Yay! It’s really pretty, although after wearing it nearly constantly for the last three days, I’m wondering if I’ll keep it or re-use the yarn at some point. It isn’t as big as I expected. I had imagined being able to wrap myself up in it, and that isn’t the case. Plus, although I don’t have much personal experience with triangular shawls, I’m thinking it would be much better if it had some of the shoulder shaping I’ve been told is in this book. (In fact, if anyone HAS that book, and would like to trade me for something… or sell it used, I’m interested). It is really hard to keep on my shoulders. Maybe it would be different in a thinner yarn?
It is a lovely shawl. The colors are stunning, and I love the wavy stripes… It’s funny, I wore it to church yesterday and didn’t get many comments. They’re so used to me by now, I don’t think I can surprise anyone anymore.
In other news, I’m looking into canine agility. My dog is spastic. We need to either put him to work somehow, or find him a new home. I was willing to give up last week, but didn’t feel right about it, so I’m looking for something to do with him. Although I know nothing about it, agility has always interested me. This means I’m off to buy books again. You know, I always thought I hated reading. I’m finding out that isn’t the case, I just hate reading novels. But I LOVE books. I read “how-to” books both for information, and for entertainment. Nate is an avid novel reader, so we’re busting at the seams with books, constantly trying to find room for more bookshelves. There are worse things.
July 10th, 2005 at 10:35 pm
Laura – I’m keeping MY copy of Stahman’s Shawls, but encouraging you to get your own somehow. It was probably the best knitting purchase I ever made. I’ve made four shawls from it and they sit nicely on my shoulders, giving me a gentle hug throughout the day.
Knitter’s Magazine has a shawl’s book with one Stahman shawl in it, if you can’t get the original book. I’m on vacation, and will send more info on this book in a couple days.
Your shawl is lovely! but reknit it if you like – there’s nothing like a Faroese shawl, and the ones knit from the top down are elegant to make AND wear.
I’ve ordered the pattern for the shawl you’ve made, and will probably redo the pattern to make it a Faroese style shawl.
Because I’m insane. Right?
July 10th, 2005 at 10:51 pm
Your Shawl is lovely and i’m sorry for you if it doesn’t” rellay fit you”.
After a Birch and a Flower Basket Shawl, that I hardly wear, I decided to knit only rectangular stole (to wrap myself completly in ;o) )
I am currently knitting a shrug in Feather and Fan (long rectangle with seams underarms) this is my new alternative to shawl ;o)
sorry to bother …just wanted to say How talended knitter you are !
July 10th, 2005 at 11:20 pm
The shawl looks lovely – I can’t comment on the fit as I have never owned a shawl so have no experience. If must, maybe reknit it in this faroese shawl style.
Barbara
July 11th, 2005 at 1:37 am
Hi Laura,
Here is a site that helps you design a Faroese shawl……..
http://members.aol.com/CarolC2933/Faroese.Shawls.html
Hope this gives you some food for thought to tide you over unitl you can get the Stahman book.
The Shoalwater is gorgeous. I love the colors.
-Kirsten
July 11th, 2005 at 1:56 am
I can’t believe you are thinking of ripping it – I love that shawl… It’s gorgeous! But I know that annoying feeling when you feel like it’s not quite what you expected and you probably won’t wear it as often as a result. I’m already thinking of ripping my shrug and using the yarn to make one of those rugs!
July 11th, 2005 at 2:03 am
The shawl is gorgeous!
I know what you mean about triangle shawls… Maybe because I am too “round” they tend to not be as wearable as I would like. I am going to try a simple triangle with extra long arms and see if that helps the functionality for me.
But enough about ME! I came hear to gush over YOU! You really picked a great yarn… The color changes work really well with the design. This shawl is on my list… and your enviable FO has moved it up a couple rungs!!
July 11th, 2005 at 2:04 am
Diane- I think it would look better that way, because I don’t like the look of the increases running straight down the back and branching off. It isn’t a flattering look with the large yarn and needles. It’d probably be fine in a thinner yarn. I’d be interested in hearing your method!
Kirsten- THANKS! Wow, that looks like some good directions.
Katie- I know. It’s a bummer.
July 11th, 2005 at 5:00 am
I love the color! Pretty and a pity if you have to rip and reknit.
July 11th, 2005 at 6:28 am
Love the colors — they’re beautiful!
And if you have somewhere that you can bring your dog with space to run/throw, I’d really recommend getting one of these:
http://pets1st.com/pets/Dog-Toys-Balls-Chuckit-Tennis-Ball-Launcher-usa.asp
It takes a little bit of practice to get the motion down, but I don’t know anything better for wearing out a golden retriever. ~20 min (esp if you can do it twice a day) makes a world of difference.
July 11th, 2005 at 9:04 am
I LOVE your shawl. I want to knit one of these so bad, but I want it to be huge too, and I think maybe of mohair??
I have the same problem with my kiri shawl, it slides off. I’m thinking of installing some inner ties under the arms, to make it into more of a shrug I guess? I think it’s because of the heavy, slippery cotton, but maybe mohair would do the same?
Dog agility rocks! I loved doing that with Ellie; we did it for a couple years. The teaching is all for you, not the dog, but the dogs love it and it wears them out. A private class can wear out an Aussie in 20-30 minutes, a group class in 1 hour! And they are so beautiful when they’re jumping and running. You will learn a lot about spatial relationships, and you’ll have a new relationship with your dog. Here’s our picture when we used to go to school (pre-baby, but maybe again someday); we’re 4th down on the left:
http://ffdogschool.com/customer_photos/ffds_cust/index.htm
July 11th, 2005 at 12:39 pm
I love it! I think it looks great on you! It would be a shame for you to rip it. I would cry if I were you!
July 11th, 2005 at 9:47 pm
I think your shawl is gorgeous, as usual. But I do know what you mean about the shawls not “fitting”. I am going to look into the Stahmen’s shawls book myself.
As for agility, go for it! I agree with Larissa, the training will totally be for you. But you will love it. Dog people are as cool as knitting people. We always had a lot of fun with Nigel there. We tried agility when he was about a year old, too young! He would do great until we got to the “hoop of freedom” (a suspended tire for them to jump through) He’d jump thru that hoop and off he’d go, no more heeling, no more “come”, nothing (hence the name.) And then when he woke up and realized he was being naughty, he’d run to the middle of the agility tunnel and sit down. I’d have to go in there for him on my hands and knees! Ahh, memories! (grin)
July 12th, 2005 at 2:39 am
It really is very pretty!
July 12th, 2005 at 6:12 am
The shawl is beautiful – it’s on my list to knit some time in the near future. Have you tried a shawl pin to keep it closed and around your shoulders? I’m a big fan because I move around a lot and prefer to have my hands free.
July 12th, 2005 at 12:15 pm
There’s a F & F pattern in the Folk Shawls book that has a little Faroese style shaping at the top. That may be all it needs.
July 12th, 2005 at 6:58 pm
The shoalwater is beautiful! You chose a perfect colour trim, it really “lifts” the colour of the whole shawl. Lovely, lovely, lovely!
July 13th, 2005 at 8:30 am
Love the shawl! I can’t wait to finish mine. I second the opinion that you should definitely obtain your own copy of Stahman’s Shawls & Scarves. While I haven’t made any shawls yet, I plan on doing one soon.
I’m a bit nervous now that I won’t love my Shoalwater shawl when it’s finished. I wonder if it will make a differences since I used a sport weight yarn…
July 17th, 2005 at 1:09 am
wow – it’s really lovely! I adore the colors and I think it turned out really nice.