14 | September | 2010 | AuburnChick's Adventures

Traveling Woman

Posted on September 14, 2010 by auburnchick

As you know, my knitting has suffered.

I’m not complaining…much…mind you. I am extremely thankful to have a job after searching for so long.

A couple of months ago, my friend, Rabbitrescuer, mentioned that she would be casting on for her 1,000th project (I exaggerate by two). She asked if I would be interested in joining her and our mutual friend, Rae.

After taking a look at the pattern, I jumped on board.

I had the perfect yarn…

I believe I purchased that lovely skein of Ella Rae Lace Merino, color #103, at a yarn store in South Florida during a soccer trip two Springs ago.

I was eager to begin, and so on July 14, I cast on the Traveling Woman Shawl. You can find the free pattern here. I used size 6 needles.

Let me tell you…getting to the end was not all that easy.

First, there was the issue of time, which I’ve already mentioned.

I did manage to grab a few free hours during the trip to take Chicky to college. I got in a few more when I went to her game a couple of weeks ago. Hence, I think the name, “Traveling Woman” is quite fitting.

Second, there was the issue of the yarn.

After completing four repeats of Chart A, I started to realize that I just might run out.

I was in angst over the situation, but I didn’t put in a lifeline (why would I ever do a smart thing like this) and pushed on. I had, after all, done my research. I had read about others who had discovered they could have eked out another pattern repeat, and I didn’t want to let my yarn go to waste. This stuff is not cheap!

And so I knit…

And held my breath…

And knit some more…

Before the awful truth finally slapped me in the face…

With two rows and the bind off left, I had come to the end of the line…

This is every knitter’s fear. In fact, I think I am not the only person who’s had nightmares about just such an event happening.

One thing I knew for sure. I was not about to tink back 19 rows.

Not when you’re talking about lace knitting.

No way, no how.

I don’t think even the Yarn Harlot would do this.

She would figure something out.

And that’s what I did.

I went online and scoured Ravelry, hunting for others who had this yarn, in this colorway, and had knit with it.

I sent out several SOS emails begging for scraps.

Less than 24 hours later, I had several responses. A couple of gals turned their houses upside down in search of their leftover yarn. One knitter found her’s and offered to send it the next day.

If I could bestow blessings, I would totally shower this kind soul with at least a hundred or so.

And so the stalking began.

I felt a little sorry for the mailman. He didn’t know what or who was lying in wait for him.

But he was sneaky. When I was out running errands, my package “magically” arrived…