Elann Shawl Knit-A-Long

Clog pattern

2008-10-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

I found this info on Ravelry for the Fiber trends knitted clogs pattern.
I'm sure I have the old, wider pattern. Is anyone aware of the difference in the two Patterns? I don't want to buy a new one and think I may want a narrower fit!! I haven't made them before so maybe I could figure out how to tweak it.................
Les

Fiberlyone's Gold Nugget

2007-11-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

Started October 4, 2007
Finished October 31, 2007
Yarn: Knit Picks Shadow, Oregon Coast colorway

Gold Nugget

2007-10-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

I was pointed to Gold Nugget Shawl by a friend, having avoided looking at new patterns because of the many projects on needles. But that combined with seeing Shui's second version on Ravelry (I'm fiberlyone there, too, btw), I just couldn't resist. I started it to take on a trip to Hawai'i last week.

Here's the cast on from before the trip.

And progress from the trip.

The pattern isn't too hard, but it took a couple of days to get the pattern in my head. Now it's progressing pretty well. But there are other projects on the needles for the upcoming holidays, so finishing may not be as quick as I'd like.

Another Voyager done

2007-10-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

I finished a second VOYAGER. It is for International Scarf Exchange 5. Its the Cash Tweed Oak that Tom overdyed with blue raspberry koolaid. The pattern is wonderful. I don't think I will ever get tired of it!!!

It's DONE!

2007-10-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

It has taken me a really long time but I FINALLY finished my Pacific Waves Shawl in Sonata - Rose Garden colorway. I'm very happy with the way it turned out except that it is really quite long. I think a little wider and a little shorter would be more to my taste but I still love it and can't wait to find someplace to wear it. Now the hard part is figuring out which Elann shawl to make next - there are so many gorgeous shawls!

Gold nugget shawl

2007-09-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Gold nugget shawl using 2 balls of elann's Devon. Finish size 30x60. I added 2 extra rows of edging. The shawl is extreme open and airy.

Luna Moth complete

2007-09-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well I actually finished my shawl a month ago I've just been crazy busy and haven't had the time to post about it. It knit up wonderfully and the Callista yarn is really nice and comfy to wear as well.

Here's a picture of the detail after blocking.

And here is a picture of me wearing it at my cousin's wedding.

There are more pictures on my blog and all of the yarny details are up on Ravelry (my username is grateblue2).
I would absolutely recommend this shawl pattern to anyone, it was so quick to knit up!
Cheers!
Cassandra

I'm back!

2007-09-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I am back from my vacation and as always work has been crazy. My aunt loved the shawl and she cried when we visited her in Washington. I am now working on two shawls at the present time. First one is from the Heirloom Series from Sharon Miller called the Grey Shawl (HAP), I haven't take any pictures as it is just a small triangle right now. I am using KnitPicks bare lace yarn which is a very pretty cream color, 100% wool for the center which will be a diamond. The borders are the all Shale design with varying degrees of grays.

The other shawl that I am working is the Peddler's Wool shawl from Folk Shawls (Cheryl Oberle), in which I am using a hand-dyed alpaca lace yarn from a gal from Oregon who I had met on line. It is so soft. The main part (top) is a color she calls Autumn, which is yellows, oranges, greens, and brown; very pretty. For the lacer part, I am going to use same kind of yarn, but in a copper color. Since both shawls are in the beginning stage and just garter stitch, I will wait a little while before I take any pictures.

Until next time,

Linda E.

Two FOs!! Wheee!!

2007-08-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

The details and close-up photos are on my blog but I've finished both Luna Moth and Sun Ray. Luna Moth is made with 3 skeins (300yds) of Filati Fantasia Cezanne I bought from Elann last year.

Sun Ray is done with nearly 500yds of Jayne's beautiful hand-dyed 100% merino DK in Apricot. See closeups in my July post. Happy Dancing here!

All DOne

2007-08-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Voyager lace Stole in Cash Tweed details on my blog

Finally finished!

2007-08-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I have finally got it blocked and here for your review. I think it came out nice. Now for my next project. I recently got a new Heirloom book with Shetland lace shawls as well as other projects. May do that next. So many projects so many choices!

Until next time,

Linda E.

picture of moon detail

2007-07-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

Lisa: Thank you for let me know. The pattern is correct, there are purl stitches on the knit side. On the tip of the moon, it starts with purl.

Please Help Anne K!

2007-07-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

I rec'd this via email and told her I'd post it here. Anyone who can help her with the Moonlight Sonata please give a shout out! Thanks. Lisa

"Hi:

I've frogged the thing three times, sigh.

I'm working from the 'write-out' of the pattern, not the chart as I can't 'do' charts. My prob seems to be ending up with a purl stitch set on a knit side (with the moons) around row 11? The row 10 write out says k3tog, k2tog, etc...

Written out row 11 says to k2tog. Should I change this to a p2tog?

ANY help would be appreciated.

A Keen"

Voyager Lace Shawl

2007-07-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

I started this yesterday, I find the written words easier to follow with this particular pattern and the stitch markers have been helpful too, but its an easy knit and I am looking forward to the finished product. I am using the darker brown of the Cash Tweeds I think it was called Oak

Swatch this!

2007-07-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here's my swatch; this stuff knits up beautifully! The deep rust color has more deep red/deep rust in it; the lighter colors on the side aren't that over-bright, either. In fact, they're really only about that color deep into the grey, and a bit less saturated; they then lighten up nicely from there! I wanted to show the richness and depth of the deep colors, though, so in order to do that everything else ended up a bit too intense. (Sorry, I just LOVE how this really looks! This gives a good approximation of it, though!)

I'm now calling the project, Incan Waves (she says, waving madly at you!)

Progress Update

2007-07-23T10:05:00.001-07:00

I started SK's Sun Ray shawl while on my trip to Vancouver. I worked all the way through one skein (246yds with US9 needles) of the lovely Apricot yarn from Jayne's Etsy shop (See Jayne Knits Yarn). This is a great pattern: easy to knit even while chatting with friends, and, as SK noted, a perfect pattern for a beginner. I am so happy with the yarn, too. This is Jayne's 100% merino, and it is so soft. Having seen Jayne's dyeing process in person (see my blog), I know that part of the softness of her yarns is the care she takes in the dyeing and the washing she does as a last step.

Poor Luna Moth is still stalled out, but since my knitting mojo seems to be back, I hope to finish it in a week or so, whenever I get a Round Tuit.

Progress report

2007-07-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Here is the picture of my lace stole. Got my camera this week and finally am learning how to use it. Not bad for my first shot. The lace project is the Children of Lir which is over half done. Yah! I may attempt a shawl on next one. I really like this pattern. Lots of challenge, with left and right decreases, double decreases, and the like. I learn something new with each project that I do.

Linda

2007-07-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I just joined this KAL and am rather excited about it. My first shawl is a design from Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman. The design is called Children of Lir Rectangle Stole, very lacy; gorgeous if I do say so myself. The material I am using is a fingering weight yarn from KnitPicks in a very soft yellow. I am using size 8 needles. I have an aunt who is in a nursing home who we intend to go see next month when we are on vacation in Idaho, she lives in Washington. I work at home as a medical transcriptionist, oh for the past 5 years or so. I have been knitting for many years, and it has become a passion of mine. And I love lace. My DH says it is very romantic. I have learned a lot already about Provisional method of using a waste yarn and why. I have got to get a digital camera, so you guys can see my progress. I already have about an inch done. Since I work during the day, I only have time to knit at night. All for now.

Linda E.

Luna Moth newbie

2007-07-10T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just started knitting my first shawl (Luna Moth in Callista) and I wanted to share my progress with other elann shawl enthusiasts. Well, ok, I also wanted to find other people who have knit this pattern in case I run into trouble (:{ I'm knitting it for myself to wear to my cousin's wedding at the end of August (yeah I realize this is coming up soon, if I don't get to wear it to the wedding I'm ok with that). My dress is strapless and espresso colored and when I saw this shawl on elann I knew it would be perfect. I just fell in love.

So far as knitting lace goes, once I got through initial provisional cast on difficulties, its been pretty easy. Here is my progress for the first 40 rows. I know white paper doesn't make for the best background, but I'm kinda sleepy, and I didnt feel like finding an alternative. So I'll try and take a better picture next time I post.

I think it looks pretty good for a first go at shawls. And I haven't even had to use my lifelines (yet) *knocks-on-wood*

Have a great night and I look forward to seeing everyone else's shawls!
Cassandra

Sun Ray Shawl

2007-07-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd show off the progress I've made so far on my Sun Ray Shawl (being made for my grandmother for Christmas).

This is 40 rows completed:

I'm using the double knit wool from handpaintedyarn.com in 'Cafe Creme.' The French minor in me wants to make that Café Crème.
As I don't have to have this done until December, I'm taking it leisurely. I do like the simplicity of the shawl and it's quite easy to memorize.

Luna - times two!

2007-06-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a bit obsessive. Still love the Luna pattern. I've finished two more - one for me in Super Kydd Sapphire - and used the leftover Swarovski crystals from the first shawl on this one too, though I had to go to the Expen$ive Bead $hop to get a few more. I'm sticking with Fire Mountain Gems from here on out!

The second one was a gift to be used in the raffle at our annual family reunion that was held today. This Luna was done in Super Kydd in the Ice Blue color. The pictures don't do the color justice - I got a lot of wonderful complements at my LYS when I brought it in. I love this color and may consider doing another to keep for myself. At this point I can finish a Luna in about eight days -but I still cannot memorize the lace pattern! I guess the mirror image thing is what I can't get my brain to wrap around. Or I'm just too danged old.

Swarovki crystals again, this time 5mm ice blue bicones - a bit too big, but it's hard to tell what it will really look like until it is blocked out.

DD Rachel with Pepper who loves being held, but not when her hair still wet from the shower...

And I finally found the perfect color for the Luna destined for my son's former teacher, now moved to New York (and much missed). The yarn has a good deal more green than the photo shows, but I think that it is as close to perfect as I'm going to find. Casting on soon - unless the Zephyr for Mystery Stole #3 arrives before and I cannot resist!

~~Melanie

No Shawl Progress

2007-06-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

But celebrating anyway - celebrating my 102nd post, that is. Click here to join the fun!

finished peruvian wrap

2007-06-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

after many needle changes and yarn changes i found the right combinations. here is my completed "peruian cusco wrap" as modeled by my punk rock daughter.

pattern: elann peruvian cuzco wrap minus the cuzco
yarn: started with moda dea tootsie, but i couldn't "see" the stitches well, finished product has hand dyed chunky wool, green tea colorway from see jayne knits yarns... jayne has wonderful colorways and she is a peach to work with. very accommodating.
needles used: #15 clover bamboo needles.... inexpensive and warm

thats it. i love the wrap, and even got to wear it on a trip to the garden stand, as we had a really cool weekend here in Vermont.

thank you to everyone here, great shawls. thank you to lisa for setting up this shawl-a-long. and a big thank you to joan, for knowing just how hard to nudge me.

Detail, at last

2007-06-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

I finished my Luna Moth Shawl in early May, then headed off on an overseas trip, which was, unfortunately followed by a sad event that left me out of touch for a while. Before we left, I was asked to post a picture with more detail on my shawl and here it is...finally.

Can you say "MindCramp"

2007-06-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Good Lord ~ I just read my first post to the group and I am horrifired because I said hope to make some sock knitter friends. Can you tell my mind had a cramp lol. Anyway I do have some pic's to shwo what I have been doing though they aren't shall items but at least you can see that I can knit lol. I have started a mystery shawl and will have photo of that to post tomorrow.

The top pic is of the tote I designed for a tote exchange I had just felted it and still had to remove the ping pong balls and shape it.

Next photo is my "hersey" kiss hat I made, first project using DPN's.

The wash cloth was part of a knit along for the LSY. They did gift bags for the Fisher House at the VA Hospsital. It was fun and so easy making the wash cloth gave me ideas for Christmas gift to put together.

Then the the shrug I made using D. Bliss Stella in Color #9 It is too small for me so I am sending it to my daughter. With the note to hand wash as this yarn has silk in it. The last but not least is the finished cable knit purse that I made. So I dolike to keep busy and try a variety of knitting projects. HAve an awesome Sunday all!

Cheryl

2007-06-23T02:31:00.001-07:00

Hello all. I just joined this wonderful(ly inspiring) knitalong.

I have plans to make the Sun Ray Shawl for my grandmother using handpaintedyarn.com's DK wool in "Café Crème," a soft pink. I can't wait for the yarn to arrive!

Also, tonight I just realized that HPY got one of my previous orders wrong and I was sent lace weight instead of their Colonia 140. So.. to make lemonade from lemons, I've decided to make the Moonlight Sonata shawl. The yarn I have is a gorgeous dark blue (Sodalita).

And... sometime in the future I plan on dying some stashed Berroco Ultra Alpaca and making the Luna Moth shawl.

What can I say? I'm crazy for these shawls. I made the Flower Petal Shawl last year and I love it so much.

New Person joining the ranks!

2007-06-21T23:30:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

My name is Cheryl and I am a 47 yr. old disabled veteran, as is my hubby, we are both retired military. I started knitting again after a 20+ yr. hiatus. I had surgery and was off my feet for several weeks and decided to start knitting again. I guess when you get older you appreciate some of the finer arts like knitting. Well I haven’t stopped knitting. We live in TX and share our home with 2 small dogs a Chinese Crested named Rita she is 6 yr. old and the baby Sir Angus Seton (Angus for short) he is a toy poodle in the rare color markings of a Black and Red Phantom. Boy is he a little pistol at times lol. We have a nice home, I was able to have my own office/craft room so I can enjoy knitting in my room and if I have a “big” project I can leave it out without having to worry about someone touching it. I presently have several WIPs. I have 2 pair of socks, Lacey Baby Blanket, a Throw, two purse/totes on needles, and just started a Mystery Shawl, so I will be starting the Bed of Roses Shawl when I get the other shawl. Yes call me a go getter, since this is my first attempt at making one of them. I have a twisted cable throw, Dragonfly Wings shawl, plus I am working on a design for a felted purse to name a few. I find knitting to be relaxing and soothing. Not only is it a great way to stimulate the brain make it work. I have had a brain/head injury when in the service so the knitting actually helps my brain stay focused and the need to know and learn new knitting things/projects is great. I hope to make some new sock knitting friends.

Everyone have a blessed weekend!
Cheryl (CW)

Just Joined!

2007-06-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

My name is Donna and I just found this Elann Shawl KAL on their website yesterday. I have a few of their patterns printed out, but I thought I would start with the Pacific Waves Shawl. I'm going to go and have a look at what is in my stash that would be good for this. Also, I'm a very slow knitter so I hope this won't be a problem. Anyway, I'm glad I found you, because I've been a very big fan of Elann for quite a while. Thanks for letting me join! As soon as I choose my yarn I'll let you know. Does anyone have any ideas for this? What would be best? Any hints would be great. Again, thanks,

Donna

Luna in blue started

2007-06-19T09:20:00.001-07:00

Nothing exciting to report. I've started Luna in blue, still working through the top part. I'm not even sure I want this shawl in blue. I started it in blue before I received my latest Elann order, now I'm eyeing some of that red Ruby HW for the shawl. We'll see...

http://smariek.blogspot.com

.

Just Getting Started

2007-06-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally cast on for my Pacific waves Shawl. I'm doing mine in the Brazilia print. And, I've already made a mistake and had to tink. Apparently I can't count, plus my son kept asking questions about this show we were watching. If he had been listening instead of constantly talking, he would have understood what was going on. No sympathy, please- he's 12 and should know better, especially when I finally yell "I'm trying to count!!!" I should also know not to knit at 10:00 pm.

A Luna Finished before the end of Juna

2007-06-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

I have finished my Luna in KP ShineSport in Coral! IT was a joy to knit. I added an extra repeat and think i should have added another. Oh Well, its still perdy! Without further ado...

My luna for Juna

Moonlight Sonata shawl's neckline and the diagram

2007-06-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

It was shortsighted of me didn't include a diagram for this pattern. I am belatedly posting the picture of my first Moonlight Sonata shawl knitted with seasilk which Benne sent to me. The neckline, I started with 73, it looks a little bit small. In my free pattern, I started with slightly larger neckline. Hope this will help!

Moonlight Sonata is complete....

2007-06-13T08:08:00.001-07:00

and blocking on the spare bed. It's a biggie , I couldn't fit the whole thing in the picture, and extra repeats of the pattern were not necessary.

I only made a few changes because of the weight of the yarn and I'm glad that I did as it would have been way to wide had I not taken one motiff off each side. (73 st. for the first row instead of 97 st) Pardon my drawing skills ....I hope my little chart shows the shape and dimensions clearly?

Wondering what to make now?
Diane

Not over Yet

2007-06-06T08:38:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure Lisa intended for the Knit A Long to be May and June, thats why she is making a "Luna for Juna" SO keep on knitting and keep on posting Grace, who if I am wrong apologizes in advance!!!

Moonlight Sonata update

2007-06-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yeah, the KAL is not done and I can still l post !
This photo is at 5 pattern repeats (1 ball of Ecofil) and the 2nd. photo is at 8 repeats. I might take this one to 12. We'll see how long it is at 10. I want something to keep my butt warm standing out at the fire on cool summer evenings.

This is a cool pattern and not as complicated as it originally looked.
Diane

Slow and Steady

2007-06-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

While many of you have actually finished your shawl (or even two!) I've been going back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth whittling down my 541 stitches. I've finished 40 rows and now have 461 stitches on the needles. Isn't it amazing that "only 461 stitches" feels like so much less? Only 20+ rows to go! I'm loving all of your amazing shawls and I'm already making plans for my next one.

Luna Moth Takes Flight

2007-05-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

Here she is! It came out a bit small following the pattern as-is (3 repeats), I will definitely have to make it bigger next time. But now I know, and this will help me when I make my second one. And yes, there will be a second one!!! :-) More details/pics on my blog.

.

Luna Moth Shawl is Done

2007-05-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

I am so very happy with my Luna Moth! Thank you, Shui, for such a beautiful pattern! I used Elann's Peruvian Pure Alpaca, less than 4 balls. I did 7 repeats. The picture above is more to show an outline of the beautiful lace pattern Shui came up with, so the actual color is not so dark. More details and pictures are on my blog.

Trish

http://mymerinomantra.typepad.com

Catching up!

2007-05-28T17:28:00.002-07:00

Hi all, Thought I'd start this with a current picture of me and my, Vogue Knitting spring 2007, lace sweater:-) Biased knit fronts really kept this interesting. (done in Patons Merino, denim blue)
Sun Ray Shawl done in Ecofil burnt orange.

The Garden Path Shawl, done in Ecofil purple.

Luna Moth Shawl, done in a baby weight 95% virgin wool and 5% Lurex. I should have done a few more repeats of the pattern but I couldn't tell how big it would be when blocked or if blocking would even work...?
It turned out a lit better than expected:-) I did 2 rows of the yo k1 yo to get longer points.

Moonlight Sonata Shawl , done... of course in Ecofil ,2 blue tweed. Just started this last night. It's a bit of a struggle but I'm getting the hang of the pattern.

It seems that I like EcoFil cotton and I do but... It's the only yarn in the stash that would work for these beautiful shawl patterns. So..... (I still have more too... green and pink and light green tweedy colour arghhhhh!)

Diane

Keep On Designing SK!!!!

2007-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Sunray Shawl finished!!! I used Elann's Endless Summer Luna, in Aztec Gold. I don't usually enjoy working with cotton but I LOVED this yarn. And what a shimmery gorgeous shawl it made. Finished at 84 x 56 it took 5 skeins of yarn, and size 9 addi turbo's.

Luna Moth blocking

2007-05-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

My shawl is blocking. This was a really fun shawl to knit, I can see myself knitting another one. I hope to post finished photos on my blog soon...

.

Luna Moth in Zodiac is done

2007-05-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

My Luna Moth shawl is done. Use US10 (6mm) needles and 4 balls of Zodiac.

Awaiting a Knit Picks Options Cable . . .

2007-05-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

and a few tips. A Loooong cable. Couldn't find anything local long enough for my Pacific Waves shawl in Sonata Print Incan Clay colorway.

Just a short update; I was hoping they'd be here in time for my camping trip this weekend, so's I could bust out alot of hours on it!

Alas, no such luck (okay, so I procrastinated ordering too long!)

I've just gotta figure out what I'm going to take with me to knit, now that I'm medium to large project-less. Going to get caught up on reading recent posts and commenting on them tomorrow!

In the beginning

2007-05-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

Well after about an hour of trying to figure out how to do a provisional cast on, I succeeded (I think ) in getting my Luna on the needles. I am using KnitPicks ShineSport in Coral, its very light and soft and a pleasure to work with. No splitting, as of yet. This is my second attempt at a shawl. The first time I took the easy way out and avoided any of this top-down, provisional cast on nonsense. ANyway, so far so good. I made it through the first repeat. Enjoy the pics! I shall return when there is more to report

The first picture is more indicative of the true color than the second for those who are interested.

Luna has landed!

2007-05-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

I finished up my Luna Moth Shawl over the weekend and add me to the long list of happy Luna customers in this KAL. Luna was THE pattern, wasn't she? Awesome pattern, SK! Yes, mine is a BIG one and that was intentional. I think I did 7 or 8 repeats of Chart 2. I lost track.
.
Particulars:
Yarn is Austermann Peru held doubled throughout, color 17, merino & alpaca (feels amazing...have I said enough how much I love this yarn?). Needles are Knitpicks' Options size 10. Blocked dimensions are 75" wide by 43" long at center back.

Thanks, Lisa for hosting the KAL! And huge kudos to all the first time shawl and lace knitters who jumped in for this great KAL. I hope everyone gained the confidence to continue.

Please, everyone, don't tell Jayne about this because I just promised her I'd let her finish her shawl before I picked up my Luna again. LOL. See how totally unreliable I am?

My blog: http://vamantaknits.blogspot.com/

A finished Luna Moth - and my first ever post.

2007-05-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

I've finished my first Luna Moth! I say first because I've got plans for two more - one for my son's teacher who is moving to New York soon, and one for myself. This is a photo of my daughter Rachel modeling it before it was wrapped as a gift.

I really enjoyed making this, and though I never did manage to memorize the pattern it went surprisingly fast - cast on May 1st, final cast off on May 15th. I gave it to my best-friend (since second grade) for her birthday today - it is a big birthday (one of those ends-with-a-zero ones) so I wanted it to be really special. She is also a professional chef (with a national reputation no less!) and does attend some pretty swanky affairs and she said that it'd be a perfect accessory so I'm really tickled that she liked it.

I made it in black Rowan Kidsilk Night and added a line of small Swarovski crystal beads on the final half-repeat starting at each point and going in. Try as I might I couldn't get the crystals to show in the picture... the kidsilk has a bit of silvery sparkle to it and the crystals set it off nicely. I initially knit it as instructed but when I cast off I realized it was a bit small, so I pulled out the cast-off (a painful process thanks to the mohair) and added two more repeats.

Now I just need to find the right color for the teacher - she asked for blues or greens & I'd love to find something like the teal color in Elann's Highland Wool but in a yarn like the Super Kydd. Any ideas?

-Melanie

Planned to start Moonlight Sonata but.....

2007-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

I had bought some beautiful torquise cashmere yarn to make this beautiful shawl, but while looking through my stash today I found some lace weight silk by Fleece Artist. It was screaming at me "sonata" so after lunch today I got out my swift and ball winder to put this into a proper center pull ball and get started. Round and round the swift was going and then all of a sudden it was stuck I gave it a bit of a tug cause sometimes this happens with hand dyed yarn, they stick together and a tug will do the trick. NOT THIS TIME. It is now 5:36 ct and I have about 1/3 of the 600 m skein untangled. I quit after 5 hours and was ready to throw it away. DH jumped in and took over cause he loves doing things like that, he has the patience of a saint. It is as if the skein was not tied correctly and part of the loops were on the wrong side of the skein.
Has this ever happened to anyone else? Hopefully I'll cast on tomorrow and have a little something to show you.

Luna Moth or Spring butterfly?

2007-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am using Zodiac for my Luna Moth Shawl, it is not a proper color for it. It looks more like a Spring butterfly to me. I wish I had used Fiddlehead color instead. It is season for collecting fiddleheads right now. See my dinner - fiddlehead with chicken breast.

Yarn Question?

2007-05-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided on the pattern , Luna Moth, but the yarn is still up in the air. I have 10 skeins of knitpicks SportShine on its way to me. Its 60% cotton and 40 % Modal. Will that be usable for this??? I am new to the whole shawl knitting and am not sure about fibers and blocking etc. I just finished the the candle flame shawl from knitpicks (my very first shawl, please see my blog for pics) and i used their Shimmer line for that. Any and all comments are welcome. Thanks!!

New Shawls on the Needles

2007-05-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

Tom and Jeannie went to the Tattoo SHop tonight to visit with their buddies so I have time to knit and blog. Before she left Jeannie left me some of those 7 layer bars, made with graham and coconut and nuts and chips etc, and the one I just ate tasted so good. I haven't had much of an appetite but that was a nice treat.

This is the Sunray Shawl under construction, made from gold Elann Luna, on size 9 addis, It is such a deligthful pattern, the first one I made back in December was shipped out so fast I had forgotten what a delight it is.

This is LunaMoth Shawl done in Estelle Dazzle in 2 colors, one is Passion and the other is Fireweed, it is being done on size 7 addi's the larger needles just weren't working for this project at all. It is hard to see with this yarn and after 4 repeats its in a bit of a time out. I am enjoying SUnray more while I think long and hard on this one.

Progress report

2007-05-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes...I know she's not supposed to be square! And my Luna ISN'T. It's just the way I pinned her out. I wanted to see how large she'd be getting (can I admit that I didn't do a swatch test?). I think I'll likely go at least 2 more repeats, but possibly 3.

BTW, the ecasey wrap has had NO work to it. I guess now we know which shawl will be done first, don't we??!

Finished: Sun Ray Shawl

2007-05-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my Sun Ray Shawl. I loved knitting it. It was my first shawl and a very good one to learn on. I used elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool in Bisque. Not my favorite color, but it looks very good, especially over black. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of that...

Forgot to put this in earlier... there are more pictures of of blocking on my blog.

Help, please

2007-05-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I'm having a problem with the cast on for the sun ray shawl. I can do the knit 3 but then how do you pick up the stitches on the sides? Is it the same way you would pick up stitches on a sock? I hope this doesn't sound stupid !
I think my yarn is too small , I might get some heavier yarn. Thanks in advance :)

Lisa's Luna

2007-05-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Finished the third repeat. Enjoying the pattern very much so far!

Yarn: elann.com's Adara in "Fern", 2 skeins & a bit of the 3rd so far.
Needles: KPOs, size 9

Plan: 6 or 7 repeats of rows 15-34 before she's done.

Progress!

2007-05-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Details are on my blog. It's going to be a photo finish to get it done by the 27th, but I am a champion Olympic knitter, so I'm up to the challenge!

Luna Moth in Hyacinth

2007-05-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Here is my progress on Luna Moth so far. I have just completed the third repeat of rows 15-34, with Elann's Peruvian Pure Alpaca in the Hyacinth colorway. Love that purple! I want a larger shawl, so in my mind, I would like to do two more repeats, but in reality, I may end up with one more before starting the edging.

Moonlight Sonata FO

2007-05-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

SK's lovely design! Thanks for the fun.
Made with 8 repeats instead of 10. Used 4 balls of Elann's Baby Silk on #4 needles.
It would have been nice to have blocking wires so the little loops along the top edge would be round. I knit the picot bind off a bit too tight so couldn't get it to make nice little holes.
I had no idea that I had picked a challenging pattern when I decided to make Moonlight Sonata, I just thought it was pretty. It didn't take long for me to get used to concentrating on all the rows though. I will definitely make sure my next lace project has a purl row every other row.
My detail was a bit washed out from the flash. I will try to take a better picture in the daylight. Not promising.

Marie's Luna Moth

2007-05-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my Luna progress so far. It's coming along. :-) I'm surprised I managed to get this far with all the other stuff that's going on in my life right now, mostly house hunting, you can read about it on my blog. Looking forward to finishing the shawl...

.

Amanda & her Peruvian Cuzco Wrap

2007-05-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Amanda, for some reason, comments are not enabled at your post the other day about your cuzco wrap so I am moving it here for comments. I would not worry about stitch definition. I've knitted with Cuzco and it shows zero stitch definition even when blocked. Your pattern is supposed to be fuzzy and it looks to me like you found the perfect yarn for it. I also love those colors. Keep posting!

Luna (moth) Shawl progress

2007-05-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

I took Luna off the needles to see exactly what 7 or 8 repeats (I lost track) of chart 2 look like and decided I want another repeat, or two, before the final edging section. For most people, she'd have been long done a few repeats ago. But I am aiming for a warm, woolly, cozy, toasty winter wrap for my drafty New England house. (You know, something appropriate to go with flannel PJ pants and UGG boots.) Since I am up to nearly 300 sts in a row already, this equates to total pattern fatigue for me so I plan to set Luna aside for a while and pick her up later in the summer. I am loving the yarn, Austermann Peru (doubled) merino & alpaca. It is bar none one of the softest, non itchy wools I have ever handled, on the order of malabrigo. Or Fleece Artist BFL. Love this stuff. I plan to start either Luna or Sun Ray soon in cotton as a gift. Still deciding. Callista yarn is what I am considering. Or maybe Luna (yarn) for Luna (shawl)? My fingers may rebel but we'll see.

I enjoy watching everyone's progress and enthusiasm.

My attempt @ Moonlight Sonata

2007-05-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

First let me say OT "Happy Mother's Day " to all mothers, in any shape or form. :D

Here is my question since I don't have picture to post, but started on Moonlight Sonata.

(total sts 101,125, 149, 173, 197, 221, 245, 269, 293, 317) <<<< what does this mean?
When I did R1 it worked out I do have 101, but now what are the subsequent numbers?
I notice that they are different as I move along. R3 is different than R5 and so on.

Am I repeating this whole stack of rows again? (R1-R12) x3? or x10?

I'm so sorry if this is a stupid question I just didn't know where to turn to.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Patty's Luna Moth Shawl

2007-05-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

Originally this was supposed to be a travel project, since I will be spending around 45 hours roundtrip air and airport time starting Tuesday. I cast on, finished first pattern repeat and staged a couple other projects for the whole trip. But the other projects were staged, being a little easier to memorize, and the Mom's day projects finished, so I picked it back up and now the Luna Moth Shawl is done and ready to be worn on the trip.

I am always amazed at the difference blocking/dressing lace makes. Off the needles the shawl was about 36 inches wide. It dressed to 48 inches. I love lace!

Getting close to the finish

2007-05-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

In spite of baby duckarama, I've managed to get to row 29 of my 5th repeat on Luna. After I have finished the 6th repeat I'll decide whether to do another repeat. I love the fabric the luna yarn makes but it's a little tricky with the rayon/cotton because of splittiness. It's dark, so no pic, and I can't fit the thing on my scanner but I'm happy with it. Still wondering how it's going to block but instead of swatching and blocking the swatch, I'm just going for it. ;-} I hope to finish tomorrow or Monday. Oh yeah, baby, a finished object is at hand!

Took a Wren break today...

2007-05-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

It's the middle of the month and I am just getting started! (I took a break from my Wren sleeves.) Wound some CTH Silken Mohair up this afternoon, and printed up a copy of Luna. Why is it soooo much more interesting to do a few rows of this than it is to do sleeves?

Hold that pose!

2007-05-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here she is--blocked and ready for storage. The Lisa W. inspired shot is on the left. This photo took several attempts--had to get proper coverage of the region to which the shawl points. My six year old is getting quite adept with the camera. I'm going to have to start paying her. Thanks again, Lisa, for hosting this KAL and thanks to Michelle Ciccariello and Elann for a terrific pattern!

Finished knitting

2007-05-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

The knitting is done. I only did 8 repeats because I wanted more of a shawlette than a full blown shawl. Tomorrow I will get to see the true beauty of this pattern when I block it.

Check out The Walker Treasury for a swatch of the original lace pattern as shown by Barbara Walker. It is called Sunspot in her book. SK did a brilliant job of translating it to a triangular shawl.

progress on peruvian cuzco wrap

2007-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

minus the cusco yarn, here is my wrap/shawl so far.

I am using Moda-Dea, thick and thin yarn. I really love the yarn, the imperfections, the texture and little bit of gold. The colorway is called Tootsie, all of my favorite colors. Was this the best yarn to use for this shawl? I don't think that the pattern shows as well as it could. But now that have some pointy needles and am used to the double strands it is knitting up quickly. Lots more to do, but not bad considering I have ripped it out 15 times! Ha.

541 stitches later . . .

2007-05-12T08:06:00.000-07:00

WOW! I'm so amazed by all the shawls that are done! They are gorgeous and I'm totally intimidated. I've just started mine. I'm making the Pacific Waves Shawl in the Sonata Print Rose Garden. I love the color and am excited to see how it turns out. However since it requires casting on 541 stitches that in itself is a herculean accomplishment! Also it only reduces the equivalent of 1 stitch per row and there are a total of about 60 rows so basically you are knitting on somewhere around 500 stitches per row for THE ENTIRE SHAWL! It takes me quite awhile to knit each row. So far I've finished 8 rows. I noticed a problem in the instructions for Row 5 - after you knit the center stitch it doesn't tell you what to do until you get to the part where you are supposed to start the 14 waves again. Also oddly enough I noticed on the Elann site that the instructions for the solid Pacific Waves Shawl are actually different than those that are found in the Rose Garden one. Very strange! Is anyone else making this shawl?

- Res Ipsa Knit with Her

Hi !! Newbie Warning

2007-05-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, Everyone, Oh my goodness ! What beautiful shawls ! You ladies should be very proud of yourselves. I only hope I can knit one.

I am having a problem tho. I can't get the Luna Pattern to download. It keeps sending me the 'can't go to this page' error.

Also, could someone suggest a pattern for beginner/intermediate?
I got my ' swallowtail pattern' yesterday and tried the cast on. LOL !! I was Stumped !

I have faith in myself tho. Not a quitter !

Thanks for inviting me to the group. I can't wait to get started on a shawl.......Star

2007-05-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Gosh I don't remember when I started my sunray shawl, but I finished it yesterday. This is the second one that I've made.The first one that I made is the red one and it was a Christmas gift. It is such a well written, easy to follow, pattern. Once again thank you SK for sharing your talent with us. I used Jaeger super fine merino and KP #10 for the yellow one. I did one extra repeat and blocked the bejesus out her.It is heading to Japan tomorrow to my DDILwho is in the Air Force and currently stationed in Tokyo. I will make another of these very soon.

Marie's Luna Moth

2007-05-10T17:22:00.001-07:00

Wow, you guys are speed demons! I've made a little more progress on my shawl, and hope to finish this before the next Ice Age, or at least try not to be the last one here to finish. ;-) I love working on this shawl, it is so well written which makes it so much easier to follow. More on my blog.

.

Hello!

2007-05-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is my first knit-a-long! I usually miss the boat on things like this, but I found it when I was searching for pictures of the Moonlight Sonata shawl. I'm knitting one in handpaintedyarn.com's laceweight in Damask Rose to go with a dress I'm wearing to a wedding on May 27. I don't know if I'll get it done in time, but I'm going to try!

I actually got started on this KAL

2007-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Never thought I'd find myself posting on a blog :) I rarely read them and nearly never comment and here I am with my own post.

Decided the plane today was too crowded for work, but it is never too crowded to knit!
Thus I stole a little knitting time and got started. I'm doing the Luna shawl in cream Lara, yummmm. No pictures yet, but I'll try to find a camera or use a scanner after hours.
SK - the pattern is amazing.

Can't believe so many shawls are so far along. it is really fun to see all the pictures. Thanks for setting this up.

Elimination Round 1

2007-05-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

You're GONE!

Some might mistake this for 35 rows of the Luna Shawl in Idena EVITA (cotton/viscose/linen blend). Others would recognize this bad ball for what it is...frogged! This shawl has officially been eliminated. More like disqualified for misbehaving. It's thin and thick properties combined with a stringiness to make me realize that it needs a tighter knit pattern, as in less hole-y! Well, less than "holy" is how it's been behavin'! I should have stuck to using it for a SunRay...but that will be another day, another KAL!

I'm now down to two shawls! But I really don't see there being a 2nd elimination round. The second shawl is just as hard to put down as the mohair Luna. Probably because it's totally different from the Luna. It's heavy where the Luna is light; it's chock full of knit stitches compared to the lacy Luna...not a lacy hole to be found (not intentionally, anyway!). And the heavy duty Highland Chunky is like huge...huge stitches, huge needles, huge-in-your-face progress! I feel like a hearty maritime sea captain down at the tavern every time I pick her up (Ever been to sea, Billie?)!!

Compare to the demur, lady-like Luna, that is.

So, here it is...the start of my Highland Wool Wrap. It looks like the cables are getting weird, but they're not (I HOPE!). It's just the photo was done with the scanner and it was kinda like doing a mammogram to my poor wrap...things got flattened that weren't ever intended to be squished !

The gentle little mohair Luna has seen a few rows but nothing like what some of you speed demon Luna knitters have been producing. But with this baaaaad Evita back in her box, the Luna and the Wrap should see a bit more lovin'!

Hmmm....Now might be a good time to ask: Is there a time limit on this KAL...

Okay, Here's The Real Action Chez Jayne

2007-05-08T11:18:00.000-07:00

A woman I like very much has recently found out that her daughter is very very sick with a rare form of brain cancer. I feel just awful about it. I've met the daughter, and she's a dear one: lovely, lively, younger than me. It's just not right.

My friend is a knitter, and she loves orange. I am knitting her a suprise comfort shawl in a bright orange and buttercup yellow mix.

You've probably already recognized the pattern as Sunray. I am really enjoying the knit. It is smooth and easy and rhythmic. I can have the TV on or not. I could see making this shawl more than once.

I am knitting it up in some of my hand-dyed yarn. This one is the soft washable mercerized wool that I have in several colorways over at my etsy shop. I really like knitting with this yarn. It's a worsted weight and very soft. It slipped so smoothly along on my 6mm ebony Lantern Moon straight needles until I got to the third repeat and decided to move it over to circulars.

I'm trying to knit this shawl before doing any other knitting. I'd like to be able to give it away within about two weeks.

Finished SunRay! (But behind on the Weekly Wrap-Up)

2007-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

Whooooooooo....Finished my SunRay! Great pattern...easy to follow....tinked quite a bit in the fourth repeat (due to DreamGirls distraction)...but basically had the pattern down flat by the 5th repeat. Did 6 repeats total...Used Elann.com Highland Wool in Violet Heather...Size10 Brittany Birches to start with, then switched over to KPOptions (love those KPOptions!) 6 full skeins and about 1/4 of a 7th! Finished size is 80" x 42" (yeah, I blocked the bejeebers out of her!) And I totally, totally love it. Started (early) April 29....finished May 6....It's a WRAP!

Blocking photos per SK's request! (Thank you so much SK for the great pattern! You restored my self confidence in lace knitting!) please ignore shoe detritus at the photo edges...too lazy to crop!

Next on the needles....a Luna for Juna...in elann's Adara...Fern would be the color of choice!

More details on my blog!...And honestly, bad KAL hostess that I am, I will get the weekly "wrapup" later this week!

Happy Knitting!

I'm Late To The Party!

2007-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

Better late than never...

I spent some time yesterday reading the posts and comments here and looking at all the gorgeous work in progress and finished work. Wow! This is an inspiring site. I hope the shawl action continues for a while 'cuz there is such a sense of accomplishment and momentum here.

Part of me is a bit flabbergasted -- didn't y'all just start, like, yesterday?

I am porting over some bits from an archived post on my blog. This is the Moonlight Sonata shawl I started in March. I am about halfway through the fourth repeat now, but it has been sitting around for a while. Shui Kuen asked me to report on some of the things I discovered while knitting it.

The yarn is Mondial Giada, a sport-weight merino/silk blend that is softer than a baby's cheek. I dyed it myself in a colorway I'm calling Moonlight(when it is lighter) and Midnight (when it is darker). This would be Moonlight. I'm using 4mm needles.

The tricky bits to keep an eye on are:

It is not as difficult a shawl to knit as it looks, but I would not recommend it to a beginner. You do have to pay attention to both sides of the knitting. What I like about that is that it is a constant check that I have not made mistakes. I count every section like a litany. I can't knit this one with a talking book or TV or music, or anyone else in the room. But that's jut me.

Watch for S2KP and SK2P: You need to do both of these, and it can be easy not to notice the change.

When YO before a purl stitch, you have to wrap the yarn around the needle twice. When YO before a knit stitch, you simply have to keep the yarn in the purl position.

The double increase takes getting used to. You do the back stitch increase, then the front stitch, the slide that off; THEN pick up the vertical loop from behind with the left hand needle.

And concentrate!

Shui Kuen says that once you are past the first two repeats of the moon pattern, it gets easier as you can see what is coming and read your lace. I've never been good at reading lace, but Shui Kuen is right. I have caught a few potential errors easily because I can anticipate what I should be doing next to make the moon pattern come out. Cate can probably comment on this too, since she is also knitting the shawl.

I am knitting Sunray now too, and I am in the third or fourth repeat. It's going very smoothly. I find it an easy, rhythmic pattern to follow, and I love the day-glo orange and soft buttercup yellows of the yarn I'm using. I can't report on the Sunray shawl on my own blog, since the recipient reads there sometimes. I'm planning to take pix and post a report here later today.

Victorian Lace Shawl finished

2007-05-07T21:42:00.000-07:00

I've finished! I can't believe how quickly this shawl knits up. No pictures (alas) remember I have no digital camera on hand, but I'm working on it.

All I have to do now is soak it and block it. I can't wait for my four daughters to see it on Mother's Day.

Susie

Incan Clay Yarn pR0n!

2007-05-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

My gorgeous, delicious, beautiful Incan Clay Sonata Print yarn arrived today! Take a look at THIS!
I just LOVE it! I was afraid it might turn out to be too Halloweeny, but the light grey has a tinge of blue in it, and the dark grey has a breath of brown, I think. The russet, peach, and apricot clay colors are nice as well. Here's a bit better representation of the colors:

More at my blog.

2007-05-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Stick a fork in me....

Here she is unblocked and lounging on the lawn.
The first section is Elann HW in Wisteria which transitions into HW Dusky purple which transitions to Sierra Aran in Hyacinth for the final rows and bind off.

Alas, I have no master blocker. Just lil' ol' me and my pins.

For those of you interested, I think I used 5 balls wisteria, 2 dusky purple and two hyacinth. I thought the bind off would use more yarn--turns out it used way less than half the skein. I could have done a couple more rows. oh well. I'll post a final picture as soon as she's dry. Love this pattern! What should I make next?

Lisa, your Sun Ray Shawl

2007-05-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lisa, will you please show us a picture of your Sun Ray shawl on a blocking stage. I would love to see how the edging is being pinned.

Just Getting Started and Loving It

2007-05-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my second repeat and I am loving this pattern. The yarn, Elann's Luna in Green Tea, is a little tricky since it tends to split but I like the feel of the knitted fabric. I wonder how it's going to block. Maybe I should have done a swatch???

Yes, Luna is finished

2007-05-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

Four skeins of Pure Peruvian Alpaca from Elann in Atlantic Mist, and size 9 addi turbos. I have plans to make this many many more times. Thanks SK for such a beautiful pattern.

rounder shawl...

2007-05-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am wondering what kind of shape the Moonlight Sonata ends up. Is it a half circle? More than a half circle?

The Pattern probably explains, but I am brain dead today!

Sun Ray Shawl knitters....

2007-05-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

I thought you might be interested in reading about my Sun Ray shawl battles a few months ago.
Ornery Sun Ray Shawl. In fairness it was the yarn and not the pattern. I did finish her tho' and pics are there. I would like to do her again this time in some sort of yellow, as inspired SK.

I didn't knit a stitch all weekend on my Luna due to an unexpected houseguest but he just pulled away so I will pick up the needles again and get her finished in a day or 2.

Marie's Luna Moth

2007-05-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of my Luna Moth after completing the first repeat. It doesn't look like much. Can't seem to get the needles to behave and lie flat. I don't know how you guys get your knitting to spread out so you can take a photo. You can read more on my blog.

.

I need help-- More ways than one!

2007-05-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

I am making the Sun Ray for my daughter's birthday May 18. I am on row 15, I do not understand what it means to increase. Ih ave 43 stitches, not enought to do 10 increases on each side??? And it appears that they have reversed the k2tog and ssk, can someone explain to me how I am to make this grow wider? I have been knitting for 10 years and feel like an idiot, asking what is probably a simple question! Page

Moonlight Sonata Closeup

2007-05-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am posting my first Moonlight Sonata Closeup pictures which is knitted with seasilk-a gift from Benne. Happy knitting!

Moonlight progress

2007-05-04T09:48:00.000-07:00

I've finished the third repeat of Moonlight Sonata - phew. I'm starting to get in a rhythm. Lace sure looks messy before it is blocked. Can't get the color right in the pictures, though. It is an indigo or denim blue. I am using Addi Natura's, size 4. They seem a bit pointier than the Addi Turbos. At some point, if I keep on knitting lace, I will invest in some Addi Lace needles. I don't have a job right now so am on a total shop-from-my-stash, no spending diet.

Grace's Luna

2007-05-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

My Luna Moth in progress using Elanns Pure Peruvian Alpaca, a simply gorgeous yarn to knit with. I will be adding additional repeats since I have more yarn, this is my daytime, pure daylight project. Everyone is doing such gorgeous work, it inspires me to make so many more.

needles question

2007-05-04T04:51:00.000-07:00

I have cast on my Peruvian wrap. While I did/do have the correct size needle, I know they aren't the ones for this job. I am they type of person who can read and hear the right way to do things over and over, but I still need to find out myself by doing. My size 15 bamboo needles aren't pointy. Any suggestions for a good large needle that is very pointy? I have to go and buy them today, so I have them ready if I get knitting time in this weekend.

Thank you in advance. Amanda

Have I decided on only one yet?? Hmmmm.....

2007-05-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the 3 shawls I've been deliberating over. This is the Luna in an ebay no-name mohair. I have to say I LOVE the rhythm of this pattern, clickety-clack-clickety-clack, extremely soothing. And the yarn is very nice, considering it's mysterious properties!

The other Luna that I started is being debated; if not frogged in the next few days, I'll post a pic.

The 3rd shawl is the Highland Wool Wrap. Though I'm lovin' the challenge of this one, there's no rhythm happening here...I need my total brain in high gear and at full attention. Needless to say, progress is a bit slow as, I'm kinda using my brain for other things (like walking and talking and feeding myself)!

2007-05-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the first progress shot of the Victorian Aran Lace shawl in HW Wisteria. She looks a bit wonky but hopefully nothing that blocking won't iron out. As you can see, I'm onto the vine lace portion and she is just zipping along. I think this is going to be a wonderful, cozy shawl! I've only got a couple more ball of Wisteria--look for a color change soon. Happy knitting, everyone!

Off to a slow start...

2007-05-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Looks like everyone is off to a good start, either early or on time. I still haven't cast on yet. DH did manage to print out the Luna Moth pattern and gave it to me last night. Yay! :-)

This will be my very first shawl, so I'm leaning towards using a WW yarn to help me stay motivated. So I'm thinking of cast on with HW in Red Maple, which I have 4 balls of. I hope it's enough. Of course it helps to know I have Sandra to fall back on; she says she has Red Maple HW in her stash.

I haven't figured out which needle size to use. US8 or US10? The pattern says US9, a size I don't have. I guess I need to try both and see. Or maybe just jump in with US10 and see what comes of it.

The pattern says to use a US H crochet hook for the provisional cast on. My one and only crochet hook is a US G. I don't think that should make any difference. I've been meaning to pick up a few more crochet hooks in some other sizes (especially smaller since I seem to be heading in that direction). Do you guys feel strongly about crochet hook brands as you do about knitting needle brands? Or are they all the same?

I've been working on a lace scarf recently and was going cross eyed looking at the row pattern instructions. Then it dawned on my that I could use that "lace book" thing which I had used a couple years back. I totally forgot about that. I've been dumbed down over the years, lol. It's only 10 rows of instructions for the Luna Moth shawl, so I think it'll be easier for me to jot those row-by-row instructions onto index cards. That way I know I'm following the right instructions instead of straying off to an adjacent row's instructions.

.

Finally! Progress on a KAL!

2007-05-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my so-far progress on Luna Moth. The yarn is the Filati Fantasia Cezanne that Elann had last year, in the Straw colorway. I like the way the yarn is knitting up, though it does tend to split just a bit. This is about 2 evening's work; I quit working lace when my eyes get tired. I've started the 2nd repeat of the main section here. I have 300 yards of the Cezanne, so I'm thinking I'll have a nice-sized shawl.

I like the look of the new version, in the darkish green Callista, but whew! That's a big shawl!

2007-05-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hi shawly girls, I did finally locate the Austerman Peru I needed to complete my Luna shawl (I skip the moth part bc insects gross me out). It actually located me when one of the readers of the Elann Swap board read my "Desperately Needed" post. I've done about 5 or 6 repeats of the main section of the shawl (that's what happens when you stop a WIP and misplace your project notes) and will do 1 or 2 more. I want a long cuddly shawl bc the Austerman Peru is totally the kind of yarn you'd want to be enveloped in. I am toying with the idea of doing it again in a summer weight like the newly launched elann Calista but I'd like to find out from people first if it's slippery (a negative for me). I am also toying with the Victorian Lace because I have nothing like it.
Anyway, I enjoy reading the posts. And please go on over to my VT pal Amanda's blog and help her with her yarn dilemma and give her shawl confidence a boost!

"You must choose, but choose wisely . . . "

2007-05-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Wooohoo! I decided. I changed my mind from Sun Ray to Pacific Waves, explained in comment seven of my previous post.

My Previous Post & Comments

I just chose Incan Clay for my colourway, in Elann Sonata Print. I can't wait until it gets here! I might practice the stitch pattern a bit before it does, though.

I think it is going to look just smashing, and the changing colors will also help keep my interest. Not that the solid color needed to show off Sun Ray's pattern wouldn't; I just couldn't resist the siren call of these gorgeous Sonata Print colourways . . . .

Plus, I think I've been reading the No-End-In-Sight Ripple-A-Long blog too much; it's a ripple shawl!! Lol . . .

Welcome, Mingle, Show Off Your Progress!

2007-05-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

The response from the cybersphere has been incredible! To date there are 33 knitters signed up for the Elann Shawl Knit-a-Long! And there are still 14 invitations out that have not yet been activated. I had no idea this would be such a popular KAL! I'm liking it a lot! Several folks I know (yeah, me included) started prior to May 1. One knitter even had the nerve to finish her Luna! Svetlana is such a fast, talented and prolific knitter! Your Luna is stunning in the purple!
Congrats on having the first FO of the official KAL! I wonder how Joan's coming along in her search for more yarn to finish her first Luna? T is almost finished with her gorgeous green Luna that is truly evocative of SK's original inspiration (go back to her post from 4/29 on this KAL!) in green Paton's wool.
But this KAL isn't all about the Luna...oh no...there's a lot more knitting going on....I've seen an Adara on the needles, and a Moonlight Sonata. There's Victorian Lace happening, a Peruvian Cuzco,(go help Amanda decide upon a yarn for her luscious wrap) and a couple of SunRays (including mine! whoohoo!) I'd post a photo but am having technical difficulties with the camera that just returned from a little trip w/ the DH...(OK techno guy...what didja do to my camera?)
Just a few tips for folks new to blogland. If you want to review from day one, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "older posts". Or go the sidebar and see if what you want is posted under the archives.
I'll be doing a weekly wrap (get it..haha!) of all KAL participants who've posted, along with the photobucket or flickr on the sidebar for the fabulous finished objects beginning this weekend. Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely spring weather. Knit on!

Moonlight Sonata started

2007-05-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

Made it through the first pattern repeat yesterday. I had some trouble with the Double Inc instructions and didn't like the way mine looked. I consulted Montse Stanley to no avail so I just made them the only way I know how. K1, K1tbl, K1 all in the same stitch.

The Baby Silk is a pleasure to knit. I am glad I made the Swallowtail first or I would not have had the gumption to try this pattern.

Cate

Victorian Lace Shawl Begun!

2007-05-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is my very first Knit-A-Long, and I am so excited to participate! I have been dying to try making the Victorian Lace Shawl, but was a little intimidated by the lace knitting. Seeing the all the beautiful pictures of works in progress and finding out that there are other folks like me who are new to lace knitting and KAL's gives me hope.

Last night I cast on and started the English Mesh Lace section. It is a little slow going so far, but I think I am getting the hang of it.

Thanks to Lisa W. for setting me up on this KAL blog! It is inspiring to see everyone's progress. Maybe I will have a picture of my own to post soon.