Saturday, May 09, 2009

FOs: two lace shawls

Two FOs. Both shawls, both lace, both woolley. Both photographed in Regents park (Marcus' workplace is right next to the park, we sometimes go for a wonder at lunchtime if I'm working at a library nearby). First up, a dk-weight tweedy Aeolian.

Purple Shawl 3

I did the pattern for the shoulderette, but in heavier yarn, so its nearly as big as a shawl - still pretty much a shoulder warmer though. The yarn is a scottish silk/ merino mix I bought at iknit, along with some bamboo dpns in a last minute 'what if Heathrow try to confiscate my knitting' before leaving for Turkey last month. So actually started it, old-school style, on a set of dpns. It got large enough to be very squashed up them very quickly, so as soon as I got home, I swapped to a circular.

Purple Shawl 1

About two thirds of the way through I started to wonder if I liked the big leaf-like frilly edges at the end (they didn't seem to balance the start of the pattern), but as soon as I blocked it and tried it on I could see how well it worked. I'm pleased with this FO. As ever, full details on the project's ravelry page.

Finally, a green Icarus (Interweave Knits, Summer 2006). Again, full details on the project's ravelry page, including links to more photos on flickr.

Green shawl 1

I wanted to make Icarus for ages - I bought the summer 2006 IW espeically for the pattern. First I could't find the right yarn. Then I was put off by people saying the stockingette was dull (it wasn't). Finally, I rolled my sleeves up and got on with it. Again, this is done with heavier weight yarn than called for (although the gauge isn't that far off - its knit a lot denser), but one of the lovely things about the pattern is it is easy to make it larger or smaller, depending on taste/ available yarn. I used Old Maiden Aunt sockwool* and changed skein at the point I started on second lace pattern for the end section. This was handy because one skein was slightly more variegated than the other: the break in patten hides the slight difference in yarn, and I like all the extra colour on the feathery bits.

pointing at shawl

My brother's wedding's won't be happening, so I have less of a deadline for the silk lace shawls I was planning. Still, I've already the completed the first chart of Pretty as a Peacock using the purple yarn I bought in Damascus. A sunny summer has been forecast for England, so I'm imagining lots of outdoor cocktail parties for which I'll need an elegant wrap (More likely: muddy festivals. Most likely: sitting at my desk writing conference papers. But a girl can dream).

* Part of the 'homecoming' collection: the Scottish Parliament have successfully emotionally blackmailed me into celebrating my heritage through consumer goods.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I like the pattern of the green one better, but LOOOOVE the color of the purple/lavender. These are beautiful!

Liz said...

The purple Aeolian looks fantastic - I'd really like to try one in Felted Tweed.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shawls, both of them! I absolutely adore the color of your Icarus.

Sasha said...

Oooh they're both so scumptious! :)

yuvee said...

Both gorgeous!! I think I need an Icarus myself!

Oiyi said...

They are both beautiful shawls! The colors are so nice.

Anonymous said...

So gorgeous!
I'm in love with that purple pattern.
Nice work!

Anonymous said...

Those are fabulous, but I especially love the tweedy one. (I'd love it if you brought them in person next time to come to our Wed lunchtime stitch'n'bitch). As for the peacock shawl - omg it's outstanding! I can't wait to see what you do with it.
Sue

Katie said...

Gorgeous Aeolian. I'm just finishing the shawl in laceweight, I'm really not bored of the pattern, maybe I'll do another one in something heavier...

Jodi said...

Oh, the tweedy Aeolian is just stunning! It hadn't even occurred to me to knit one with tweed. Very creative pairing of yarn and pattern.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Your lace shawls are beautiful!

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

I agree that the stocking stitch isn't boring at all on the Icarus, in fact I welcome it:)

Both projects are stunners, per your norm.

Christie said...

Both are so pretty! Great job!

Vonnie said...

Sorry to hear about your brother, hope he's okay.

Beautiful work on the shawls - I'm actually inspired to attempt one myself now!

Rima said...

Wow! These are beautiful!

Rima
www.yarnydays.com

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, I think i have to meet you and take some guidence.

RITA

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Very nice! I really like that, specially the color and the seems to modern too. I think I will have used one tomorrow, but with other style and color. However, I think you're a good blogger who loves the fashion style and the purple flush too.

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