Sunday, March 23, 2014

My Daughters Think I'm Old

Have you noticed the abundance of shawl patterns on Ravelry? There are several groups dedicated to making shawls... and so many beautiful options.  After this ridiculous winter, I've been thinking a shawl would be a nice thing to have around.  Remember, I live in Toledo, OH - winner of the title "Worst Winter" for 2013/2014.  I know you are jealous!

For my first effort, I thought a simple triangle would be perfect.  I had this gorgeous Debbie Bliss Angel yarn in gold, waiting for the right project.  Light and airy - needing a delicate pattern - how hard can it be?  Searching for patterns, I couldn't decide, so I just started making SOMETHING.  It will turn out in the end, right?  

Frogged a few rows here and there... not fun with mohair. Ugggg.  Worked until I ran out of yarn.  It's not done. Needs at least another ball or two to get to an appropriate size.  Since I probably won't be able to match the color exactly, I'm adding an Angel Print - Gauguin.  Now I wait for it to arrive, so I can finish my project. 

So why the title of this post?  I was proud of my work, and I showed it to Thing One and Thing Two. They looked at me with horror and said, "Mom. Who wears a shawl?"  I stared back - blankly. "Seriously, Mom. Tell us. Who wears a shawl?"  My sheepish answer.... "Old people?" 

I protested.... Lots of gorgeous shawls on Instagram and Ravelry and other blogs - being made by people who are younger than me!  They weren't buying it.  There's nothing like young adult children to put you in your place.  

Well, I'm persevering.  Making my shawl. I'm quite pleased with it so far.  And if I can figure out how to make the graphs, I will write up the pattern.  That's a daunting thought!  I've made tutorials and given instructions for little things, but a whole shawl?  Scary stuff! 


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Caution: Yarn Porn Ahead

I know I should be ashamed, but I just placed a big order for new yarn.

My justifications (as if any are needed):

  • Stylecraft has new colors. I must have them. 
  • I'm down to 2 bins of yarn, and starting to run out of a few colors.
  • I like yarn.
  • Free shipping with an order of $50 or more.
  • It's cheaper than drinking.
  • Okay, I like wine, too. Maybe I was drinking when I placed the order.... my shopping cart sure was full! 
Here's a little preview:  Gold, Petrol, Stone, Spice - I think they are great additions!  I'm looking forward to putting them next to all my other Stylecraft, and seeing what new combinations I can make.

   



I also ordered Merry-Go Round in rainbow.....  Yes - I have a plan for this.


And now, for something completely different...... I'm trying Louisa Harding Amitola, in Tango.  I have a special project in mind for this fingering weight yarn. Pretty gorgeous, isn't it? 


Is anyone else this excited about new yarn?  Seriously! I can't wait for the packages to arrive.