A Shawl for the Ages ~

Sometimes when people think of wearing shawls they are uncomfortable with the notion. How would I wear it? It would make me look old, wouldn't it? Is wearing a triangle pointed at my rear end really a good idea? And other such nonsense. But these days shawls are no longer worn as they were in times past. Modern knitters are transforming the shawl into an accessory that is very wearable by everyone regardless of age, or gender, as you will see.

For example, I rarely wear a triangle shawl in the traditional manner.  By traditional manner I mean with the triangle pointing down my back and the ends tied in front.  Instead, I prefer to wear my shawls as I would a scarf.

This is the third time I've knit this particular shawl, the Diamond Fantasy Shawl.  It is a shawl that appeals to all ages, is very wearable, easily adapts to everyone's style sense, and is always noticed.  But it was last Christmas while I was visiting my parents that I realized how versatile this shawl really is.  It was Christmas eve and I was sitting in church with my parents next to my mother (who is 84) and realized she was getting cold.  I took off my Diamond Fantasy shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders.  Not only did it keep her warm, I was struck by how great it looked on her.  And, as further proof, my dad who is not one to make an insincere compliment, enthusiastically agreed.  So I told her I would make her one in green, her favorite color.  And so I have. 

Particulars: Diamond Fantasy Shawl by Sivia Harding Knit Designs, Sundara Yarn (sock) 100% Superwash merino yarn, colorway: Lush Tropics; US 5 needles (Rav link).  This is the third time I've knit this pattern because I really like this design.  One caveat, though.  This is a shawl where the design has lace pattern throughout.  As a result it takes a little longer to knit (requiring more concentration) than shawl patterns that have a large segment of plain stockinette.  If you are looking for a quick shawl project this probably isn't it.  Posts on my earlier versions are Diamonds are Forever (red) and A Modern Take on Gothic (blue); and a picture of Mr. Puffy modeling the blue shawl at the beach is on Flickr.

Incidentally, I also knit the cardigan I'm wearing in this post (finished in 2007).  It's the Rowena Cardigan from Knit 2 Together (Rav Link). 

And to finish my point on gender, manly men can, and do, wear shawls too.  I think Simcha proves that Stephen West of West knits is not the only guy that can rock a  shawl, although Mr. West does wear them well.  As it happens, I've bought the Daybreak Shawl pattern from West Knits so we can make a fair comparison at some point.

Something Sweet to Finish ~ A Rustic Raspberry Tart

This is a recipe for a Rustic Raspberry Tart from the Kerry Gold butter website.  It's a very easy recipe and makes a wonderful dessert.  I did prefer it cooled completely to room temperature (rather than still warm from the oven) so allow sufficient time for it to cool.  It's very nice with a dollop of ice cream.

A couple of quick tips.  Use only sweet fresh raspberries and sponge them off gentling to reduce water absorption.  I cooked my tart a little longer than the recipe stated because a berry filling is not cooked through until it is bubbling.  You can cover the tart with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much, if that is a concern.  I used Kerry Gold butter and followed the recipe exactly.  However, I did use my standard pie dough making tips which are to 1) add white vinegar to the ice water and 2) allow the dough to rest for a few minute in the refrigerator prior to rolling it out.


Until next time, be well and love well.  If you have heretofore thought you can't wear shawls, it's time to change your mind!

Diamonds are Forever

This is another Diamond Fantasy (scarf version) by Sivia Harding. I used 2 skeins of Koigu and US 5 needles. While I prefer to knit and wear the larger shawls – they simply aren’t practical in the same way the smaller scarfs are. As much as I’m all for being a non-conformist, I’m simply not comfortable sweeping into the grocery store wearing, say, my Pacific Northwest Shawl. On the other hand, these little scarfs are just the thing to tool around town conducting everyday life. I find they give a great pop of color to an outfit and are easy to wear. What’s not to like about that! You would also be surprised at the number of people who express an interest in what I'm wearing ~ and I do my best to convert them into knitters!

I also never get tired of blocking these shawls. I particularly like this shawl because it has a very Gothic feel (described more fully in my earlier post A Modern Take on Gothic).

As to non-knitting news, Mr Puffy and I are happily ensconced back in Topanga which is, for both of us, where we feel at home. I am also looking forward to this week because I'll be able to go to the Santa Monica's Farmer's Market on Wednesday which is the best local farmer's market. I sense an apple pie in our near future.

A Modern Take on Gothic

Yep, you recognize this shawl. It's Sivia Harding's Diamond Fantasy using Fleece Artist merino sock yarn. I wish I could convey with pictures the feelings that I had when I first blocked this shawl (approximately 2 years ago). It was my first experience blocking lace and I couldn't believe the metamorphis of a tiny bundle of yarn to what looked like a huge spider's web.

I was also captivated by the very Gothic feel of this shawl. Very cool. I immediately knit another in Koigu. So why am I blocking this shawl again? Did I mention it was merino wool - because merino wool doesn't hold a block for too long. It's a good idea to plan on reblocking your merino wool shawls at least once a year. Otherwise you get this creepy feeling that you are getting bigger......