Have been in the midst of the doldrums, these past few weeks. Why? I have been looking for a way to generate some much needed cash flow this summer. I have about 20 or 25 apps out, most as a student intern or summer hire at a government agency for my major-envionmental studies- and a few out to local businesses. So I'm bummed while I wait the results.
In the meantime, I have started sampling for a MAJOR project- the fine framed shawl from Sharon Miller's "Heirloom Knitting". This is what we have so far:
To the right is tencel/silk from my LYS. It has approximately 55wpi and was knit on US 1-the top trees, and US 0-the bottom trees. Then soaked, blocked and allowed to dry, then stapled to an index card with a black sheet of paper so that the stitches could be seen. I scanned this picture, cause my camera is ancient! and I couldn't get a clear picture of the stitches.
This sample, to the left, is Henry's Attic "moriah". A 2-ply wool that wpi's out to about 28-32, depending on what day I read it on. The top trees are on US 1's, the center medalions are on US 2's and the bottome trees are on US 3's. This also was soaked, blocked and dryed, then stapled to the card.
I really really like the part done on US 3's, but I think that this will wait for another day. This is a lot more heavier, it's more like a winter shawl or wrap than the look I am looking for.
After doing these samples, I can see why the people that are doing these are only doing one or two or three rows a day. What a pain in the #$%! Especially the tencel on US 0's!!!! After about 10 or 15 minutes of that you really need a stiff drink to regain your composure, let alone your equilibrium!
Here's the ladies at World Wide Knit in Public day in Sacramento. We met at the Capitol on the grounds surrounding the building. Found some nice shade, set up the sign and had a good time.
For those of you into Shetland Lace Knitting, this is a blurry picture of a swatch I did from Sharon Miller's "Heirloom Knitting," page 215: the fine framed shawl. This is knit with Henry's Attic Pony 2-ply on US #2's. Nice, but too heavy looking and filled in. I wanted something looser in the fabric. Next swatch to knit is some Moriah 2-ply , about half the weight of the Pony. If that doesn't work, I have some 30/2 tencel/silk that wraps out at about 55wpi. I originally wanted to knit this on US size 2's, so that I could get the hang of it. Then acquire a Princess or Wedding Ring or whatever is in the works at Heirloom Knitting for the "masterpiece", if ya know what I mean?!?! This is for the summer and fall BIG project, and I can use the 1/2 Frostflowers and Leaves edging as the mindless (HA!) no-brainer when the shetland gets to be too much.