I've had a hard time decided on which project to do from my Book of the Month, A Gathering of Lace. I knew I wanted to do a shawl, but couldn't settle on which one.
There was strong support for this one from some people, but I decided against it for now - just too big to take on for the first one I thought.
In the end I narrowed it down to the Shetland Tea Shawl and the Feather and Fan Shawl but I still couldn't come to a final decision. One night, when I was flicking through the book yet again, I decided to turn to Toby for help. Why, I'm not sure, call it a moment of madness.
Me: Which one of these shawls do you think I should do?
Toby: Hmmm?
Me: Look, I'm trying to decide between these two...
Toby: (Taking the book from me). I like that one (pointing to Frost Flowers and Leaves) What's she wearing under the shawl?
Me: I don't know; that's not one of the ones I want to do, look...
Toby: Do you think she has clothes on under there?
Me; Look, let me show you which ones I mean.
Toby: (Scrutinising photo closely) Hang on...
Me: You know I'm going to blog about this don't you?
Eventually, after I shone a bright light on the photo to show that the model was indeed wearing clothes and not just underwear, we were able to move on and actually take a look at the patterns in question. With Toby's (minimal) help I decided on the Feather and Fan Shawl.
I decided to use a cone of brown lambswool that I bought from Uppingham Yarns at Ally Pally last year. I went up to 4mm rather than the 3.75mm specified, which was handy as I didn't have any 3.75mm dpns.
Then I tried to do a circular beginning.
In the book, it states blithely, 'using a circular beginning' as if it's a lovely simple thing to do. Well. The air in the Wool Palace was blue for an hour or so that evening. Dpns were flying round the room. Toby started to look worried and suggested I, 'just leave it'. 'I can't, it's my New Year's Resolution' I cried. In desperation I turned to the Internet and found these wonderful directions which calmed me down and got me through the devilish process.
Not perfect, but I couldn't face doing it again. Knitting 8 stitches on 3 dpns is not something to dawdle over.
Once that bit was over I was off and flying.
I do enjoy lace - it's nice to have to concentrate a bit but to also have the break of the plain row every second round. I got the first 60 rounds done over the weekend, which is the floral bit in the middle finished.
I'll try and get some photos on a longer needle - that way you can see the mistakes better.
Now I am onto the feather and fan bits. I am trying very hard not to think about the crocheted edging.
If you are doing Book of the Month, why not leave a comment and let us know how you are getting on. I'd love to hear what your Book of the Month is - all the more ideas for my choice next month...
That shawl has been on my 'to do' list for - oh, years, ever since the book came out! I'm OK with feather and fan, it was the middle bit that put me off. What weight yarn are you using, it doesn'tlook like laceweight.
Posted by: Jill | January 10, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Why oh why do conversations with DHs on a new project always go the same way? They ALWAYS go off on a tangent and like something you have no intention making. Oh well, it keeps us busy doesn't it?
Posted by: RoxyKnits | January 10, 2006 at 06:40 PM
so cool that you're doing a gathering of lace shawl! i have that book and have big plans for the future... love your feather and fan start and looking forward to following your progress here!
Posted by: kris | January 10, 2006 at 08:04 PM
I did this one last year, and the end result is well worth it! I can't crochet to save my life, and I managed the chain cast off :)
Posted by: Donna | January 10, 2006 at 10:09 PM
Oh, I hear you on that Emily Ocker circular cast on. Huh?! Thanks for the link to the good pictures. I think I generally end up doing an i-cord cast on, but I think the Emily Ocker one looks better.
And I'm still chortling over your conversation with Toby!! Hee hee.
Posted by: Chris | January 10, 2006 at 11:23 PM
I love the idea of a book of the month. I definately have loads of books on my shelf that haven't seen the light of day yet - so may well join you!
Sorry Lauren hasn't got back to Jodie yet - she will soon!
Posted by: Andrea | January 10, 2006 at 11:32 PM
Gorgeous! I love the choice you finally made with Toby's (ahem) help.
Posted by: diana | January 11, 2006 at 03:10 AM
Wow. I thought the beginning to the flower basket shawl was hard! I'm glad you found some help on the net- aren't knitters wonderful the way they share information??
Posted by: patti | January 11, 2006 at 03:37 AM
you know i am going to keep at you until i manage to completely corrupt you! go flowers, leaves, frost or what ever the bejeezus it is called!
Posted by: jacqueline | January 11, 2006 at 09:37 AM
Chris always has a worried look when the camera comes out, and he's stopped reading the blog, as he thinks I humiliate him!
Lovely shawl, I've only knitted the shetland shawl from this book. It's a great idea, this book of the month, and I might join you next month, just need to finish two new things I have to do this month!
Dawn:)
Posted by: dawn | January 11, 2006 at 09:39 AM
Men eh? Well done for tackling it.
Posted by: Tracy | January 11, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Great idea this book of the month. I may just join you. Men huh - hate to say it but mines the same!
Posted by: Carol | January 11, 2006 at 06:09 PM
Came by your blog by way of Tink's commentor, Chris. I love the conversation you wrote. Sounds so much like me and my husband. Great site!
Posted by: Shrinking Violet | January 12, 2006 at 12:09 AM
That's great that you persevered with that cast on and conquered it in the end and the shawl in progress looks wonderful! I've got the Gathering of Lace book on my Wish List and I also like the idea of the book of the month. Too often, I think, we buy books and have a read when we first get them and then put them on the shelf and forget about them. Well, at least I do!
Posted by: Hazel | January 12, 2006 at 08:47 PM
I'm having lots of fun with my Vintage Knits book and the Diamond Stitch sweater. I may pull out the Interweave Knits from last Fall (or was it Winter) with the Shocking Jacket since I already have the Mission Falls wool in stash designated. It would take a chunk out of the stash AND I'd use a magazine I haven't knitted from yet.
Posted by: Shanti | January 13, 2006 at 02:49 AM