January 20, 2007
You know what my most favourite thing in the whole world is?
I love it when you have this
And you soak it for a while, then you do this
And in a couple of hours, it's turned into this.
Spring Blossoms is done. And I love it.
I am so glad that I persisted with the extra repeats. The pattern called for Zephyr on 3.5mm needles, and 8 repeats. I used a finer yarn on smaller needles, but it still came out to the same finished size - 115cm, or 44".
Specs:
Pattern: "Spring Blossoms Shawl" by Eugen K. Beugler, from Fiber Trends.
Yarn: Lane Borgosesia Cashwool. It's a 100% merino yarn that feels so unbelievably soft. It was sent to me by Chloe in the Lace Swap last year, and it's gorgeous to work with. I used 90g of a 100g hank. (1460yards per 100g)
Needles: 2.75mm
Changes: None, except that I worked 11 repeats instead of 8.
The yarn is superfine, and here's a picture to show just how fine the shawl is now that it's blocked.
And a close up of the stitch pattern.
I love it. I'm also very glad it's done!
So, what's next?
Well, I started something yesterday while the shawl was blocking that's almost done, so there'll be another finished project here next time.
And the Jo Sharp cardi is still on the needles, and so are the new blue socks.
I've signed up for La's Faina Scarf-Along, which starts on February 14. I have bought two different lots of yarn for Faina's scarf, some Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette in "Musk", and some 80% Mohair, 20% Merino from Wagtail Yarns in purple. I'm not being very adventurous in my colour choices, am I? I have 3 weeks or so to decide which yarn to use. I'm not usually much of a knitalong person, so we'll see how it goes.
I also purchased the "Fern Garden Stole" pattern from Alpacas with a Twist this week, so I think I'll cast on for that as soon as the pattern arrives. I may also have bought the "Heere be Dragone" shawl from there, too, but I thnk that's a long term project. (Like I need any more)
It's Saturday, here's a sky.
It's already well over 30C outside, and it's only going to get hotter. Tomorrow it's predicted we'll see 41C. We're going to the movies. Or the shops. Or the Library. Somewhere with air conditioning, at any rate.
Oh, and see what I picked up at the supermarket this week?
Hot cross buns! In January! I bought them anyway.
Posted by Donna at January 20, 2007 10:44 AMComments
Yay! Congrats on finishing the shawl. It's gorgeous!
Coles had Easter eggs in the FIST WEEK of JANUARY!!! Before Christmas was even a memory, let alone a distant memory. Sheesh.
Posted by: OzKnitter at January 20, 2007 01:39 PMOh, Spring Blossoms is beautiful, so fine and so detailed!! Wow!!!
We had Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs in the supermarket on Boxing Day!!!!! It's all about profit isn't it??
The shawl is absolutely gorgeous and a real credit to you. Well done. You can be justifiably proud of yourself!! :o)
Posted by: Terri at January 20, 2007 02:20 PMIt's positively stunning.
Posted by: Amanda at January 20, 2007 02:58 PMRegarding the Easter buns - January 1st is when Coles starts doing the buns. I don't know why it is so, I must ask (I work in a Coles bakery). I suppose it is about profit. If no-one was buying them then they wouldn't start so early.
Have you seen this new subscriber newsletter? http://www.craftland.com/lacenmore/index2.htm
I'm thinking of subscribing. Given how much I used to spend on knitting magazines the sub price is a bargain! I'm giving up buying most magazines this year, they are just not worth it.
Posted by: Susan at January 20, 2007 04:09 PMLove the shawl it is absolutely exquisite.
Tescos and Iceland have had easter eggs and hot cross buns from just after New Year to
x
gorgeous spring blossoms shawl - loved the pomatomus socks too!
Posted by: debbie at January 20, 2007 05:27 PMCongrats, the shawl is stunning.
I saw the first easter eggs at the supermarket today,
far too early!
The shawl is GORGEOUS!! Blocking lace has got to be one of the most rewarding and exciting feeling.
Posted by: claudine at January 20, 2007 11:14 PMI am going to join the crowd and say that the shawl is most incredibly gorgeous post blocking! I can't believe how fine it is!
Feelings mutual on the heat. went to art gallery, sensory / air con overload went home. Ick all around.
That shawl is just breathtaking - wonderful - I love that stitch pattern and the color is just lovely. And now I'm hungry see those delicious buns!
Posted by: chris at January 20, 2007 11:51 PMThe shawl is beautiful! The magic of blocking always amazes me. The scarf KAL sounds interesting. I haven't joined many KALs in the past either, but I like one's like this that are basically without rules or deadlines.
Posted by: wool winder at January 21, 2007 12:47 AMYaaaay, finally done, and it looks great. Congratulations on your perseverance. Had a look at Alpaca's with a twist too, looks good. Can you buy direct from them and do they ship to Australia..... obviously they ship patterns, but wool also??
Posted by: Susan Hird at January 21, 2007 05:01 AMIt is just beautiful you did an amazing job you deserve that hot cross bun. I found easter eggs in coles on the 2nd of January how insane is that.
Posted by: kylie at January 21, 2007 09:00 AMOh my. It's lovely. Isn't the magic of blocking just the most irrisistable thing??? You should be so pleased.
Posted by: Bells at January 21, 2007 09:08 AMHot Cross Buns?! Fiona believes that some how they involve her eating my electrical wiring. Glorious wrap!
Posted by: Fiona Bun at January 21, 2007 09:15 AMoooooooooh that was so well worth the wait! How gorgeous is that!!!
I know its shocking! They are just getting rid of all the Chrissie stuff so they bring out the Easter stuff!!!! They seem to have forgotten Valentine's Day is inbetween ;)
Katt
Posted by: Katt Walker at January 21, 2007 11:04 AMYay, Donna! It's fabulous! I knew you'd be happy with extra repeats. Great job!
Posted by: Chloe at January 21, 2007 12:13 PMJust beautiful! Purple blob no more! Aren't you proud?
Posted by: Janet at January 21, 2007 01:50 PMToo beautiful for words!
Posted by: Zia at January 21, 2007 02:36 PMThe shawl is gorgeous!
Posted by: Restless Knitter at January 21, 2007 03:18 PMWoohoo~! Its gorgeous!
Posted by: Kessa at January 21, 2007 10:44 PMIt's just gorgeous. Great job.
Posted by: Wanda at January 22, 2007 03:48 AMThe lace shawl is just gorgeous! I love the magical transformation. Ummm....I love hot cross buns!
Posted by: Evelyn at January 22, 2007 04:28 AMAbsolutely stunning! I have the dragonne shawl pattern and will probably address it later this year. Meanwhile, maybe you can join us in the Forest Path Stole KAL?? ;)
=:8
How great does it feel to finish up that shawl. Now just another 2 to knit this year to reduce your lace stash. I cannot believe that easter eggs and such are already out. I think they put them out the week after Christmas, it just gets more ridiculous each year, but I do love eating all the chocolate. Your shawl looks absolutely divine, and are we going to see any modelled shots of it on you.
Posted by: Sue at January 22, 2007 07:14 AMoh my!! i'm speechless!!! that is so beautiful!!!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle at January 22, 2007 10:18 AMI love the shawl. I love when you see the before and after blocking shots. When I first read your blog, I read the temperature and thought where does she live? Down under, not in the US desert where we have been having a cold spell.
Posted by: Sheila at January 22, 2007 01:26 PMYou finished it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Debby at January 23, 2007 10:43 AMDonna,
Spring Blossoms is just beautiful and I know you will enjoy wearing it! Wow , those Hot Cross buns look delicious.
Spring Blossom is beautiful! Congrats.
Posted by: Meaghan at January 24, 2007 04:44 PMOoooo! Yummy! Spring Blossoms is divine. I m inspired to try something square :)
Posted by: Lara at January 25, 2007 08:52 PMI see from the 34 other posts I'm not alone in saying ...wow! I love it! I remember seeing the pattern during laceswap and its stunning! you are super dooper talented and I'd be so proud of that
Corrie:)
Simply stunning!
Posted by: amanda at January 20, 2007 01:21 PM