Wool Peddler's Shawl of Good Intentions

• Pattern: Wool Peddler's Shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle
• Yarn:  Woolen Rabbit Opulence in
• Needles:  Addi Turbo Lace Needles in size 6
• Cast On:  January 26, 2008
• Bound Off:  February 7, 2008
• Blocked and Finished:  February 9, 2008

I had a difficult time handing this over at the post office, I felt my heart was going with it. I loved knitting this shawl, for so many reasons. Some of those I wrote of in yesterday's post, so today I'll tell you about the yarn! and the needles! and the pattern! I can't say too much about Kim's yarn. Just look at in garter stitch:

As if that isn't enough, look at the lace:

It is a good thing I had to send it off, I couldn't stop taking pictures of it. That Opulence is soft and cushy and squooshy, a breeze to knit with. The stitches just flowed onto and off of the needles, looking gorgeous at every turn. The blend of silk and merino is soft with a sheen that reflects the light gloriously. And if you have stopped by here recently, then you know my feelings about Kim's sense of color. She is a genius. (Disclaimer: I am not an employee of Woolen Rabbit and do benefit in any way from my shameless promotion of her yarn. My only benefit is in her friendship, and that is benefit far outweighing any other kind.) The yarn arrived in one large and one smaller skein, and while they were dyed in the same dye pot, the mystery of the dye pot eludes me, they were slightly different. Because I wanted to use it as much of it as I could, I started with the larger skein and when I got to the lace section I striped the two together. It worked out well, I don't think it is noticeable except to me, and well, I am the knitter and know the secrets of the shawl.

Addi Turbo Lace needles are great! I can't wait to use them again, they work stitches together easily, the cord is flexible and the needles are practically weightless. I do have a little hole in my finger, but I do tend to be an aggressive needle pusher.

When I decided, at Kim's suggestion, to knit this shawl I was worried that the garter stitch would drive me mad, but I loved working it. I cast on while I was on my little juant down to the Carolinas, so it was perfect knitting for travel and spending time with people. In two days I had the garter stitch section almost completed and again, to use as much of the yarn as I could and make a larger shawl than the pattern is written for, I extended the garter stitch section. I only extended by a little bit though, because it occurred to me that adding length in garter stitch is like filling your bathtub with a medicine dropper. I added repeats to the easily memorizable lace section, a much more effective plan to add length. This is a well written pattern and I think would be a good introduction to lace for a knitter. I, for one, may be shopping for more Opulence to make one to keep.

My intention was to knit a hug for a friend. She has reported to me that I have succeeded.

Three hundred twenty-two to go.  I am, apparently, dangerous with a camera.  And with the photo-editing.  Doesn't that shawl look about twelve different colors?  Which one is true?  I'm not even sure that I know.  Whatever the actual color, I promise it is gorgeous!

Comments

[PumpkinMama]

That came out so beautifully! Gonna have to try me some of that yarn.

[CyndiG]

I think I'll get the yarn ... and the pattern. It sounds like just the thing to get me over my lace fears!

[margene]

The inky color does change and the shawl is such a nice size. Kim's color sense is amazing...no one gets the depth and intensity she does and the silk/wool is a perfect blend. Your knitting is so beautiful and perfectly done. That pattern has long been a favorite of mine. You and Kim are amazing, generous, sweet and caring. Thank you for that above all else.

[Karen]

Beautiful, just beautiful!

[Anne]

Oh it is gorgeous! That pattern is on the to-do list as well for me!

[Annie]

Gorgeous!

[Norma]

That takes my breath away. A good time for the use of the word "awesome."

[Cara]

GORGEOUS! All of it!

[Carole]

It's absolutely gorgeous. I've only worked with Kim's sock yarn but this is quite tempting. I'm sure your friend is thrilled with the gift.

[Mary Beth]

Beautiful yarn and knitting! Very inspiring!

[Manise]

Beautiful! She's a very lucky grrlfriend to get your shawl! A perfect gift indeed! Is the colorway "Arabian Nights"? Our Kim certainly does color well!

[Kathy]

I love it!

[Karen]

It's really beautiful! You are a good friend.

[Cheryl S.]

Wow - how gorgeous! I loved that pattern when I first saw it made up, and it's just fantastic in Kim's gorgeous yarn. Such a special gift!

[Julie]

What a beautiful hug!

[The Feminist Mafia]

Gorgeous!

[Vicki]

Oh, Terry, that's beautiful! Wow!!!

[Kim]

You did such a FABULOUS job on that shawl...I LOVE it!

[claudia]

That is very beautiful. I too struggle mightily with color accuracy in my pictures. Its the hardest part of knitphotoblogging.

[Cece]

That is wonderful! Did you happen to noticed the finished measurements? I'm on the look out for beautiful larger shawls.

[Judy]

Just beautiful! Your friend is lucky to have you. I have made several of the Wool Peddler's and love it every time.

[Jennifer]

Simply irresistible. The color is drop-dead gorgeous.

[Laurie]

That is a thoroughly stunning shawl. The knitting, the color, the pattern, the intent.