Swallowtail Shawl

So I have been wanting to do another lace project since I cast off and blocked my Japanese Feather Wrap. I had my eye on the gorgeous FO's of the Swallowtail Shawl that I'd seen all over Ravelry. My family has been going through some rough times since last week with my Papa who is in a nursing home. It seems that it is going to be a roller coaster ride and this project is going to be therapeutic for me, as well as (hopefully) comforting and therapeutic to it's recipient- my Mama. I chose a blue shade that reminds me of Papa's eyes, and his flannel shirts that he wore ALL THE TIME. It's light and delicate but a striking pattern that is absolutely lovely. I was able to cast on Monday night and made my way through the set up and starting the budding lace. It's my first time with charts so that was proving to be a challenge but now that I'm getting into it, it's getting easier to remember what symbols mean what.

it's already taking shape!

She has no idea that I'm making this for her so let's keep it a secret- kay?

Also, Saturday 6/6/2009, my Mama and Papa celebrated their 57th! Wedding Anniversary. They are truly amazing and wonderful people and I am so thankful that I can witness such a wonderful testament to Marriage.

(Photo from 4/6/09- Papa's 86th Birthday, note the flannel shirt :) )

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn, Baby Alpaca Lace, 1071

Needle: Crystal Palace US 4 26'' Circular
My Ravelry Project Page!

FO- Japanese Feather Wrap

I did it! I finished my lace shawl and in plenty of time for the wedding! I finished the actual knitting and weaving ends on Tuesday 5/12 but the blocking was done on Thursday 5/14 so that it could dry in time before we left on Friday.

Truly an amazing work of art and I would recommend it for anyone!

This shawl was a collaborative effort in the fact that the yarn was gifted from Agnes, the Eucalan was gifted from Tonia, and the pattern was a stroke of genius from Anne. I couldn't have done it without any of them!

Without further ado:

Before Blocking

Blocking

Finished!

Pattern: Japanese Feather Wrap- Knitspot

Yarn: Fleece Artist Nyoni, Blue Lagoon

Needles: US 8 Crystal Palace circulars

My Ravelry Project Page!

Japanese Feather Wrap

I have decided to make something for myself for a change. Well scratch that, start and COMPLETE something for myself. We (the hubs and I) are going to a wedding in May. Instead of going and buying yet another dress for another wedding I decided to change it up. I'll wear my LBD (Which I have yet to wear in black, only red) and make myself a lovely wrap/shawl and dress up with new jewelry- Cookie Lee of course!- and shoes. My friend Tonia recommended that I try a lace pattern by Anne Hanson and I fell in love with Japanese Feathers. I was struggling over choosing a color that I truly loved in a weight appropriate for the pattern that I almost scratched the project completely. Until Agnes came along. She made an absolutely gorgeous JF of her own and graciously offered to send me her remaining skein. 820 yds of Blue lagoon Nyoni awesomeness! I received it on Friday after a rough Thursday so it completely made my weekend and had me in good spirits. Not to mention the mailman arrived in time that I took it with me to show off at Lambikins. Agnes is good peoples, and I can't thank her enough for her generosity.

Isn't it gorgeous?!

I started it immediately on Friday and bought some new bamboo circs to get started (yes another set of US8's). The yarn knits like a dream. I'm 100% enamored! In 2 days I've completed a full 28 row repeat and 7 additional rows. Right now it looks like ramen noodles but a little stretch shows the lovely waves. I'm so excited by this project that I have no fear it will be done in time for the wedding.

My Ravelry Project Page!

Update: I worked on it again last night at Knit Night and have almost 2 full repeats finished. With 10 repeats total and at this pace I should be done over a week before the wedding. Plenty of time for blocking!