Seriously? A MONTH?

Ha!  As if it is a surprise to me that it has been over a month since I have posted to this blog.  Or any blog for that matter.  I've missed sharing birthdays, a prom, anniversary, graduation and a slew of other blog-worthy events that have occurred over that time.  Maybe I'll dribble some of those out, or maaayyybeee, I'll post today and wait another month.  We'll see.

Funny, the "rules" we set up for ourselves.  I, for instance, have this thing about making sure that projects are updated on the blog at or around the same time I mark them finished and add completed photos to ravelry.  Why is that important to me?  Who the heck knows!?  Just a stupid little rule I have.  Sometimes that "rule" or "guideline" keeps me from doing the posting or the updating. 

Sometimes it is just me.  It seems that every day since my last post I have sat down with my laptop to post and decided to just knit instead.  Which means I have a little bit to show.  As I type I hear the whispers of the shawl that is half way through the bind-off distracting me from deciding which photo to use next.  I won't be surprised if I save this for later and set to that task.  It is what I really want to do.  Oh, and I have another shawl screaming, "BLOCK ME!!" from the other room.  I should really do that, it is a gift that is getting to be past the reasonable giving time. 

• Pattern: Wool Peddler's Shawl by Cheryl Oberle in Folk Shawls
• Yarn: Woolen Rabbit Opulence in Cape Cod Blues
• Needles: size 6
• Cast on: May 7, 2010
• Bound Off: May 16, 2010
• Blocked: June 4, 2010

I'm struggling for the words right now, because to describe this shawl I will only be repeating myself.  This is the third time I have knit this combination of yarn and pattern, it is what I choose when knitting "comfort" or "prayer" shawls.   While there is some melancholy that there is a reason for the shawl's need, love and good intentions are knitted into each stitch of the comforting hug that this shawl is meant to be.  I hope that the woman I knitted this for receives some small comfort in using it.  Tricia is the mother of a friend of mine and has gotten a devastating cancer diagnosis.  She is receiving chemo right now and any prayers or healing energy sent her way can only help.

Funny, every time I knit this shawl I work the increases in the lace differently at the center and edges.  Like snowflakes, no two are the same.

It is so difficult for me to capture the colors correctly in this yarn.  I think this photo comes close, but it seems to be washed out a bit as well.  It is much deeper and richer in person.  The photo of the yarn on my ravelry project page is a little better, I think.  I really want you to see Kim's yarns in their full glory, the silk in this yarn shines through the color and shimmers in the light.  For as long as the need for me to knit shawls like this exists, she had better be dyeing the yarn for me. 

2010.  Fifty-eight.  If you have a button stash, please visit tomorrow.   I am on a quest to find buttons on Blue Monday.   

Comments

[burrobird]

What a beautiful combination! This is one pattern I have admired for a long time and never gotten around to making... you have me inspired by loving it enough to repeat. I do understand your feelings... it is great to be able to face a sad and scary situation by getting to work knitting something. Comforts us in the knitting and hopefully will help to bring love and support to the sufferer in the finishing. You and Kim make a good team.

[Manise]

Gorgeous Wool Peddlar! And many prayers and healing thoughts for Tricia!

[Vicki]

That is fabulous! Further, I can just "ditto" Birdsong... DH even gave me the book a few years ago.

Nice to hear from you, I know you've been busy. ; )

[Carole]

Another beautiful blue shawl! I'm the same way with updating my blog and projects - I like them to show up at the same time.

[Norma]

Yup, I've seen that shawl in that yarn, and it is truly GORgeous. A super-winning combination that must never fail to give the comfort it is intended to give.

Beautiful, and all best wishes for Tricia.

[Gail H.]

It's good to have a post from you again. The shawl is absolutely beautiful! I have made several comfort shawls and wish so many were not needed. They are all deeply appreciated. I shall use this pattern and Kim's yarn for the next one.

[Suzanne]

Beautiful! Best wishes for your friend's mother.

[margene]

I adore each and everyone of the beautiful Wool Peddlers you've knit because it feels close to my heart. You are a dear soul for sharing your talents as I can attest.
It's nice to see you posting again. Will is last?

[Laurie]

That's beautiful! Definitely poignant.

[Julie]

What a gorgeous shawl! I'm sure it will bring much comfort to your friend's mother. Sending good thoughts her way.

[Nora]

So beautiful! What a loving gift.