Friday, March 26, 2010

Colonnade...Lightly Blocking


I ran into a roadblock with my 250 yards of Taiyo Heaven shawl. The body is finished, but the border is not matching if I follow the instructions. Of course, I've knitted a 3-1/2 pattern repeat versus the 2-1/2 pattern (instructions). So, I will play with this shawl over the weekend and report back a solution to this knitting madness.

If I can't knit, then I can block something. I've pinned my Colonnade Shawl to my blocking mat covered with towels. I sprayed a light mist of water over the shawl and I'm letting it dry into shape.



Hopefully, the rippled edges will even out when dry. I can't wait to wrap this shawl around me. I will be back to post a modeled picture.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Knitting Right Along


That's what I've been doing for the last few weeks. The two shawls are taking a bit longer to knit. Of course, if I hadn't started the 2nd one...I would have finished the first one. What can I say?

Here's my 2nd version in Noro Taiyo yarn:



Here's the 1st version in Noro Silk Garden:



I prefer knitting with the Taiyo yarn since it's a cotton-silk-wool blend. Much softer on the hands. It looks like I will be finishing this version first. I'm avoiding the itch of starting up a third version in a solid color, plus two more. Looks like my plan to begin my Christmas knitting is off to a great start.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Knitting Bliss


As you can see, I've had to limit my time on my computer in order to spend more time knitting. I've finished my Colonnade shawl. It's waiting to be blocked. In the meantime, I've started two more projects.

First up, is my 220 Yards of Heaven Shawlette. I'm using Noro Silk Garden and I have to mention...I love this yarn! The colors are stunning! It's a nice surprise to see something like this develop:



Next, I've started a sleeveless shell in plum color. I'm using one of my favorite yarns, Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. This is my second attempt. I made one last year when I was starting to knit garments. It came out okay. Now that I have a year's worth of knitting experience under my belt, this should knit up faster and look a bit more finished. I am knitting this version in the round (no side seams). This version has a moss stitch border at bottom edge of the shell.



Looks like I'm anticipating and preparing for warmer weather. I am! It's been in the 60s here and I definitely have Spring Fever!