When I first cast on, I started to have doubts about my yarn choice. The shawl was feeling stiff, and I couldn't quite see the drape that I was hoping for. Wei Siew recently posted about a similar feeling with a project that she's been working on -- she wondered if her yarn choice was ruining the joy of knitting for her project.
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| Patons Classic Wool |
I carried on as I really couldn't face yet another trip to the frog pond, and I am so glad I persevered. For this shawl, I wanted to use up some stash and purposely didn't buy any additional skeins so the final measurement was purely going to be whatever I could get out of the what I had on hand. I finished with a 1x rib so I suppose this pattern is a cross between my design and the Mara Shawl.
When I finished the piece, I gave it a really nice soak in a cashmere/wool detergent that I love, and blocked it to dry. The result was fantastic -- my shawl is soft, drapey, and large enough to easily wrap around my shoulders.
I've been wearing my shawl as a light covering over my spring jacket for a bit of extra warmth as our winter is turning into spring. I love how cushy it feels and because the yarn is 100% wool, it provides just the right amount of cozy.
So there you have it: finally, a happy FO! I'm hoping to get some solid knitting time over the weekend to work on my new cardigan and hope yours includes lots of knitting, too. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.
Hooray for a finished object! You should be super happy, because this project turned out perfectly! I hope that it isn't feeling as stiff anymore now that you have blocked it. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful!! I love that colour, it's so gorgeous... I'm glad it worked out and you are happy with it, it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome! And so cozy warm.
ReplyDeleteooh it is GORGEOUS!!!! hmm...i think i might have to make this for my grandma, mom, ste-mom, other grandma, MIL, LOL!!! fabulous!!
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ReplyDeleteIt is so lovely and I am so jealous for many reasons! Firstly, our weather is becoming more wintery than it had been for most of February and actual Spring seems so far away--we actually have a chance of snow again on Sunday! In rainy old Seattle no less. ;) I am watching the rain clouds roll in again as I sit and type. Secondly, I have not had a finished object in eons to share-boo hoo me. ;) And third, I have finished 3 shawlettes (blocked 2) and none of them seem big enough to really be useful in the warmth department or comfortable to wear. It really kills me because they were all knitted up using lovely yarns-one being a Maddietosh--
ReplyDeleteSigh...I will keep on, and someday I will attempt a larger shawl that I can really wrap around myself. For now, I will keep working on what is on the needles. Thank you for inspiring me with your lovely blog, full of thoughtful words and beautiful photos of gorgeous knits. Happy thoughts for a wonderful weekend are sent your way across the web-from me to you!
*smiles*
(sorry--previous comment was under my son's log in---different computer for me this morning and I forgot my settings weren't automatically saved on this one!)
Oooh it does look really cozy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you have a happy FO!
Yay! It's so pretty too! Funnily, I have a Mara shawl I made a few years ago in a very similar color, and also in wool. I was a little worried about the drape too, but it turned out OK!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! So springy pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's really pretty! Congratulations on persevering and using up the yarn that you had. I think you'll get a lot of use out of that.
ReplyDeleteIt came out wonderfully Evelyn! Glad you have this happy FO done and ready to use.
ReplyDeleteThat looks great Evelyn! I like the ribbing around the edge- it gives it a modern, wear with everything kind of vibe. Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteOh, isn't a nice feeling to have a Finished Project.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the wool improved with a soak.
Yea, for Evelyn. Success ! ! !
hugs
Gerry
Beautiful work! :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shawl! I love how the stitches look!
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful FO Evelyn! Glad you stuck with it because it is well worth it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous color.
ReplyDeleteWoohoo! It's so beautiful. I love the simple design, it just looks so warm and cozy!
ReplyDeleteThat's gorgeous, both colour and detail, I really like the open column down the middle and it does look very drapey on the back of the chair....what a lovely shawl to add to your wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always so nice to read, you knitting looks so fine an neat...I aspire to have half your skills one day....maybe I should get practising!
My whole spring break is going to be lots of knitting, and I'm so excited for it! I love your shawl, the color is pretty and really works to show off the simplicity of the project.
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