Recently in Shetland Triangle 2 Category
Pattern: Shetland Triangle from Interweave Knits' Wrap Style
Yarn: My own handspun 2-ply made from Ashland Bay Trading Company Merino/Silk top (70% Merino, 30% Silk; 4 oz.; 601 yards) in Rose
Needles: US9
Finished Size: 76" wide x 38" long
Two weeks ago I drove down to Lori's in Irvine so she could play with my wheel. I also took along the shawl for a photo op, as Lori's back yard seems to have great lighting.
No one picture captures the color *at all*, because it's got cool and warm grays, cool and warm browns, and touches of white and pink. I remember when I bought the fiber at Stitches West that it was peachy pink. Later, while spinning, more of the greys and browns came out, and with my experimenting with all sorts of drafting methods I ended up with an interesting mix of light and dark and middle values. I have to say, though, that the yarn has redeemed itself. The "color" has grown on me.
This shawl is for my older sister, who has slowly acquired an appreciation of the quality of handknits (Hailey's hats, my sister-in-law's shawl, my mom's scarf). Of all the lace patterns out there, I've been selective and kept to a handful that I've repeatedly knit. There is a certain grace and fluidity in the shetland lace pattern that I love, and the triangle shape enhances it. I hope my sister will appreciate the effort!
The doctor taking time off from research to play! We hit the Purl warehouse--my god, you'll spend a good chunk of change on both yarn and fabric there. We drooled over everything especially the Liberty prints. Damn that Purl. Then we headed over to Kinokuniya for Japanese books, and Mitsuwa for noodles. Thanks for driving me around, Lori!
Don't you love this Christmas star? Yes, it's waayyy past Christmas, but so what!
Linkworthy:
1: I won't summarize this link. You'll just have to read this article, it's about context.
2: Brand New offers opinions on branding.
3: Decency and decorum, and lack of both, in blogging. On Monday the New York Time published an article on the proposed rules of conduct for blogging. Then Anil Dash posted his personal experiences.
4: I've been considering switching cms from Movable Type to Wordpress. There are some informative articles around, and having read through quite a few of them I've decided to stay with Movable Type for now, simply because I'm familiar with their code. I'll probably redo all my templates in CSS, and upgrade, but that's about it.
5: James Howard Kunstler (author of The Long Emergency) has a blog. Go read it.
6: Wanna know where your where your tax dollars go?
It's about time I used my handspun. Three skeins of blended merino and tussah silk dubiously called Rose Quartz are in the process of being knit into another shawl.
Rose Quartz turned into a dusky sort of pink, grey and burnished copper penny mix. But I should find fault with my spinning and not the fiber, right?
With the plethora of lace shawl patterns out there, it's hard to pick one that would do this particular handspun justice. I mean I want something simple enough to let the yarn's color variations shine; something that's not overly lacy, but at the same time something that's not just holes. In addition, it's my first time knitting with my own handspun. Take all that into consideration, plus the time it took to look through a few lace books and online pattern sales. In the end, I stayed with my first pick: the Shetland Triangle shawl. Unassuming on the needles, it opens into an exquisite ogee pattern, points and curves with a rhythmic setting of eyelets. I love a good offset lace, don't you?
Sometimes it's better to trust your gut, something that can be applicable to both knitting and climbing.
Fab Five Friday: Spring! (Themed linkage.)
1: Luisa Beccaria's dreamy collection of dresses.
2: Lilies of the Valley from Getty Images. I should be looking for client images, but it's Friday.
3: Riotous color in this Floribunda Deliciosa quilt.
4: Koigu colors from Kaleidoscope Yarns.
5: Croissants aux Amandes. Perhaps tomorrow we'll go to Café Bonaparte for breakfast; their almond croissants are so not greasy and sooo very good.
