Monday, February 05, 2007

February Projects

A while ago I asked my Mother what she would like to have me knit her. She chose The Swallowtail Shawl from Interweave (fall issue). Since I have been longing to do it I have jumped right into it. First I bought the yarn...


Drops Alpaca 4 ply. This is heavier yarn that the pattern originally calls for so the shawl will be a bit bigger. I looked at some wool lace weight yarn and decided I really wanted the Alpaca since it is so soft. I gave her the yarn and the knitting for her birthday. (Which is today. Happy Birthday Mom.) While I was at her place on Saturday I started it.

At first I could not figure out what part of the shawl I was doing but I eventually realized that I was starting at the center of the neck edge. It says that in the pattern but I just naturally assumed that if I cast on so few stitches it must be the point. I am a shawl novice. Please forgive my ignorance. I hear that most (if not all) lace shawls are knit in this manner. So...I decided that I could do a better job now knowing where in the shawl I was and I frogged. I kept messing up on the count anyways. I have cast on again and finished the first 2 set of repeats. I feel more comfortable knitting the lace design now. I guess I needed a dry run first! I shall keep you all posted on the progress.

I also purchased some more Peer Gynt to do the pictured purse (2nd from left) that is unless I change my mind and do some moebius circles for felting. But...I do need a big felted purse. Hmm...I may need more yarn.

Oh, dear...... Do I really have to go yarn shopping again????

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You should always have an excuse for yarn shopping! I love that shawl but hesitate to do anything that requires so much lace knitting.

Charity said...

Oooh, lucky mom! I started playing with the Swallowtail shawl pattern, too. I read somewhere that when starting a new lace pattern, it's a good idea to practice it with some thicker yarn, so that you can see what you're doing. I think I'm going to try that. :0)

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Good Idea Charity!!! I have frogged two times now and so I am going to take that advice too!

Monika said...

For me the main lace part was the tricky one. I'm way too lazy to do a swatch for something like that. Although after a few rippings the yarn did not look to hot anymore. But this shawl is wonderful. I like the color you've chosen.

Anonymous said...

I think you need to go yarn shopping. Bags always take more yarn than you think they will. ;)

Your blue sweater looks really good and I'm looking forward to seeing the Swallowtail results.