FO: Wedding Shawl
The shawl is finished and on its way to the bride!
Since it's a surprise, pics and the post are behind the cut.
I made this shawl for a good friend for her New Year's Eve wedding. Her dress is a halter style and this should keep the chill off her.
Specs
pattern my own
yarn alchemy haiku in platinum - about 1.5 hanks
dimensions 14" x 60" (approx)
needles knit picks options 4.0 mm / US 6
flickr set view it here
I only had about two weeks to knit this, but I still wanted to make sure it had meaning.
- The central portion is the largest section. It represents their union. The upper and lower half of each motif is similar, and both look better when paired with the other half. They work with each other, at times giving or needing a little support, but always meeting together in the middle.
- Each edge (cast on and cast off) are scalloped, but they're both different. Each one represents each spouse as an individual. They have some things in common with each other, but also some striking differences to be appreciated all on their own.
- And as for my own little superstition (my Italian nana would be so proud!), I was very deliberate not to knit on this when I was stressed, tired or otherwise in a bad or challenging mood. These feelings have a way of creeping into our knitting, and I couldn't imagine having my friend wrap this shawl around her if it was born out of such negativity. I did however knit on it at our local pub during a Monday night football game. It had a great time and the owner and bartender both oohed and aahed at the shawl. I don't think she got a big head though.
The yarn was a bit of a challenge for me. Mohair and silk is so lightweight and sticky that I had to be careful not to slip a stitch off my needle when I wasn't completely looking. I still prefer to knit with fingering weight yarn but really, how can you resist a laceweight for a wedding?
All in all I've really enjoyed knitting this piece, and it's one I could see knitting again for myself (out of a fingering weight yarn instead). The blocking worked its typical magic, and I was finally able to use the blocking wires that I got for Christmas last year. Those wires were awesome and made easy work of the few rounds of adjustments to get the blocking just right. I can't believe it's been a year since I've knit lace of any sort. My my how time flies.
Very lucky friend! I like the symbolism you knit into this project - you deserve congratulations!
Beautiful! Your friend is going to be very happy!
Jody, it's gorgeous. I love the stitch patterns you chose; not too "foofy", more of an elegant look. It will look amazing with the bride's halter dress. Definitely heirloom quality, and so meaningful with the symbols and sentiment knitted in.
That's gorgeous!
Your shawl is beautiful, and I love reading about the thoughts you have put into the design. Thank you for sharing!
Oh, my goodness! That's just lovely! What a beautiful, thoughtful gift from a sweet, generous friend.
Ummm, WOW!!! That is just lovely, your friend is going to fall out when she receives it!
True knitting art, Jody. I loved reading about it as much as I enjoyed looking at it!
Wow, it's truly gorgeous and so thoughtfully planned out. She must be a very dear friend.
Jody, it's just gorgeous! What a wonderful gift. Lucky friend. ;)
BEAUTIFUL! I'm sure your friend will treasure it. Please post wedding photos! ;)
I especially like the pointyness of the long sides. Nicely done!
Yay!! it's so pretty! I love your interpretations of the pattern. And, i agree...I think knitting soaks up vibes too. I always feel guilty when i'm knitting while angry, sad, grouchy, or resentful...but sometimes I do it anyway because the knitting calms me.
The shawl is stunning! I hope you will have some action shots.
It's just perfect Jody! I'm sure she'll treasure it always!
Gorgeous. I love, love, LOVE the things you did for "meaning." So special!! Congratulations on another beautiful project, Jody.
That is worth coming out of lurkdon to say wow! What an amazing and generous and thoughtful thing. I know she'll appreciate it. Make sure you give it to her before her wedding makeup is applied. you don't want to be responsible for the havoc of tears.
wow. that is absolutely gorgeous. what a magnificent and thoughtful gift.
Absolutely gorgeous! I particularly like how the edgings just flow into the main pattern -- very elegant!
It looks amazing. Your symbolism is great. You are a fabulous friend. I can't wait to see pics of the bride!
gorgeous!! the bride is going to love it for sure!
Beautiful! And what a wonderful explanation of how the pattern means something.
I love the meaning behind this knit. Thanks for writing about it. What a gorgeous shawl.
It's beautiful! I love that there's so much meaning knit into it, I'm sure the bride will adore it.
wow you did a wonderful job on the shawl!! I am sure the bride will love it!
This is very beautiful! What a great friend you are!!
Happy New Year!
This is very beautiful! What a great friend you are!!
Happy New Year!
Beautiful shawl! I'm sure it looked wonderful on the bride.
That's such a lovely thing to do for your friend. I love the explanations to the different parts of the shawl. I'm sure she loved it!
Hi, cool post. I have been thinking about this topic,so thanks for writing. I will likely be subscribing to your blog. Keep up the good work