Sunday, March 22, 2009

Shetland Triangle Shawl

A cascade of silk to enfold me. A gift from a fellow knitter, fiber artist, kindred spirit, and most importantly, a dear friend, who is known as Pink Knitter in all the important circles, i.e. Pink Knitter can be found here on Flickr and here on Ravelry. If you don't know Sherry go say hi, you won't be sorry you did!

Lace shawls always remind me of something a spider might have spun in the garden overnight. I spun this shawl using the Shetland Triangle pattern which is easy to knit, as all of Evelyn A. Clark's patterns are.

I like to think that I'm a renaissance woman knitting and wearing shawls from a bygone era. But unlike the shawls worn by our grandmothers I like to update the look with use of modern yarns and colors. I'm eccentric by some standards, but I don't wish to be conspicuously so. And yet. I am drawn to the beauty of authentic cottage shawls worn in that time that has now long passed away.

Have you ever heard of Tasha Tudor? Curiously clad in clothing of another time...... so goes the description of her in a recent Victoria Magazine Article . If you have never heard of this woman you are in for a treat discovering her legacy of art, baking, and of course, knitting. This iconic woman lived on a farm, dipped her own candles, and created and wore her own homespun shawls and on top of all that managed to find time to become a well known author and artist. Now that truly is a renaissance woman. She also was known for her frequent afternoon tea parties, which makes her all the more endearing to me. You can learn more about her at Tasha Tudor and Family.

Nancy Bush, an iconic woman in her own right, has given us all a chance to bring a little Tasha Tudor into our lives by writing a free cottage shawl pattern, aptly named Truly Tasha shawl which can be found on her retail site Wooly West. I think a beautiful rustic lace wool might be just the ticket for this pattern so I'm keeping my eyes pealed for just such a yarn.



Particulars: Shetland Triangle printed in Wrap Style; 1 skein Handmaiden Seasilk; US 6 needles. Modifications: I knit one extra repeat (for a total of 9 body repeats); I used the bind-off method used for the Flower Basket Shawl, because I believe that method gives a little sturdier edging. Notes on that bind-off method can be found on my Ravelry page. Some have eliminating the final edging rows to diminish the scalloped effect. But one reason I enjoy these shawls is the scalloped edging so I knit that part as written. Finished dimensions: 60" x 24"

Some Time Away in San Clemente, California

One of the things I love most about being in San Clemente is taking walks along the beach. We live on North Beach and there is a wonderful footpath that connects this beach with the San Clemente pier, and beyond.

We took these pictures on our walk down to the pier late on Saturday afternoon. It's a lovely time to take a walk as the sun is setting and the various bonfires are being lit all up and down the beach. I'll say this about San Clementians. They do love their beach Bar-B-Ques. And why not.

There is something particularly nice about grilling at the beach. Growing up in Santa Barbara we occasionally had family and church picnics down at the beach and those were happy times. If you have never had a picnic at the beach, you need to plan one right now!

We stopped for dinner at Cassano's Pizza (a family owned restaurant) situated directly across from the San Clemente Pier and enjoyed a casual meal of pizza and salad sitting out on their patio. It's nice to see Steve looking relaxed and happy as he always does when we are in San Clemente.



I know some of you have missed seeing Mr Puffy modeling lately. The reason is that Mr Puffy has expressed some concern that the pictures that I have chosen make him look foppish and he has been reluctant to pose. I have assured him that is not the case and no one thinks that. Nevertheless, I have acceded to his wish that he be allowed to pick the pictures of him that are posted. He chose this picture because it gives him an air of intrigue which he believes is better suited to his personality.


It's finally Spring and Easter will soon be here. I love to color eggs and ice cookies to celebrate the season and hope to visit a See's Candies for some chocolate eggs too. I hope you all are enjoying Spring and that the memories of cold will soon fade away when you see all the beautiful Spring flowers.

31 comments:

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Beautiful shawl - I love the color choice. Mr Puffy, you look fabulous, as always.

Knitterary said...

Those colors are perfect with the pattern!

t does wool said...

oh,such a delicate work of art!! lovely, Claudia...and Mr Puffy-adorable,and I don't want to leave Steve out...very handsome :)!

dogwithbooks said...

Oooo! Pretty!! Puffy, it's your perfect color :)

Anonymous said...

Very lovely- the colors are fantastic! I just finished my first Evelyn Clark Shawl, and I'm a fan.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

What a lovely post! I love your shawl. The color and the pattern. All your talk about beach b-b-que's make me very excited about summer as well!

The Wooly Wumpus said...

Oh, what we don't do to our dogs! I just finished taking a picture of Torin in my latest FO. Puffy, you look mah-ve-lous! Love your beautiful shawl. It looks perfect on the beach!

SissySees said...

Mr Puffy, the man of mystery...

Isn't it great to see him relaxed?! The Knight is so carefree when we're at the beach too, and it warms my heart.

The shawl is incredible.

Anonymous said...

The shawl is gorgeous. I just love the yarn you chose.

I'm so happy that Mr. Puffy agreed to model again. He never fails to make me smile.

Pat K said...

Very pretty shawl. And interesting to see it in a multicolor version. Mr. Puffy, you are so debonair!

Bridget said...

The shawl is fabulous - I love the colors!

Are you sure that is Mr Puffy? It looks like some debonair, international spy to me ...

amanda said...

beautiful shawl! It looks so nice at that sunset on the beach. I have never done a beach picnic. Definitely need to add that to my to-do list!

Andreapgn said...

Love Mr. Puffy's modelling... do tell him he looks dashing LOL

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful shawl and you can totally pull of wearing shawls like this. It looks lovely on you!

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful shawl! The colors really inspire me to try lace. Since after five years of mostly scarves and hats, I am finally planning a sock knitting class (except that the third lesson falls smack dab in the middle of Maryland Sheep and Wool!) perhaps an Evelyn Clark design is not far behind. Thank you for your beautiful pictures on the beach.

raining sheep said...

Of course I am a fellow 'shawl person', so I am very much in admiration of yours. The colors are wonderful. I am totally in awe of Tasha Tudor. I have read quite a bit about her and find her a most fascinating human being. I love unusual people that travel a more 'over-grown' path. Mr. Puffy looks absolutely fabulous. If I was there I would scratch behind his ears.

Claudia Bugh said...

Hi Anonymous (Ursula?) I think you will love knitting socks and you will wonder why you waited so long! It is the same with shawls. The first time I blocked a shawl I just stared at it all pinned out in amazement that a series of simple stitches could make something that looked like that.

Tracy said...

That shawl is dazzling, Claudia--such a splendid gift! I love the bright pink and purple shades...beautiful yarn choice. I love shawls too, and am drawn to the older-fashioned styles somehow. I love those one that cross over the chest and tie in the back, forget what they are called though. Such fun to see Steve and Mr. Puffy. Poor Mr. Puffy though...foppish--no way! He's the best knitwear supermodel! :o) Happy Day to you all ((HUGS))

Lolly said...

Such a lovely shawl - beautiful colors for spring!

I did an interview with Nancy Bush a few years ago and she shared memories of a sock knitting retreat that she did at Tasha Tudors home in New England. She shared some lovely details about meeting her. If you want to hear it, the audio is on my blog :)

Best wishes~

Hilary said...

What a gorgeous shawl! It's the perfect combination of modern and traditional and you pull it off very well!

Monika said...

I was here two days ago to read your post, but didn't have time to comment. Now I'm back. :o)
Your shawl is beautiful. Your pictures look warm and I can feel the sunshine, and smell the beach, the water ...
The colores are intense, very beautiful.
I'm sure Mr. Puffy thinks, the shawl is too girly for him to model it.

sweetp said...

Gorgeous work, I just adore the colours! And I so enjoyed reading the post before from your friend about using lycra, great stuff x

Firefly Nights said...

Sorry I haven't had chance to e-mail you lately. It's been so busy here. Mosby is really annoyed I haven't blogged lately so I think he may do it himself this week. He and Roscoe send luv to Puffy.

I've often seen that pattern and thought about making the shawl, but my projects go so slowly I guess it will be a while before I can consider it. Your colors are beautiful, and the thought of wearing it on the pretty beach is very appealing. We're coming out of winter here. As usual, you look lovely in the shawl, and Mr. P looks quite dashing, sort of like a doggie 007 ready for a mission.

BTW, since someone mentioned socks in the comments for this post, let me tell you that I FINALLY went ahead and made a little sock. Now that I know how to do it, I might actually make a pair of regular sized ones sometime.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Puffy - Yes, that was me - Ursula. I'm not trying to be anonymous these days, I just don't know how this thing works.

Thanks for your encouragement about socks and lace. I am going to have to postpone the sock-knitting class until after MS&W, but there's always a sock knitting class somewhere, so it will get done.
Mr. Puffy is his usual, suave-looking self, isn't he? What a fetching model! Ursula

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Puffy - Yes, that was me - Ursula. I'm not trying to be anonymous these days, I just don't know how this thing works.

Thanks for your encouragement about socks and lace. I am going to have to postpone the sock-knitting class until after MS&W, but there's always a sock knitting class somewhere, so it will get done.
Mr. Puffy is his usual, suave-looking self, isn't he? What a fetching model! Ursula

Renee said...

Oh Claudia, that shawl is divine!!
A gorgeous combination of gorgeous yarn, a wonderful pattern and perfect knitting. I definitely need to add this to my queue, I'm so inspired! It looks fantastic on you.
Mr Puffy is such a dapper guy, very talented in his modeling and photo approvals.
I love bbq's on the beach, it's been far too long since we had one. Once this snow and winter is all gone I'm going to dive into beach and bbq mode. Do you have a favourite bbq recipe to share perhaps?
Steve ~ you're handsome as always. :) You should go to St. C's more often to enjoy relaxing.

knittingdragonflies said...

Beautiful shawl, what a nice visit I always have here. And I've missed Mr. Puffy, it looks like he approves of the shawl.

Anonymous said...

You just can't beat the shetland triangle pattern - beautiful shawl!

btw..you torment that dog on photoshoots as much as I do Lily. :D

jillian said...

That is stunning! What an incredible gift.

Danette said...

Claudia~
That shawl is breath taking!!!!
And I would love to be in that beautiful, warm climate you are pictured in. Give that too darling beagle a big hug and kiss from me. That picture of him peeking out of the shawl is too die for!!!
Danette

Anonymous said...

How beautiful! The shawl and the pictures. And thanks for all the links, I'll be busy for awhile. :)

Also I wanted to let you know that I gave you a bloggy award over on my blog. :)