I am now in Ravelry. I got my invitation last Sunday afternoon. I haven't yet had a chance to do much in there, because I've been working all week (damn those 5 day work weeks) and I've been busy most evenings. But I'm really impressed with what I've seen so far. If you haven't already done so, please add me to your friends and say hi – I'm easy to find as "toknitisdivine". I only have a few projects in so far, but I will be adding more as I go.
I have two finished objects to show, the Mystery Stole (aka Swan Lake) and the Ribby Shell, and a new WIP. I'm going to do this as three separate posts as I have lots to say about each.
First up, Swan Lake. I don't have a picture yet of it modelled, but here it is on my front porch:
The design, as it was written by Melanie, is asymmetrical, with a "wing" at one end. It seems that quite a few people chose to do a symmetrical version, without the wing. I hesitated for a while, but once I saw a few blog pictures, I decided that I liked the wing, and so I finished the stole as in the original pattern. Here's a view of the two ends:
I like how it turned out. I especially like the design along the sides, which I will likely adapt and use in other projects.
The yarn I used is Naturally Dawn (5 25g balls) that I bought at Wool n Things. The yarn is a 50% wool, 50% silk blend, and is quite lovely to work with (although there were knots in almost every ball, which really annoys me). Although it doesn't show in the photos, I also used 8/0 silver lined clear Czech glass seed beads. They add a nice bit of weight and sparkle to the stole.
I also had a few "firsts" on this project. You know how I love exploring new techniques! This project was the first time I:
- used beads. The technique suggested for this pattern (which I followed) was to use a very small crochet hook to add a bead to a stitch before knitting it. This worked great, and since I had found a perfect container for holding my beads, I managed to get through an entire project without having a serious bead accident. Whew!
- used a Russian join. Since the yarn came in 25 g balls, and there were knots (did I mention I hate knots?), I had to join new yarn on many occasions, and I didn't want to have to weave in ends, especially on lace! When using wool or alpaca, my preference is to spit-splice, but since that wasn't possible on this yarn, I tried something new. It worked like a charm!
- used my new blocking mats. Many many posts ago I mentioned that I would either need to start knitting smaller shawls or get a bigger bed. What I didn't realize at the time was the third option – foam play mats, which I've seen on several people's blogs. I picked these up at Walmart (in the toy section). they came in a set of 4, each 24" across. Awesome! Now I can block anywhere.
With a mat and wires, blocking lace is now a breeze!
12 Comments
Wow, that turned out really lovely! Nice job. My Mystery Stole (symmetrical) has been languishing just over halfway finished – soon!
OK…I’m officially reconsidering the pattern she used for the wing…I guess you just need to see it blocked out.
Looks great!
My “not a Rhinebeck” sweater is coming along – one complete sleeve done…
Leanne, it looks beautiful. I’m not even at the end of the straight ahead part, but I’m really wanting to have it done. Nice inspiration! Now to get some blocking wires…
Another fabulous piece of handiwork—I knew it was when I saw it,but the blocking makes such a difference,does’nt it. Another winner! I’m anxious to see the finished sweater.
I found you through your MS3 posting, your shawl is absolutely gorgeous. I frogged my original one and switched yarns. After knitting 3 clues Melanie reminded me (and everyone else) that she also wrote a pattern for double wings. After seeing your shawl, I have no need to frog my beginnings. I hope mine is 1/2 as good as yours!
I too am on Ravelry. For complicated and dumb on my part reasons, you can find me on Ravelry as Wendyzzzzz, although I am very, very behind in posting pics.
I hope to have a blog soon. I’ll let you know.
Wendy
It is absolutely stunning in a lighter color! Wow!
Lovely work! It’s stunning – wear it in good health and joy. I love seeing finished stoles – keeps me going on mine. Clue 7 row 168 and counting!
Your MS3 is gorgeous! I love the pictures when taken outdoors, the sunshine really shows the detail. What a difference blocking makes, huh? I also used the blocking mats and wires. Saves the knees too, when crawling around on the floor.
Beautiful job.
Sheri in GA (also on Ravelry as ScrappyKnitter (all one word)
Hi Leanne. That Ravelry is quite a time sucker – so many things to see, compare, etc. So be careful – it takes away from knitting time.
Your stole is very elegant. In white, the wing really does look like one. Great job!
Its gorgeous Leanne! Makes me want to go home and work on mine…damn work week!
Fabulous, you once again prove that you are a most talented knitter, BRAVO!