Last Sunday, I took a workshop at
Stitch House to make a knit beaded shawl. The class was only $15, their most affordable class to date. I wasn't sure I wanted to take the class until I went to the shop to see the sample shawl. I instantly decided to sign up for it! It was soft and beautiful. The sample was made with dark purple malabrigo lace yarn, using irridescent beads, like the kind I used on my purple odessa hat. Malabrigo lace was the recommended yarn for the project, so I used water green, which I love. I want to drink it! I might call my shawl Aphrodite, because she was born by springing forth from the sea foam. The beads I chose are clear taupe with an irredescent lining that makes them appear purple, blue or green. I thought they complemented the green yarn nicely, and I liked the contrast better than the green beads that matched the yarn. I also considered light purple (amethyst) beads, but I am happy with my choice.
After several repeats of the eyelet pattern, I know it by heart. I did 4 repeats during the workshop, which was 3 hours long. And I have been working on it as much as I can since then, so almost a week now. I think I could have it done by this weekend, as I am into the 3rd 3rd now. The pattern has 3 sections of beaded eyelet, separated by garter stitch sections.
I don't know why I am so incredibly motivated by this project. I hadn't been doing much needle crafting lately, but did start a crochet bag for Bonni. It was going to be her bday/graduation gift, but that occurred last week. I will still give it to her, but... must.finish.shawl. This is also the first time I'm working with lace weight yarn. It was challenging at first to get used to its thin airiness. Somehow, the pattern is still keeping my attention. It's not boring because it kind of alternates between a row I have to pay close attention to and a row I can just knit or purl straight through. I love the yarn and I love the beads and it's just cool to watch the pattern flow into lace. And, my dirty secret thought: maybe I am more motivated because this is a project for myself. I tend to start a lot of gift projects that get set aside and rarely make stuff for myself. Regardless, I love this project and want it to be done so I can wrap the light merino goodness around my shoulders!!
After several repeats of the eyelet pattern, I know it by heart. I did 4 repeats during the workshop, which was 3 hours long. And I have been working on it as much as I can since then, so almost a week now. I think I could have it done by this weekend, as I am into the 3rd 3rd now. The pattern has 3 sections of beaded eyelet, separated by garter stitch sections. 
I don't know why I am so incredibly motivated by this project. I hadn't been doing much needle crafting lately, but did start a crochet bag for Bonni. It was going to be her bday/graduation gift, but that occurred last week. I will still give it to her, but... must.finish.shawl. This is also the first time I'm working with lace weight yarn. It was challenging at first to get used to its thin airiness. Somehow, the pattern is still keeping my attention. It's not boring because it kind of alternates between a row I have to pay close attention to and a row I can just knit or purl straight through. I love the yarn and I love the beads and it's just cool to watch the pattern flow into lace. And, my dirty secret thought: maybe I am more motivated because this is a project for myself. I tend to start a lot of gift projects that get set aside and rarely make stuff for myself. Regardless, I love this project and want it to be done so I can wrap the light merino goodness around my shoulders!!
1 comment:
Gorgeous shawl! I'm glad you took the class and enjoyed some personal time. Some people just don't get it at first, but that's great that you did. I know it took me way longer to understand short row heels for socks than my friends :)
The shawl is so pretty, I can't wait to see the finished result.
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