Lavender Shawl

A friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with cancer and I'm knitting her a shawl.
It's based on the Boneyard Shawl (rav link) by Stephen West but I'll be adding a fishnet lace as one of the last sections.

She wanted lavender. Here are the color options I gave her:


She has very good taste and selected #3 (going from the left). It's cashmere.

This is the first cast-on attempt. I was not happy so I pulled it out.


Here's the progress by Sunday's second show at the theatre.  I made good progress.


I don't think I'll get it finished by Friday. I don't want to shorten the shawl simply because I'm out of time. I know I'll have it finished by Monday.

Lace Error Alert!

While knitting on the Flower Basket Shawl, I've discovered a few errors that I consistently make.



Can you see the problem in this photo?
This is the YO on my purl back row. The YO before a decrease on the right side row can wrap around the decrease when working the wrong side rows, in this case, I'm purling back. By paying attention to my knitting, I've been able to notice the problem quickly and can fix it. When I miss this, I end up an st short on the right side rows because I purled the YO with the st before (really making an unnecessary decrease). It is an easy thing to correct simply by paying attention to the knitting and using a finger to release the YO and working the sts correctly.
Here's the photo with the correction.

This is the YO on my purl back row after it has been separated from the decrease. It is an easy thing to correct simply by paying attention to the knitting and using a finger to release the YO.

A funny thing happened that I share on the knitrific blog.  Go watch and comment :)

Friday Update

A simple update while I'm away "fishing" with my brothers. I'm having a great time!

Stupid Questions knittingbrow asks

"Do You Knit Lace?"

The LYS that I (used to) work at (and mostly just teach a few classes) sponsors Knitters Connection. I really had fun at the event. Not only did I get to see and feel amazing amounts of yarn, I also met some great people. One of my passions in life is to help people find their "bliss" and it usually takes the form of getting the perfect yarn for their projects. Some of you have seen me help knitters find their yarn. It's fun!

I mentioned "Wooster" in previous blog and videoblog posts and how I met Chris from Briar Rose Fibers. They were at Knitters Connection! I'm an equal opportunity yarn person. I want to help you find the perfect yarn, regardless of who is selling it. (Shhh, don't tell my boss.) Briar Rose's booth was right across from our booth and I wanted people to see the colors in person (and touch the yarn). I'm that way. The video tells a story of the stupid question that I asked. Watch and then continue reading.



Yep, there it was. A reasonable question given to an interested knitter. I didn't find out who she was until about an hour later (I think). *face palm* Marilyn van Keppel translated the lace patterns for Bundanaurriklaedid available from Schoolhouse press. I own this book! She translated other LACE knitting books too!
knitspot and the Gale pattern! Quick, go buy some lace yarn from Briar Rose. Schoolhouse Press and knitspot have got lots of pattern options!

Shawl for #1

My summer knitting has changed focus to knitting a shawl for a good friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her favorite color is purple! I have some Malabrigo Lace yarn in "Purple Mystery." She decided on the Stóra Dimun Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. I want to complete a gauge swatch for this because I'm using a laceweight yarn instead of the sportweight called for in the pattern.

I feel that knitting this shawl for #1 and sharing this with you will create wonderful healing energy. My goal is that she'll be able to wear this during her chemo treatments and keep her warm and surrounded by love. I hope you'll be willing to share with me.

Expect a few more video posts for the progress.

England Bound

Oh my!
We leave for England in 8 days.
So.much.to.do.
I know everything will work out great.
and knitSB and I will have a nice ceremony while we're there.

If you want a post card from me, please send me your address. knittingbrow (aT) G mAil(d0t)com.

I'm working on the leaf lace pattern. It's going well.

Late Lace Progress

What Kay in New Mexico wants, Kay in New Mexico gets.
She wanted to see the lace progress.
Well, it is going well.
This:

is looking nice when it gets stretched. It looks like this:

Wow

not only is this a lovely photo but it inspires me to start knitting lace.

I'll be watching this blog.