So, I’m finally knitting out of this glorious book. I’ve wanted to for a long time, but the patterns aren’t straight forward. Well, they kind of are, but the book gives you so many sizing and gauge options… plus there is no yardage given. You get the weight of the shawl in the back of the book, but it isn’t easy to find. Anyway, I’ve been a either too intimidated or too lazy to start one. Until now.
My neighbor is dyeing. She’s been in treatment for cancer for years and has just been released for hospice care. I don’t even know if I’m saying that right. I haven’t met her in the year we’ve lived here. She’s been too sick to be out much, but her husband is out with his dog a lot, and is very friendly. I’m so sad for him.
Anyway, a couple days ago I thought about making her a small shawl to maybe bring her a little bit of joy, which is why I was looking at the Angel Lace shawl by Evelyn Clark. But then I thought that triangular shawls don’t fit well, and if she is bedridden and not feeling well, she isn’t going to want to be fussing with a migrating shawl. (She might not even want to wear a shawl at all, I don’t know). But the Faroese shawls came to mind and I went to the yarn store to find something lovely and soft in blue.
I bought some sport weight Frog Tree Alpaca in a beautiful, mellow blue. I started working on it (and re-started, and re-re-started, and, um, yeah, re-re-re-started… I could keep going) on Saturday afternoon. Finally figuring out what I was supposed to do, I started making a little progress, worked on it a lot yesterday, and much of today, and I’m almost two out of the six skeins into it.
I don’t know how much time she has. I’m hoping I finish it before it’s too late.
April 9th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Laura, I’m sorry to hear about your neighbor. What a kind and thoughtful gift. I’m sure it will be much appreciated.
Denise (from FT)
April 10th, 2007 at 12:40 am
That is a wonderful shawl, and a wonderful present.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:33 am
Knit on Laura. I am sure you can finish it for her. It looks so beautiful already, and you are such a kind and giving soul to make something so nice for someone in so much pain. I cant wait to see it when it is done, and I am sure she will love it too.
April 10th, 2007 at 10:52 am
that shawl is going to be beautiful. and it looks like it is coming along quickly.
April 10th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Such a beautiful shawl for such a beautiful purpose. I recently knit my first shawl for my grandmother who is also undergoing cancer treatments (or lack there of) and I was so touched by how much she wears it. I’m sure that you will make it in time to for her to enjoy it. Thank you for sharing.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
You’re a good person, Laura. What a sad, wonderful project.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
What a beautiful gesture. I hope you make it in time for her to enjoy it for a long time. What a sad time for your neighbor’s husband as well. Although…I know that when my mom had been sick for 2 years everyone felt that her passing was a good thing because it meant that she was finally at peace and no longer in any pain. I hope that makes sense…..anyway…I think it’s absolutely beautiful and I’m sure (even if she isn’t a shawl wearer) that it will be recieved with much thanks.
April 11th, 2007 at 7:32 am
What a lovely shawl and what a lovely neighbor you are.
April 11th, 2007 at 11:01 am
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift!
April 11th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Oh Laura, it is a beautiful shawl. I hope your needles fly!