs, a 14lb persian cat, and 2 angora rabbits)

My daughter has been admiring my shawl too! Maybe I need to make a fourth shawl? Is anyone else thinking about doing some for gifts? I never make anything for myself usually. My knitting is always a gift for someone.

Has anyone thought about shawl pins? There are some beautiful patterns for beaded broaches and some really "elegant" stuff to go with the shawl?

Thanks for all the compliments. I love the rich color too. It will go with so many things. It is the color of stitching in jeans too, and could even be worn with more casual stuff? The shawl can be dressed up or more casual. The baby alpaca is so wonderful and soft...it blocked out like a dream.

I checked in to see if anyone was talking about the next knit-a-long.

Bye for now,
Lisa in Pulaski, WI

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-07-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

Close Ups to Come

Hi Everyone,
Here are two pictures of my finished shawl! I need to take some close-ups too. It took me a bit here to figure out how to post the pics.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/fibermaster_2006/LisasElegantShawl.jpg

http://ls88.photobucket.com/albums/k165/fibermaster_2006/?

I am really proud of it of course! I am going to try to post some pictures showing more detail of the stitches too. The shawl is so light, but very warm. It is done on size 5 needles with a sport weight baby alpaca yarn. I have knitted anything like this before.

Here is a shocker...I started another one with the same yarn for my Grandmother in a nursing home. I am going to make her a 54" shawl to match mine. I will be visiting her in November in Maine.

I took these pictures in 90+ degree weather here in steamy Wisconsin. I want to take some with a more artistic flare later! Maybe find a sleak stylish model?LOL

Lisa
Pulaski, WI

About Done???

2006-07-14T22:06:00.000-05:00

About done? Am I about done? Bwahahahahahahahahahah, noooooooooooooo, I'm not. She of the ever expanding pile of ufos, er I mean projects, and mother of preschoolers and bickering nine and eleven year olds? No, not me.

It is beautiful, though. I was working on it while visiting with a friend, and I kept saying, "Oh, look at that pretty colour" "Oh, look what colour has popped up now".

Kate, whose little boys are finally asleep, so she should be too.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

FINISHED!

2006-07-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody,
Well, I finished my shawl last night (at about midnight!) It is so beautiful, and I am going to block it tonight (couldn't find my t-pins and had to go out and buy some...)

My son had to go back in for more medication with the pneumonia today. It isn't any worse, and he didn't have to go into hospital this time, but he is still fighting the bugs. Thanks for all the well wishes! He is all of 44 lbs...and so little...he tugs at my heart.

Wait until you see my shawl! Figured at this point should just block it and post the pics...
Lisa

Wedding Shawl...

2006-07-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

It's been a little over a week since the wedding and while I don't yet have photos from the photographer, I thought I'd post an update.

Tina wore the shawl for only a short while and for a few photos. Everyone who saw the shawl commented on how pretty it was.

Since I had so much yarn leftover from the shawl, I decided to make something for the bridesmaids with it. I had less than a week to work on something, but an article in the most recent Spin Off magazine gave me an idea of what to make. The article was about chiengora yarn (dog hair) and included a pattern for coin purses. I'd planned to make a coin purse for myself using yarn made from Lila and Dafni's hair, the two dogs we lost recently, but I thought the alpaca yarn would also work well for my project. You can see the coin purses by visiting my blog Garden Of Eve. We tucked a pretty compact mirror into each one of the coin purses and gave them to the bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner, they were thrilled with the little purses. I made an extra one for my daughter and it is what she used the day of the wedding. And would you believe I still have yarn left from that 1 skein of yarn? I'm setting it aside for something special.

Is everyone just about done with their shawls? I'm looking forward to starting another one, but have so much catching up to do around here, that I'm having trouble finding time to sit and knit.

Back in the saddle again

2006-07-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone !
I had lost my password and could only read your posts. But now I am back in the saddle, and can communicate too.
I have been knitting along little by little. It seems to take for ever to do one row ! But I know I am more than 1/2 way, because I am on the second ball of yarn !
Yes margaret, I am ready for a new project, even if I am not finished with this one.

Call for Pictures/Another Knitalong?

2006-07-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I've been updating and simplifying my website and would love to feature any of your shawls. (I may have to feature a few at a time so that download time will be easier.) If you are willing, let me know by email at Margaret@heritageyarns.com and send a picture or permission to copy from the blog.

I am making some progress on my shawl and know that with tencel, I will be working on it intermittently while working on other projects. Anyone game for another knitalong soon?

Margaret

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-07-02T23:34:00.000-05:00

I finished blocking my shawl in Cloud 9 Blue Bayou today. I was surprised at how well this yarn blocked, it didn't seem like I would be able to get much out of it. I soaked it in some lavendar wool wash and then spun it in the machine. I pinned it to the corner of the bed, point at the corner, so I could control the length of the sides. Used two small fans on it for about 5-6 hours and it dried nicely. As soon as I tack down the two ends it will be in the mail to my good friend Sandy in LA.
Patrice

Shawl knitting Comfort

2006-06-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
I am getting close to being finished! I had a long stint in the hospital with my 6 year old while being treated for pneumonia--3 days(he is much better now!)...I spent many hours knitting on my shawl this week while staying with him in the room. What a calming effect it has upon my nerves. I have been knitting on this since May 1st, and it has taught me so many things about myself. Even if I don't have a monetary value for this shawl, I think it has given me much more.

I was on another knitalong site and found a post by a woman that went through the struggles that have faced all of us and thought you might all enjoy reading her blog site. She finished a beautiful Flower Basket Shawl. http://stash-n-stitch.blogspot.com

I will be blocking this shawl soon. It is too awkward to take pics of right now...all bunched up on the needles. I have 28 repeats on the needles (420 stitches) and plan on doing one more 20 row repeat and perhaps another 20 rows on those stitches and then cast off. It is going to be a beauty! I am getting really excited about finishing it.
(It takes me about 1/2 hour to finish a row right now!)
Lisa
Pulaski, WI

Happy 4th!

2006-06-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

Gosh, no one has posted in quite some time, so that must mean we are all busy knitting away on our shawls. I am still going strong on my second go-round and have almost caught up to where things went haywire a few weeks ago. I have changed needles, also, and am liking the Inox grays very much. Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July holiday.
Sue J.

My Elegantly Tri. Shawl

2006-06-21T04:39:00.000-05:00

I have been very sick the last month so not much done on the tri. shawl. But now I am on the road to recovery that I can start to work on the shawl again . Every one's shawl looks wonderful and I can't wait to get mine done. Happy knitting.
Marcie

Pictures

2006-06-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures of my shawl. It is in Cloud 9 Rainbow Irridescence and will look wonderful with a couple of the tops I plan to take on my trip!

MJ

"Finished and So Many Compliments"

2006-06-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

I finished my Shawl on Friday. I wore it out Saturday evening and OH SO MANY compliments. I couldn't believe it. I just finally figured out how to post a photo. I enjoyed knitting it and someday soon I will start another one. I enjoyed the group and posts.The lovely model is my sweet, little (soon to 80 years young) mother. Thanks for letting me share. Sheila

Yippee!!!

2006-06-19T21:04:00.000-05:00

I finished the shawl - probably have some mistakes, but I certainly cannot see them and on a galloping horse as they say........It is currently drying during the blocking process. I hope I can figure out how to post a picture. I'm so glad that I finished it to take on my cruise. We leave on Saturday. It was close. Now I just have to figure out what I can take to knit while I am gone that won't take up too much room in my suitcase. The shawl doesn't take up much space, but the unknit balls do so I probably won't do another one of those.

MJ

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-06-19T11:27:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!
Wow, the wedding shawl is too beautiful for words! Sue, I hear you about ripping back. I think I have knit this shawl three times? I am at about 60 inches I think, but it is all scrunched up on the needles, so that is an estimate based on the number of stitches I have....and I will have to promise again to post a picture!! Maybe I will do a close up too...I hope to finish it soon, but those rows keep getting longer and longer...

Hope everyone is enjoying the project! I have found it challenging and hopefully I will have the shawl for many years to come. Does anyone have any idea what a shawl like this will be worth? I have many many hours into it and many to go to reach the 72" benchmark.

Bye for now,
Lisa in Sunny Pulaski, WI

Oops, Forgot

2006-06-18T07:11:00.000-05:00

Its me again - grin! I wanted to say that the close up photo of my shawl in progress was taken outside in the shade of my yard yesterday. Temperatures soared to 98 degrees here with high humidity, so the shade of the trees was the best place to be in the afternoon. So you are seeing the colors of the shawl in the dappled sunlight and shade ;)

Hope you enjoy the colors!

Hugs again,
Cary

June Progress

2006-06-18T07:01:00.000-05:00

Our list has been slow this past month ;) For us at Serenity Farms, June brings the start of Farmers Market; hay making season and like everyone else the usual avalanche of weddings and graduations to celebrate!

But, I have been slowly stealing time for a few rows at a time and the prayer time to go along with it. I am including a photo of my shawl in progress, knit from the handspun, hand dyed alpaca yarn. Since it is nearly impossible to see its shape spread out, I thought I would take a closer picture to share.

You don't see much stitch definition, but I think you get an idea of the pretty colors. I am only through my third repeat of section B, just starting my fourth and just started with a second ball of the yarn.

Look forward to seeing more shawls as everyone finishes or progresses!

Hugs,
Cary

Blocking Cloud 9

2006-06-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

I've never blocked a cotton/rayon blend. Is the process the same as a wool shawl? I'm using Cloud 9 in the Bird of Paradise colorway and am getting ready to bind off.

Thanks,
Jenny

Wedding Shawl & future shawl.

2006-06-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

The bridal shower was this past weekend and my daughter loved the shawl. I had my camera with me and would you believe I forgot to take a photo of her modeling it?

It's been a tearful past few days, we lost another one of our dogs, details and photos on my Garden Of Eve blog. I'm planning on blending Dafni's hair with that of her grandmother Lila, the dog we lost 2 months ago and plan to make a shawl and a scarf with chiengora yarn. I'm considering this pattern for the shawl, but will also be looking for pawprint type lace patterns. A project for after the wedding. Any suggestions would be appreciate...

But what I meant to share in the way of tearful event, was that while looking for elegant wrapping paper to wrap the shawl in, I spotted a kids wrapping paper in a strawberry shortcake motif. When Tina was about 3 years old, she had a doll that would blow strawberry scented kisses when you squeezed her tummy and she loved that doll. I bet it's stored in the attic with all her other stuff. Anyway, the sight of that paper brought me to tears... I was a mess! sheesh!

When Tina saw the gift wrapped in that silly paper, she smiled and thought there was something silly inside as well. After the initial surprise she asked when I'd had time to work on it without her seeing it, and then realized why it was I was always telling her to go home.

I'd tucked in a note saying that each stitch represented prayers and hugs. Everyone liked it very much, but afraid to touch it or take it out of the box. On my photo list for the photographer is one of Tina wearing the shawl. Even if it's a hot day, she can wear it for a few minutes.

All is well!

2006-06-14T06:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to all who gave me such encouragement yesterday. I did sound pathetic, didn't I? I'm happy to report that yesterday morning I sat down to a new shawl with different yarn (couldn't save the tencel, so I'll make something else out of the remainder). This time I am using a solid color so that I can really see the pattern as it progresses. I knit for most of the day and am already on my fourth repeat of Chart B. You were right-it went much faster this time. Do I have a lifeline in? You bet!
Many thanks for all the posts. It meant so much to know everyone has "been there, done that."
Sue J.

Despair

2006-06-13T04:17:00.000-05:00

In an effort to not sound to pathetic, I am in despair. Yesterday I lost the entire shawl to a huge error on my part-over confidence and slippery stitches on the needle. It happened in a heartbeat. To make a long story short, I became over-confident and took out my lifeline because it was driving me crazy, always getting in the way. About an hour later, you guessed it! I accidentally dropped 6 or 7 stitchess off the needle and couldn't recover. I tried for an hour to either pick them back up or insert a lifeline severals rows down and rip down to that. Nothing worked. As my frustration and grief grew, I knew I just had to put it away. So....today I will try one more time. If that doesn't work, I will start over with different yarn. I'm not giving up, just realizing that some lessons in life really hurt. Oh well, all things happen for a reason.
Sue J.

Dum Dum dee dum ...

2006-06-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

Five days till the shower and the wedding shawl is done! The first photo shows how fine it is even though I used two strands of the alpaca yarn and size 6 needles. My rhodos are big so it doesn't give a good idea of size.

This photo of the shawl on the garden bench/arbor shows the size better.

A close up.

I hope my daughter likes it and that her wedding day isn't a scorcher so she can use it.

Eve

knitting a new life

2006-06-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

Well ladies, I have not knit but one row since my last post. How pathetic is that? Indefensible, I know. The cause of my neglect can be placed on no other shoulders but my own, because I do ultimately choose how to spend my time.

However, indulge me a little. I met a tall, handsome, kind, sweet, loving, intelligent, spiritual, handy, stable, good with my kids man at Bible study almost to the day of my last post. And since then, I have become like a 17 year old again. Giddy and silly, trying to take myself sternly in hand and evaluate with unsympathetic eyes his potential as a future mate, but alas, to no avail....

I am in love! He is new to the area and asked me to look for a house for him to fix up and sell, but then in the same breath he tells me he wants to still have time for me and the girls and is worried that a fixer upper may put a strain on us. Did I mention thoughtful too? Ah well....

The other shawls posted here have been calling to me. Today, I am committed to at least three rows on this lovely, lace-knitting addictive shawl. Really, I will. Honest, I promise. Yes, I will. Really. Truly.

Sigh.

Lark

Me, too!

2006-06-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

I'm still knitting along, as well. I'm not knitting 10 rows a day anymore-more like 4-5 rows-because of the number of stitches on the needle. I have used about 3 oz of tencel and have around 330 stitches on the needle, so the rows go much slower. I have 22- 15 stitch repeats. I think I'm going to use 2 more oz of tencel and then stop. I love to see eveyone else's work, and will post a picture when I am done and the shawl is blocked. Congratulations to everyone who has finished this beautiful project. I, too, can't wait for the next KAL. And many thanks to all who have been so encouraging. I am officially hooked on lace knitting!
Sue J.

Working along

2006-06-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted at all lately as I've been at fiber events the past two weekends. I have had a little knitting time. I'm now up to 18 repeats - I stretched out one repeat as it would be blocked and it measures 4" so that would mean 72" across. Can anyone help me to guesstimate the length, is there a formula. I think I will wait until I'm done to post any photos as I just don't have the room to even pin it out right now. Mine will get blocked in the great outdoors. I have done this before by laying a sheet on the ground, pinning the shawl out (with blocking wires of course) and covering with another sheet. Barring rain it is usually dry when I get home at the end of the day.

Happy Knitting
Janet

Progress

2006-06-04T19:47:00.000-05:00

I am well along now having almost finished one ball yarn, but I have a looong way to go. Guess I don't have as much knitting time as some of you. I try to do a few rows a night, but get sleepy even though I love the pattern. My colors are very bright and I hope to have the shawl done for a cruise we are taking the end of the month. I have never blocked anything this big and don't know how long it will take to do. Do I just wet and stretch or do I need to wash? How long will it take to dry? Do I need to buy any special blocking tools? I'll try to take a picture in the next few days and see if I can figure out how to post it.
MJ

Where is my shawl?

2006-06-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

LOL - I haven't posted for a bit, and have not had much time in the past few days to knit on my shawl (or anything else for that matter) but I AM still working on it (and praying) when I can, even one or two rows. I have nearly finished with the first ball of handspun laceweight and have three more small balls to work with, so I imagine this will end up as a generous sized scarf. I love the colors and the pattern, it really has become such a rhythmic thing that I hate when I only have time to do a few rows - but life's work sometimes demands attention, too, doesn't it?

Really enjoying everyones progress and those who have finished! Can't wait to see what Margaret and Mary and Jackie will cook up for us next..I think I heard rumors of another KAL?

Hugs,
Cary at Serenity Farms

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-06-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Good Morning

I have gotten the shawl past the Barbie stage and into the American Girl Stage! Well, actually, it is past the American Girl stage now and moving more quickly now. I have finally gotten the rhythm of the knitting and when I get a chance to work on it--it goes well. So many of you have gotten it finished and they are beautiful! Mine is rather plain being in a light ecru color, but I am loving how wonderfully soft and luscious this Elann Cashmere is knitting up. I can't wait to wear it! Back to the needles!!

Finished!

2006-06-02T12:34:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited! I finally finished! I have been near completion for almost two weeks but have been in kind of a knitting slump. Last night I finished the shawl. It's width will be 84-90 inches when blocked...I don't know exactly because I'm not going to have time to block it until next weekend probably. This weekend I am photographing a wedding and it's the last full week of school for hubby who is a teacher, so lots going on in our house. I will post some pictures later so you can see! In the meantime I cast on this morning for another shawl, Sivia Harding's Shetland Garden Faroese shawl, which will also be for someone in my shawl ministry. I'm using a pale green Zephyr wool/silk. I want to get this done before the end of summer so I can participate in another KAL, because this one has been so much fun!

Keep knitting ladies! I know it gets to be a little struggle when you get to the long rows at the end, but you can make it! I get really excited to see how everyone's turns out. I love to see all the different colors and possibilities. I know I will be doing this one again! Eve's photo on the bleeding hearts...I think that would make an awesome photo for Jackie to use on the pattern! (not that the current one is horrible...I just thought it was so beautifully and artistically shot! Great job Eve!)

Yeah !!!! We have pictures!!!

2006-05-30T14:17:00.000-05:00

Back from Pennsylvania, Maryland and this is my progress so far. I do love this shawl.
Im using Cloud , that I got from Margaret, in Natural.
I then dyed it using a mixture of Rit and Cushings. I call this Vineyard. It is lighter with more contrast than the pictures show.
There is a light lavender,and an almost periwinkle blue. Also a bit of tan and a sort of wine color where the tan and violet merge. Oh Well, I guess Ill get better at this whole picture, posting, computer,thing.
Im so happy now to be home. It is wonderful to travel. I met so many amazing people. But like someone once said "Theres no place like home "
Eh, Toto.
Oh yes, Im using size 4 needles and liking the size of lace.
Enjoying also reading and seeing what everyone else is doing. So inspiring.
Til later then, Blessings to you all, Sue

Help please

2006-05-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong
Hi everyone,
Im back and have pictures. Can someone please tell me how to post them??
Sue in San Diego

Casting Off!!!!!

2006-05-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

How did these souls manage?? ...gathering peat and knitting so that not a moment is lost???

We are so pampered in comparison!....

I'm finally heading into the end here and have cast off half of the stitches tonight. The rest will happen tomorrow and I hope there will be blocking tomorrow as well. Then we'll see if I achieved anywhere near the generous size I had wanted. I think I've used about 1000 yds total (a bit more than 2 skeins of the eBay handpaint laceweight.)

Breakfast In Bed...

2006-05-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of the B&B shawl. I used one skein of my laceweight merino on size 6 needles for this and could have made it a bit larger. It is plenty large for me and about 6 feet wide. I posted a few more photos of showing the size better.. You can see them on my blog
Garden Of Eve. No knitting today, the garden waits!

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-28T07:21:00.000-05:00

Blocking

When I blocked my shawl it seemed to me the edges were a little tight.
The slipped stitches did not want to stretch as much as the knitted part.
Is this the way it is supposed to be or did I do something wrong.

Nancy

Forever.......

2006-05-27T16:14:00.000-05:00

It seems to be taking forever to get through Chart B these days---and I don't think my shawl is that big---yet! Best as I can tell it is about 62" wide. I'm thinking I'll try perhaps 2 more repeats of Chart B and see where we are. I'd like something pretty cozy and enveloping---probably more of a curl up at home type of shawl.

I still love the colorway! It is really quite soothing to work with. Contrary to the appearance of my previously posted photo it is not in the purpley/red range---but rather in the rust, brown and beige with a hint of green in those brownish spots. It reminds me of the forest floor on a beautiful sun filled Autumn day, with the sun filtering through oak trees. I can almost sense the textures of the woods as I work on it.

At any rate, I'm oddly anxious to be done. I think I just want to really see how this turns out.

Now what would truly make me happy would be to find a studio with huge flat spaces for blocking these things. Then I could bring my large wet woollies and work comfortably in a place dedicated to blocking. I truly hate the makeshift qualities of my current system. Although I own two blocking boards they still aren't quite large enough. DH works nights so someone is always in bed so that idea is out. Crawling about on the floor is soooo not my thing now that I have crummy knees, etc. Oh well...

Hey---what is our next KAL going to be????????????

Hint -- Getting all the Dye Out

2006-05-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

HINT
When knitting with any space-dyed yarn, there will probably be leftover dye in your yarn. You will want to get this out before you block it. Put 5 or 6 Shout Color Catcher Sheets found in the laundry aisle of the grocery store to absorb the dye that floats loose. Repeat the rinse process with fresh dye sheets in each successive wash cycle until the dye magnet sheets remain white. At this point there is no longer any loose dye left.

My Shawl

2006-05-27T13:43:00.000-05:00

So, having dried, I took my shawl outside and played with it to see what I could do to get a picture of it. Here is my final picture before it is given away. Well, actually I hope to get a picture of it being worn by the Intended Victim, but that won't get posted here. grin

Needles

2006-05-27T07:52:00.000-05:00

What type of needles is everyone using? I am not happy with what I have...I used clover circs until it was time to use a longer length and now I purchased crystal palace bamboo and though I like the feel of them, the yarn does not slide smoothly from the cord to the needle on either end....suggestions anyone?

I'm also done!...

2006-05-27T07:11:00.000-05:00

Well, sort of....

The shawl done with the Breakfast in Bed colorway is done. I need to wash it and block today and will take a photo of it.

The wedding shawl is already a little bigger than this shawl but I'm going to make it a little longer I think ....

Never again, will I work on two shawls at once, and on a deadline. It left me with little free time for other things. I hope to get the remaining plants and seeds in the ground this weekend.

Eve

I'm Done!

2006-05-26T20:21:00.000-05:00

I'm done! Whee! I was going to go for 72", and realized that the person who is the intended victim (grin) would not appreciate the extra length. So I started negotiations with myself as to how long it was going to be.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow taken in better light. As it is, here is the damp shawl on the kitchen floor.

As Intended Victim will not be blocking it, I washed it in the washing machine on delicate, and placed it out on the floor to dry. I gently lifted the ripples into place, for probably the last time in the life of the shawl. I wash this to be easy for Intended Victim to care for, not a burden. That means she is to put it down and leave it alone. No pinning, easing into shape...nothing.

Specs:
Yarn: Cloud 9 50% cotton and 50% rayon from Heritage Yarns
Color: Black and Gray in a Rainbow World
Needle: size 6 nylon circular
Size: (with ripple effect) 64" wide by 30" long

New pic of shawl

2006-05-26T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well I finally remembered to take a pic of my shawl. I am one row shy of finishing my third repeat of chart B. The picture came out very nice. I am remembering the repeat easily now and am hoping that I will have the ends of rows down in my mind soon so that I don't have to keep carrying the pattern everywhere I go....we will see. How is everyone else doing on their shawl? Can someone tell me how many of us are knitting this shawl? I am curious to know...

Memorial Weekend

2006-05-26T06:20:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys this holiday weekend. I have three days to knit, knit, knit. It's going to be very hot in Wisconsin this weekend, so I'll stay in the aircon and enjoy my knitting. The shawl now measures 35" from needles to the beginning point. I can't spread it out without taking it off the needles, so the next picture I will probably post is when it is finished. Love seeing everyone else's work.
Sue J.

Done but not finished

2006-05-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

I know, some of you are just starting and I come in here and say "DONE" but I'm not finished. I am starting all over with another yarn to see how that one looks. I feel a bit obsessed, but I am sure it is nothing to be concerned about. I promise not to go too overboard. Here is my 'first' shawl. I am blocking it as I speak. I need to find the rest of my t-pins though. They have walked off my desk and into ?? I want to tell you, straight pins are not a good substitute. You need pins with stamina and strength (and a head to push on)! The key to getting a lot done on this shawl is to find a very long and boring thing to go to and knit your heart out. That is what I did this week when the kids had their annual testing and I had to sit and help the proctor out. All I did was sit and watch the boys and answer 2 questions in the three days I was there. Hard work!

Poor Photos of Beautiful Yarn-Sorry

2006-05-24T13:38:00.000-05:00

I've taken a photo (or two or three!) of my work, but can't seem to get a good representation of the color. (No wonder I'm looking for a new digital camera---but that is another story. However, I'll gladly take suggestions for brands and models from you experienced folks.) I finally had to turn off the flash so there would be an accurate representation of the color and the trade off is the slight out of focus quality at the top.

C'est La Vie....here it is. I'm probably on my 5th or 6th repeat of Chart B.

I love it and I love the feel of the yarn as it moves through my hands while knitting. What more can a person ask for?

Interweave Knits lace article

2006-05-23T08:04:00.000-05:00

There is a great lace-knitting article written by Jackie E-S in the latest copy of "Interweave Knits". This is great for those of us who are on the newbie side of lace-knitting. There will be a second article in the fall issue.

Crochet Bind-Off

2006-05-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

Jackie has given me permission to repost her comments regarding the crochet bind-off on the main page. Great tip, Jackie!

Margaret

The url that Nancy posted shows a plain crochet bind off technique that can be substituted for a knitted bindoff. That will give everyone the idea.

I personally don't use a crochet hook for regular binding off like is shown in the tutorial though (i.e. binding off one stitch at a time), but that is just a personal preference.

If I am going to use a crochet hook, I do a decorative looped edge. This is where a group of stitches (usually 3 to 5) are crocheted together with a single crochet (or double crochet in UK terminology), then a chain of several stitches made, then another 3 or more stitches is crocheted together in a group, etc. That is not what is specified in the EST shawl pattern, but there is no reason why you couldn't substitute this method.

For creating this type of looped decorative edge, I like to use a crochet hook that is smaller than the knitting needle size. For example, I used this crochet bindoff technique on the Bobble Lace Flowers Triangle Shawl (new pattern to be released in a few weeks). For this shawl, I used a 3mm knitting needle for knitting the shawl and a 2.25mm crochet hook for binding off.

I think that using the smaller crochet hook has a couple of advantages:
1. It is easier to get the hook inserted into the stitch(es)
2. The chain between the groups of stitches doesn't look as 'thick' as when using a hook that is the same (or larger) than the knitting needle used. Remember that a crochet chain is 3 strands thick compared to a knitted stitch is just one loop with a strand on each side. I think the smaller hook helps keep the visual 'weight' of the chain more balanced with the look of the knitted stitches.

Probably more than you wanted to know! Does this help?

Happy knitting, Jackie E-S

Simply curious

2006-05-22T22:58:00.000-05:00

Has anyone finished the shawl ?? And how many repeats of chart B will it take ??
I am just starting my 2nd repeat of chart B. Where is everyone at ?
Isabelle

2006-05-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Well I have made it out of the frog pond and was able to finish the second repeat of chart B...I have to put in a lifeline tonite and then I am off for the third round of chart B...I really like this pattern though I feel that the yarn I chose is a bit busy for it, I can tell that it will be fine...been thinking about the cruise I am taking in September and thinking that this will be going along with me. Will post a pic later this week.

Photo time

2006-05-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is my shawl done in Cloud 9 after finishing the first chart B.
I really enjoy doing it!

Isabelle

Ai Yi Yi!

2006-05-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

Hello to all and thanks to the leaders for making us all so very welcome! I've decided to to join you in my first KAL. Margaret was a gem and got me my yarn and pattern quickly and when it arrived yesterday I began swatching......and swatching......and swatching....and....Well you get the very big picture. :)

Seems that while I loved the colorway and the feel of my chosen yarn, it called me to another project. So I began the search through my stash. Gosh, I tried combinations of strands and colors and needles. It's almost embarrassing in the multitude of choices tried and discarded.

Finally, late in the evening I hit upon what I thought was a good choice---two strands of laceweight, hand dyed from San Filipe (EBay purchase) in Uruguay. The color is called Stonechat and is tones of rich browns and rust. I even got into the beginning of chart B. This morning it seems that I think I need to go to smaller needles. So here I am now, cast on with even small needles and on row 6 or so of Chart A, but raring to go!

BTW---I love the yarn and color choices that so many of you have chosen. It almost takes my breath away. Thanks for sharing.

Wedding Shawl progress...

2006-05-19T05:34:00.000-05:00

Like Theresa, I am now at the point where I'm wondering how much longer I should make this shawl.

If worn only with a wedding gown, it doesn't really matter if it is long. If Tina is to use it any other time, do I want it to be very long? I've used 3 oz. out of 8 oz. of superfine alpaca. Because I'm using it doubled, I started out with a little more than 1237 yards.. If my math is correct, so early in the morning and after only one cup of coffee, I've used almost 465 yards so far, does that sound right? The pattern calls for 600 yards for a shoulder wrap, 1000 for a large shawl, but I may not be knitting at the same gauge as the pattern. I'm thinking I should knit for about another ounce and then stop and see where I am, maybe block the tip to get an idea of much larger it will be when blocked.

I'm suprised at how fast this is growing using size 6 needles and how light it feels even with 2 strands. I'm really liking this alpaca yarn and if I don't use up this skein, will use the remainder, single strand for a gossamer weight shawl.

A little oops yesterday... I accidently snagged the shawl yesterday, catching just one strand, of course. Took me a few minutes to tug it back into shape while holding my breath... whew!

Just 3 weeks till the shower!

2006-05-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone. I have enjoyed seeing everyone's progress and what colors you are doing your shawls! I have been a little blue lately and haven't been knitting as much as I should. That is pretty pathetic when you haven't felt like knitting! LOL I am moving right along though and getting to the point where rows are taking longer and longer. I have 22 repeats across. I pinned it up to see what it was looking like. It is not blocked although the left side is stretched a little. As it is now if it was blocked it would probably be about 68-70" across. I am concerned because the person who will receive the shawl has been described to me as between my mother and I in size (helpful, huh?!) and so I am guessing is about a size 20. I know from personal experience that triangular shawls are just not made for plus size women! But I want this to be useful, not just pretty! So I am going to keep on knitting for several more inches. My concern with this is that unblocked the length is now over 30". I know I can block less vigorously in the vertical direction but I do not want to distorted it either. Do you think I will be making it look freakish if I keep on going and make one huge shawl...I'm thinking about 84"? The person who will receive it gets chemo, so I want her to be able to wrap up in it if she wants to or lay it over her lap if she is chilled. I would appreciate input. In the future when I make shawls for larger women, myself included, I will probably be doing Faroese shaped shawls from Myrna Stahman's patterns. Nothing wrong with Jackie's lovely pattern. I just re-read what I wrote and I do not mean to indicate that! I just meant that I did not do a good job of matching the pattern to the recipient! :o)

I LOST my PATTERN!

2006-05-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

ARGH. I'm sitting here, waiting for the results of my Mother's cancer tests, Really wanting to knit, and I LOST my pattern. I think I left it at a friend's house, but I want to be working on it now. Grumph.

Kate, feeling out of sorts.

Guess who is" frogging" again ?

2006-05-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Kate, I only have 4 rows to undo. By the way, I really like it now with size 6 needles. Ribbit...ribbit..

Thanks Kate !

2006-05-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

Increasing

2006-05-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

Am I reading the chart right in saying that on row 11 I need to increase by 2 stiches on each sides, and 3 stiches on row 15? And if so, which method is best: the 2 increased stiches out of the same spot, or2 different spots?

Out of the Frog Pond

2006-05-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

O.K., I am out of the frog pond and back up to where I was at row 13, 3rd repeat of Chart B. I will draw a circle, make a slash through it and put the froggie under there. lol

I'm back to using the Denise needles although am having to be careful knitting with Blue Bayou (tencel) and a blue cable. I tried the wooden again and wasn't happy with the cable and had become accustomed to working with a smoother needle with more "slide." I switched over to rug warp for life lines and think I'm going to like it better with the tencel. The tencel tended to "bury up" in the dental floss making frogging "interesting."

Margaret

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-18T07:39:00.000-05:00

Small Shawl Size!

I am slowly getting there...I wanted to have a 72" shawl. This shawl is going to be very treasured after all this work! I hear you with the "frogging"--I am lucky if I get ahead a row or two a day after all the ripping out I have to do. I am doing a lot of cursing under my breath here. "Where did that stitch go?" I try to count every "15 stitch" pattern in between EVERY time now. I don't use markers, but would love to have some of those pretty ones dangle off my shawl in progress. I am using size 5 needles and sport weight baby alpaca. It has a luscious touch and will be beautiful. I haven't posted a picture yet, and will try to get on that. I thought I should post to let you all know that I am still hanging in there!
Lisa Haskell
Pulaski, WI

I started !

2006-05-18T00:50:00.000-05:00

I received my CLoud 9 natural today! It is beautiful, and soooo thin! I started in size 8 needles, but after doing 1/2 of chart A, decided it is way too loose. So tomorrow, I will try size 7... What does "frogging", "going to the frog pond" ... means ??

Official Progress Determination

2006-05-18T00:24:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to know if going to a LYS to wind the second hank of cashmere counts as progress on my shawl? Judges, your scores please....LOL

Lark, who promises to knit tomorrow...

Crochet Bindoff?

2006-05-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

There was a question buried that didn't get answered.

Does anyone know how to do a crochet bindoff? Debby, did you figure it out? Personally I am terribly crochet challenged, and my husband took over all crochet in self-defense in the first year of our married life. I can chain and that is it. Anything more than that, and I hand it to him and ask sweetly.

2006-05-17T19:11:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in a long time because I am staying at the frog pond...just can't seem to leave it...love the sound of those frogs...rippit...lol....I will get back on the knitting wagon when I can spend some time...I lost a stitch, found it and then lost it again...lol.....

How much yarn have I used?

2006-05-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

I decided to see if I could tell how much yarn I have used since the KAL began. I started with an 8 oz skein of Tencel which contains approximately 1600 yards. Margaret gave me the idea to weigh the remaining ball of Tencel, so I got out the digital postal scale, and weighed the ball-7.2 oz left. That means that I have only used .8 oz since I started knitting the shawl! I think I have a ways to go. Margaret said she is going to stop when there is 3 oz left. I'd better go grab those needles!
Still loving every minute!
Sue J.

I'm back

2006-05-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

Had a wonderful wedding weekend in Washington, DC, and I'm back now - refreshed and ready to start on my shawl again. Knit 4 rows last night. Have almost finished my first repeat of Chart B. Guess I'll see if I have 80 stitches when I finish it - maybe tonight. Crossing my fingers!!

I did go out and buy a bamboo 29" needle today as I've just been using a metal one I had in the house and it is too short and quite slippery. Hope this helps.

MJ

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-16T19:07:00.000-05:00

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong
Oh My Gosh!!!
I thoughtI wouldnt be able to get on here while on vacation, but my daughter got me "hooked up".Here I am in Pennsylvania and having an amazing time. We spent the day in Washington D C yesterday. The National monuments are amazing. We are blessed to live in the country we do. It is truelly humbling to stand at the feet of the Lincoln Memorial. Couldnt get very close to the Whitehouse as the president was giving a speech and they had it all blocked off. Seeing it in the distance was really satifiying enough.
I got right on the plane with my needles, no problem at all. I was able to get pretty far ( through chart B ) once. Even with all the distractions and no graph instructions. I found the pattern easy to remember once getting started.( I concentrated the directions by making copies and cutting chart A off.) Oh Well. Blabbing a bit now so will go.
Hope to talk again before I return home but if not,
God Bless you all until next time. Sue in San Diego :)

Just joining

2006-05-16T18:52:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! My name is Isabelle, and I am just joining you; I am waiting for pattern and yarn, and anxious to start. I was taught to knit when I was 10 yrs old. When I was 13, we got a TV, but the rule was that you could not JUST watch TV, you had to be doing something! So my knitting improved a lot at that time.
I am reading all of your comments, I know it will be very helpful when I start.

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

Does anyone know what the starting row count would be
when you have finished your first round of chart B? Do you just count the boxes in the chart?
I believe the pattern says you add an aditional 30 stitches each time you
finish chart B and if I knew what the starting # was
I might be able to figure out if I have lost any stitches.
The numbers I am coming up with just don't seem to be
working out right.

Nancy

Eureka!

2006-05-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

I just figured out why I sometimes am missing a stitch in a given pattern repeat. I haven't been forgeting to do a yarn over, I've been accidentally dropping the yarn over before the right leaning decrease, in the process of slipping that last stitch back and forth. Now I know what to watch for!

Kate, looking forward to going out with DH and No Kids for our 19th wedding anniversary tonight.

Frogging right along

2006-05-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

O.K., y'all have all leap-frogged over me! I had to frog back about 8 rows last night and now cannot tell where I am or whether or not I have picked up all the stitches that are supposed to be there. If my counting is correct, there are 125 stitches. Any clue where I am?

I've learned my lesson to not multi-task while I am knitting with tencel. wah...

Margaret

Second repeat of Chart B

2006-05-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I hope that you all enjoyed the Mother's Day holiday. My teenage daughter made me cinnamon rolls from her copy of The Bread Baker's Apprentice. They were delicious and a real surprise!

I have finally made it through Chart B. I'm finding the pattern really enjoyable now that I have the rhythm down. It does actually feel like I have to knit in a certain zone. I don't know if I've always been this way, or if it is just since my surgery. I am having a hard time putting together an hour of concentrated focus on anything these days. Major body work seems to take a toll on your head too....

Anyway, I have a simple never-done-lace before question about Chart B repeating. From here on out, I am basically just supposed to keep adding to the edges, right? I mean, the shawl grows from the edges out, correct?

Thanks for all the support of this blog. I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's shawls.

Lark

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

I wonder if anyone knows how many stitches you will have on your needle when the shawl is big enough. I have about 272 and am having trouble telling how large the shawl will be. I am using a size 5 needle.

Nancy

Please Help me! I'm Going to start My Shawl Now!

2006-05-15T09:25:00.000-05:00

Hello Ladies,

Well, I'm finally starting my shawl. I've had my yarn for a while, however some personal matters kept me from starting my project.

My yarn is the 8/2 Tencel by Heritage Yarns in Blue Bayou. It is a beautiful color and I think will make delicious shawl.

OK! Here is my problem or should I say challenge - I am a total newbie to lace and chart pattern knitting. I was going over the chart before I started to make sure I had answers to atleast most of my questions before I cast on. Here are just a few, I know I will have several more before my shawl is completed:

1. Right-slanting decrease - I understand the knit 3 together through back loops - where I get a little confused is the slip next stitch over stitch just made by temporarily moving stitches (stitches?) to the other needle?

2. I'm OK on the chart until I get to - I will have completed row 6 and ready for row 7, however row 7 has 2 additional stitches. Do I cast on additional stitches or do the additional YO's add them?

3. Also while ready some of your posts I read something about ending with 50 on Chart A and Chart B has 37 to start or vise-versa. How is this resolved?

This is all I have right now. I can't wait to get started. I have a beautiful ball of Blue Bayou just setting there calling my name - saying "Patty I know you can do this".

My disappointment in this is that I don't have a digital camera yet. I'm going to talk to my DH this week and implore to him the need that I have to have one not only for KAL's but for my blog. It's just necessary - darn it! I know I can talk him into it. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good, average priced digital camera?

Thank you for all of your help.

It's a great day for a KAL!

Patty

Just Curious

2006-05-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

Margaret, what size needles did you use for your example shawl on your website (the one made in Bird of Paradise cloud 9), do you remember? I'm using a 5.5mm needle (size 9? I think?). I like the result I'm getting, but I think it's a pretty large needle, and I've never thought of myself as a particularly tight knitter, so I'm curious. Anybody else using cloud 9? What size needles are you using?

Kate, enjoying her Mothers' Day...

Wedding Shawl progress....

2006-05-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

I've made a little progress on the shawl, despite having visited the frog pond a couple of nights ago. It is now about 5 feet wide across the top. It has a soft and delicate look to it, I hope Tina likes it as much as I do. I may just have it done in time for the shower in a few weeks! And I got most of the wedding invitations printed, envelopes stuffed and in the mail on Friday, does this mean more time for knitting?

The B&B shawl is a bit smaller, about 4 feet across. In order to get the wedding shawl done, I've stopped working on the B&B shawl, except when Tina is here and I have to hide the other one.. *G* It is so pretty!

I'm thinking ahead to blocking.. Any tips on what's the best way to go about it to avoid pin marks?

Mother's Day progress

2006-05-14T15:36:00.000-05:00

I promised an updated photo of my shawl, so here it is. I am using Tencel in Summer Haze with size 5 Clover Tukami needles. I am thrilled with how it is growing and still very happy with stitch definition. I must thank everyone who has been so encouraging. I never thought I could knit anything this beautiful. I'm so glad I joined this KAL. A whole new world of knitting has opened up for me. And I love to see everyone else's shawls.
Sue J.

Happy Mother's Day

2006-05-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a perfect day with lots of time for knitting!

I guess I should have titled my last post differently - Where is everyone at? What I really meant was Where is everyone at with their shawl!!!

I picked mine up yesterday to begin doing a few rows and say a glaring error. Don't ask where my mind was but about 4 rows back 1/2 the row was knit and the other 1/2 was purl. I diligently picked back to that point and began again with NEW needles. I found a set of nice aluminum with nice points - so much better now. Good needles certainly make this a much more enjoyable project. I have tucked away the wooden circulars for work on something else!

My daughter and Son In Law are taking me and my mom to the opening of a new glass gallery and then to see CATS at a local theater. After that my grandsons are taking us all out for a lovely dinner. Such a perfect day - can't wait to get on the road to her house!

Have a peaceful day
Janet

Cary's Progress

2006-05-14T05:43:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of my progress, although you can't really tell there has been much progress ;D I am actually on my third repeat of Chart B.

I did as Margaret suggested and went up in needle size. I went up to a size 8 from a size 6 and this is really an embroidery thread size yarn! I still don't have the stitch definition I would really like and know this is going to require some pretty extrememe blocking at the end. Still, I think I am happy with it. It reminds me very much in look and feel of some of the Orenburg lace shawls I have, so I have hope! I may stop when it reaches scarf size and start another with a different yarn.

I am enjoying the pattern and the company I am knitting in here at this group. The peace of starting out with prayers for loved ones make it such a special project!

And Happy Mothers Day to all who will be celebrating today!

Hugs,
Cary at Serenity Farms

Progress!

2006-05-13T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm halfway through repeat 2 of chart b, no recent visits to the frog pond. I even made myself some pretty stitchmarkers - I saw some stuff people were selling, and thought, I can do that! These photos aren't very clear, but you get the idea:

Isn't that fun? The ones I'm actually using on my shawl are in a photo on my blog. Unfortunately, I deleted them from my computer, so if you are curious, you'll have to go to my blog and check them out (blossomparkknits on this very same website)

I seem to have been bitten by the blog bug. Anybody else seem to spend more time posting than knitting?????

Kate

Still knitting

2006-05-13T05:02:00.000-05:00

Hi All!

I haven't checked in for awhile, but am still busily knitting with a goal of 10 rows a day. I now have around 150+ stitches OTN, and it is a joy to watch the shawl grow and take on a life of it's own. Of course, I think it did exactly that from the moment I signed up for the KAL. I will try to post a picture this weekend, but it is getting rather difficult to spread the entire thing out and keep all the stitches OTN. I hope everyone has a lovely Mother's Day. I intend to spend mine, what else(?), knitting.
Sue J.

Where is every at?

2006-05-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone

I have been very faithful and have done at least 5 rows each day - some days I really do get to do the 20 row repeat!!! I'm now up to 172 stitches, I think! This is a very enjoyable shawl to work on.

I think I'm going to experiment with some of my other needles. I'm using wooden circulars and I HATE the points, especially for the 3 stitch decrease.

Well, happy knitting and Happy Mothers Day to all

Janet

Elegantly Simple Triangular Shawl Knitalong

2006-05-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

Good Day, Everyone!

Well, I finally started the shawl this morning. I am a sock knitter and was afraid of all that looseness!! Well, I am on the third row of the first go-round of Chart B and it is all going well. It even looks pretty good to my untrained eye. I do have a question--what do I do when I need to start a new ball of yarn. On socks I leave the end and weave it in at the end. I am not sure that to do with the shawl. A little help please. I am so exicted. This is really nice yarn--Baby Cashmere from Elann. I bought it originally for a shawl, but not this one. I also tried to start with my new Denise needle set. Boy, those needles aren't sharp enough for 3/!!! I am on a straight pair of Susan Bates for the time being. I will be looking for my long Addi circulars!!

Have a great day!!

Lera in rainy and cold Michigan

Sample Shawl at Heritage Yarns

2006-05-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

I love the sample shawl on the Heritage Yarns site. The color and drape is beautiful! And there are so many different ways to wear it. I'm not that creative. Thanks for the great ideas!

I bought the same yarn (Bird of Paradise) when I purchased the pattern. I am trying desperately to complete the shawl before my husband and I go away for our anniversary. I would like my shawl to look just like the sample picture. What size shawl is it? What is the length at the widest point? My guage may be different, but if I could get the same dimensions I would be thrilled!

Smiles,
Jenny

Susanne's Needles?

2006-05-11T17:57:00.000-05:00

Has anyone tried Susanne's rosewood or ebony needles? What are the points like? Thanks. Lark

Thank you

2006-05-11T17:30:00.000-05:00

You all are the best I finished Chart B once and starting Chart B again and I am not afraid any more.

:0) Marcie

You guys are the Best

2006-05-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

I just finished Chart B and starting the second round of Chart B . Thank you so much .
Marcie

Needle points

2006-05-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

I am amazed, although I spoke about it in a post before, about the difference the needle points make in knitting this. I thought that my points were sharp enough on the needles I was using, but when I started over, I decided to use a nylon needle. The disadvantage is that it isn't as long as I usually like. But the points are sharper than the Susan Bates that I was using. Wow! Now, to be fair, yesterday was a slow day around here, but I managed to start over completely and knit Chart B twice! Before I considered one repeat of Chart B to be an excellent day!

Now THAT is all the needles. Not anything to do with me, but all because the needles made the stitches flow that much better.

So, if you are having troubles, consider looking at another needle. It may be worth the investment! You know, the Boye needles have an excellent point on them, and are really reasonable. You are going to have to get used to the metal ... the needles are going to be slicker than snot so be prepared for that. Sounds as if people like the Takumi needles. Inox needles have good points but again may be slippery. Any other suggestions?

Mary

I am a day late and a dollar short!

2006-05-11T10:14:00.000-05:00

I finally getting ready to start. I needed to finish a project that had a deadline before I could start and I finished last night . YEAH I ended up ordering two lovely colors from Margaret. Thanks for your great help and service Margaret. I am not sure which I will be doing first. I am going to wind them today. What need size are most of you using and what brand? I will proably need to go to the LYS as I have circular addi's and straight Bamboo. I have a set of Denise, but I don't want to risk cable coming loose from the needle which happened one time. :( What a mess it was! Thanks for all your great posts. I love seeing the progress.

Re: Help

2006-05-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

Marcie,

You are okay, going from the 50 stitches on chart A to the 37 stitches on chart B.

Knit the edge stitches, repeat the 15 stitches in chart B as needed across the row, and then end with the edge stitches. This first time through you will be repeating it twice (one on either side of your center line). Each time you finish 20 rows you will add another pattern repeat on each side of the center line.