A couple of months ago, I purchased the Chinook Lace Shawl kit from Knit Picks. This kit included the yarn and pattern I would need for the project…
Because I was so busy with my EPI classes, I did not get to cast on until June 2nd. I figured that even though I was still working on my classes, I deserved knitting breaks…being so close to the end of my program.
After I finished my classes, two weeks early, I devoted most of my evenings to finishing the shawl.
See, I am a monogamous knitter…meaning that I usually do not cast on more than one project at a time…unlike my friend, Christina. *cough*
By the time I started working on the edging, I had over 1,600 stitches on my needles.
Did you just faint?
Yeah.
I wanted to as well.
The bind off took me six hours to finish.
I’m not exaggerating.
Near the end, the unthinkable happened.
I ran out of yarn…with two triangles left…
I was not happy.
I have big plans for this shawl, you see.
I debated what to do.
God intervened (He’s good like that…even to knitters).
He reminded me that I have a substantial stash of yarn scraps.
I dug through my closet and pulled out what remained of a skein the Regia yarn I had used for my Guided By Love socks…
The color wasn’t a perfect match, but it was close enough to suit my needs. I figured that I would be the only one who noticed or cared.
So, I finished the shawl and gave it a bath.
The blocking was easy…
As you can see, it took up my entire dining room table, which is quite large.
I got a lot of ribbing about the size. Chicky’s Guy Friend suggested that it was perfect for a pregnant woman to cover her belly.
I reminded him that he has yet to ask my permission to marry my daughter. I’ll get my revenge when he does.
Anyhoo…
I allowed the shawl to dry for two days and then had myself a photography session, complete with tripod and self-timer…
Yes, it is quite large, but the blocking opened up the fibers of the yarn, allowing the shawl to be thin and drape nicely across the shoulders.
I love the fact that I can wrap this shawl completely around me. It’s going to keep me very warm on chilly days…
Here’s a close-up of the stitch pattern, which was deceptively easy…
Now, let me explain what I think is the reason for my running out of yarn at the end.
This pattern calls for the knitter to go up in needle size when completing the border (the triangles at the bottom). Well, I’m already a loose knitter, so when I went up in needle size, I think my fate was sealed. I do not believe that most people will run out of the given yarn.
Besides, I always like to do things the hard way…or so my mom always told me.
If you’re looking for an easy knit, I highly recommend this pattern. Not only does it come in the earthy tones, but it is also available from the Knit Picks site in a green/blue/purple kit.
So, what will I be cooking up next?
Well, you’ll just have to wait and see!
Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: Chinook Lace Shawl, Knit Picks, Knitting | 4 Comments »
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