Back in late January, Larissa and I began a knitalong. The pattern: the textured circle shrug. The yarn: Paton's classic merino in wisteria. I had two skeins in my stash, and I was able to pick up two more skeins from the same dye lot. I probably still have most of the fourth skein left.
We decided to add the k1, p1 ribbing to the end of the sleeves; I may have added some additional length to the sleeves as well (I can't find my notes right now). The actual knitting was pretty easy--there was a LOT of k1, p1--both as ribbing and again in the 22 rows of seed stitch. Ah, but I do love the way seed stitch feels. This project took so long to complete because I put it away a couple of times to knit birthday sweaters, etc. It was ready for me to wear on Easter Sunday, so I was happy.
The fit? Well, it doesn't look as body-hugging on me as it does on the model in the pattern. After wearing it for a couple of hours I became aware of the sleeves kinda bunching up and giving that "Michelin Man" look. And since it's a shrug, it did occasionally feel like it was going to fall off my shoulders. But the large collar is pretty--maybe if I had a pin to close it it would look more like the model. (On Easter I was wearing a ruffled shirt, and I didn't want to cover the ruffles.) I do think this will get lots of wear from me. It's a nice grab-something-to-cover-the-shoulders type of covering, and I love this color.
My favorite part of the knitalong? Getting to know Larissa a little better. She and I exchanged frequent emails during our knitting. Her comments are always thoughtful and kind and never fail to bring a smile to my face. I like to think that all those good friendly vibes were knit into the sweater--a happy thing, don't you think?
And I'm already knitting another sweater--this time it's the February Lady Sweater for myself (again).
But if anyone is considering knitting a shawl...
Last year I actually knit two small ones as Mother's Day gifts for my mom and my mother-in-law. It was a learning experience, to put it mildly. I think now I'm ready to try again. I will be purchasing lace needles, because working with lace-weight yarn on blunt bamboo needles nearly put me over the edge. I hope to tackle the fancier version of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl. I don't have yarn or needles yet, so it's not like I'm starting this tomorrow. (Webs is having a sale right now...just in case you didn't know.) Wow, am I enabling, or what?
So let me know...and let's go bug Larissa to show us her beautiful textured circle shrug!
8 comments:
The shrug looks beautiful on you. Love the color.
It really is beautiful....And the color is perfect for Spring.
(And yeah, that Larissa is special, for sure!).
Oh that is so pretty. Nicely done!!
Meg, it's beautiful on you! And that wisteria is definitely your color. Thank you so much for your kind words. i only wish that we lived closer so that we could sit and knit together in person. As for my shrug, i am still tackling the seed stitch and I hope to be done soon - but after seeing yours I am a bit worried about my sleeve length because i added double the ribbing that you did...hmmm. You will have to share your progress on the Pi shawl often because it is so beautiful at every stage. I'm off to knit - i've been spending every free minute at my sewing machine feeding my 'just one more quilt addiction' but i miss knitting so - and i owe you an email.
Oh Meg, I really like it on you...the collar is very flattering and I love it from the back also. I'm adding this to my queque for sure. I also love that you knit it in Patons, which makes it very afforable. Thanks for sharing and I totally agree with all you said about Larissa...she is so wonderful!
Meg, how beautiful this is on you...coming and going. yep, that larissa sure is one special lady (as are you)! best wishes as you begin your fls. mine is finished...just afraid to block it. crazy girl that I am. I'm off to bug larissa. :)
very nice work! It looks great!
very nice work! It looks great!
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