Varve Shawl

Over the past few years I've knit a fair number of shoulder shawlettes which have their place and are very popular for good reason, including a delightful instant gratification factor.   But for my money nothing compares to the satisfaction of knitting a traditional lace shawl which is ethereal and warm and truly transformed from a good severe blocking.

 

The yarn I used for this shawl is a wonderfully rustic wool and the moment I saw it in the LYS I knew that it would make a beautiful shawl.  It's not a merino wool, mind you, which is both the good and bad news.  The good news is that it will hold this block 4ever.  The bad news is that I found this yarn a little obnoxious against my bare skin.  But it's perfect for layering and I will wear it most often while hiking with Simcha although I think it is elegant enough to be worn anywhere.

 

There are many popular knitwear designers and its tempting to want to knit whatever they are knitting.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, and I do my share of that too.  But sometimes you are best served to step back a moment and think about what speaks to you and not just follow the current trends.  The more you follow your own taste your knitting will more accurately reflect who you are and give you a fashion flare that is your unique signature.   You will feel and look your best when you do that. 

Particulars: Varve Shawl by Grace Anna Farrow (A Stitch to Wear);  Isager Strik Spinni (wool 1) 2 skeins (330 yds/skein); US 6 needles; no modifications whatsoever.   It's hard to see in the pictures, but this shawl has beautiful texture in addition to the classic old shale patterning.  It's a half circle shape which I particularly like.  Relaxed post blocked dimensions: 64"x 28."  Another shawl by this designer that I've knit is her Grade Shawl blogged as my Southwest Knit Shawl.



The MisAdventures of Simcha

I'm not the only one who loves to take a walk as the following anecdote reveals.

During the day I typically follow a fairly consistent routine and around 3 o'clock I take Simcha for an afternoon walk.  But the other day I was working at my computer and even though I knew it was time for Simcha's walk I ignored him when he began nudging me with his nose.  So he proceeded to grab me by my T-shirt and pulled me out of my chair.  I know I should never have allowed this pushy behavior but I was laughing too hard and wanted to quickly finish up what I was working on so I went back to the computer just for another minute.  At which point he brought me over one of my tennis shoes.  What could I say then but geez, if you really want to go for a walk you should have brought me my sweater....  Just kidding.  Of course I broke down and took him for a walk, I'm a softy.

The above picture is taken along Stunt High trail in Topanga, a hike that has lots of old oak trees, a beautiful creek bed, and I think is a particularly pretty place for a walk.

Until next time, be well and love well and take some time to think about how your knitting expresses your personal style and why you pick the projects that you do.