Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Shaelyn Shawl

The Shaelyn Shawl is a relatively new pattern and is sure to be popular this season because it is an easy and quick knit with stunning results.  But why have the same shawl as everyone else?  Instead break a few rules and have a shawl that is uniquely your own.  Here's a few ideas on adjusting this or an any lace pattern to better suit your personal style.


The conventional thinking is that lace shawls should be knit in a solid colored yarn. But knitting in a solid color is boring so go ahead and use a variegated color.

What if the pattern recommends a sport weight yarn? Why limit yourself.  If you find a yarn you like in a different weight go ahead and try it.  I'm using a worsted weight yarn; I always say in for a penny in for a pound.

Most people will tell you that lace shawls should be heavily blocked to emphasis the pattern. But, meh, why?  I lightly blocked this pattern and saved the heavy block for the top to extend the top width.  Personally I think heavily blocked shawls tend to look a tad old fashioned.

Finally, while it's not conventional to substitute a different textured yarn for the bind off but I substituted a yarn that is both different in color and texture for the bind off and I think it gives this shawl that little something extra.

The result is a shawl uniquely my own with a slightly Goth feel and I am not displeased.  Now all I need is a dark moody novel to curl up with.  Suggestions anyone? 


Particulars: Shaelyn Shawl by Leila Raabe; 3 skeins Jade Sapphire 6 ply cashmere (20 grams left over) and a small amount of Noro Retro for the bind off; US 9 circular needles.  Modifications: none other than yarn weight substitution.  I followed the pattern alternate version to purl 2 together instead of knit 2 together in all lace section. For the loose BO I used my favorite BO which is k 2 transfer those 2 stitches back to left needle and k2TB then k1 repeating until last stitch.

Wet Felting Flowers


I wet felted a flower specifically to match this shawl and I like it worn this way too.  For the flower I used the tutorial for flower making by Ingermaaike sold in her Etsy shop.

Until next time, be well and love well and enjoy the change in season.  Wrap yourself in a cozy shawl and go out and experience all the wonderful colors, flavors and decorations that make this such a fun and special time of year!

32 comments:

Hilary said...

That's just beautiful, Claudia! I love love LOVE all of your mods. The thicker, variegated yarn and the different-colored bindoff really do give it a more modern look. Gosh darnit, now I want one!! :)

Mary said...

I realy love what you did here. It's great to see what you can do when you think outside the box. Gorgeous!!!

SissySees said...

Absolutely stunning - as always! I love the bind-off in a different color. Have you read Drood? It's in my queue. I don't know that it's gothic, but it is dark and brooding!

I might need to look into some wet felting. The fur-girls might like flowers for their collars, and I'm always looking for a dash of color for a solid jacket or coat.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Love the shawl and all your tips!! I wish I had a good novel to recommend for you. I have the Mysteries of Udolpho sitting on my bookshelf waiting for the weather to cool enough that I am indoors and ready for reading....hopefully it will as spooky as Jane Austen said.

jillian said...

Both the shawl and the flower are absolutely gorgeous! I too like to mix up yarn weights, especially using (or dreaming of using) heavier yarn for lace patterns.

Froggy said...

Beatifuuuuuul!!!

Kathleen said...

I love this shawl pattern...and the clor you've chosen for it. I'll have to try this out soon!!

Unknown said...

Wow, your shawl turned out beautiful! I would love to try that Jade Sapphire yarn. It looks so amazing. And I don't know if I've told you this yet but I love your felted flowers! They make such a great accessory to any outfit.

Renee said...

Gorgeous, absolutely lovely!

Just finished reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. It's a bit dark, a perplexing mystery that flashes back and forth from Australia present to what happened in 1913 to the character's family at Blackhurst Manor on the Cornish coast. Not a bad read to suit that shawl. :)

Monika said...

This turned out to be a lovely shawl with your modifications, and very pretty worn by you!
I agree with you, I rarely feel bound by a pattern, concerning recommended yarn etc.
The flower is lovely and a nice touch.

knittingdragonflies said...

I agree with the blocking! It is more modern looking!
I always like a color variation in my yarns I work with also. After using them, a solid color can look "flat".
Take care
Vicki

subliminalrabbit said...

lovely lovely lovely!

Willow said...

You did a great job of personalizing the shawl and pattern. It looks great!

raining sheep said...

LOVE it. I like the variegated colorway and you look stunning by the way! It is the perfect accessory for autumn.

Anonymous said...

So gorgeous...you did pick the perfect yarn to go with that pattern. I love your design choices...perfect!

t does wool said...

block,shmock...whatever pleases one and suits their purpose is the right way.
as this,Claudia..
gorgeous...
and perfectly finished off~!

KnittySue said...

Love the colors and it is pretty on you. I'll have to try your bind off too, I'm definately going to try this pattern.
Thanks for sharing

Knitting Out Loud said...

This shawl is gorgeous! Love the Mysteries of Udolpho suggestion.

Tracy said...

DELICIOUSLY beautiful shawl, Claudia! That green suits you so well--love the subtle variations in color! I don't pull of lots of color well on my small frame, but something like that yarn, with delicate variegation I like more and more and want to try. VERY pretty pattern all in all. I'm between projects at the moment, so this gives food for thought. We're heading out this weekend on a little trip, which I will post briefly on tomorrow before we go...I'll be offline a few days, so see you around when we get back next week. Happy Days, my friend :o) ((HUGS))

amanda said...

Beautiful color on you, and I love your modeled shots . . . were you a model in a past life??

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! I love the color. You are such a daredevil ;P

The Russians are wonderful at dark-and-moody. I'm a fan of Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky or Anna Karenina by Tolstoy.

Cheers!
Daisy

Rebekah said...

Oh I love it, its very pretty and looks vry practical. I agree on the blocking issue, I do block my true lace lace shawls to show off the lace, but my more comfy shawl, large gauged yarn I rarely block.

Ally Jay said...

I like the idea of stepping beyond the original pattern to create something slightly different. Discovery is good for the soul. Love the colour on you.

Anonymous said...

You have hit the nail on the head as to why I've never liked lace. Too blocked! Now I'm going to make a mini lace cowl out of my last small ball of deep red, kettle-dyed Araucania Nature Wool (worsted weight). And it WILL look modern! Thank you Claudia. I love your shawl, especially the contrasting bind-off.
As for dark moody novels I stopped with Daphne du Maurier, I'm afraid. Now I read mostly non-fiction which can have its own drama. Did you ever read "Into Thin Air" during a blizzard?

Anonymous said...

Whoops. Forgot to add my name on that blizzard comment. Ursula

Rachel said...

It's perfect...a beautiful color (and that darker bind-off works very well I think), and I'm really liking the lightly blocked look. So much so that you may have gone a long way with this post to convincing me that I could actually pull off a shawl and not feel ridiculous! My suggestions for dark and broody reads (but not downright depressing!) are either The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield or The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson.

Bubblesknits said...

Gorgeous! I like the changes you made!

gMarie said...

Drats! How did I miss this? Absolutely stunning. I love how the light blocking turned out and I like when you have it draped 'backwards'. Enjoy your new beauty! g

Larissa said...

Gorgeous! and you look amazing in it! Love the thicker wool and the different colored bind off. I'm all for customizing a good pattern.

I need to try the bind off you're talking about - i just a watched a youtube video on the russian bind off - i think that may be what you're referring to.

I'm reading Freedom by Jonathan Franzen and it's very good. His Corrections is excellent too.

amanda said...

Claudia, this is gorgeous! I am also a fan of those little contrasting edged. Love the hint of colour and texture that they give. You have done a fab job here!

betty said...

That's a lovely shawl, and it must feel pretty darn luxurious as it is knit in cashmere. You know, with all the garments I've knitted, I'm still too chicken to splurge on any cashmere yarn.

Thanks for posting about the bind-off stitch. I've got to play with that.

... said...

i am thinking Mr Puffy is an excellent photographer. It made me laugh to picture him taking pictures , how cute