Mrs. Peacock Photos
The shawl formerly called ‘flashdance shawl’ and sometimes thought of as the ‘peacock shawl’ has been rename, Mrs. Peacock. It is also off the needles, off the blocking wires, and has been photographed.
Pattern coming soon (ish).
Not Secret Knitting
Things seem to be getting wrapped up left and right around here, everything from the show I’ve been frantically working on (it opened Wednesday, closed Sunday and went smashingly), to the semester, to a bundle of knitting projects and patterns (most of which are secret, sorry), to some personal stuff that I’m glad to be letting go of. But since most this either isn’t very photogenic (the semester, and personal stuffs), or I forgot to take photos of (the show), or I can’t show you photos of (secret knitting), why don’t I show you what’s on my needles.
Most of my knitting focus for the past couple of weeks has been directed at two projects. One of which needs to remain a secret (I’m starting to sounds like a broken record here). The other project, which I can show off, is currently in my Ravelry projects as the ‘Flashdance shawl,’ but desperately needs a new name.
When this photo was taken, 2, maybe 3 days ago, I was a handful of rows away from binding off. I finally finished it over the weekend, and it is currently laying next to me blocking. I tried taking a couple of blocking shots just now, but it’s a very grey day, and flash does not to this shawl justice. So I’ll have to wait to get a few shots once it comes off the blocking wires, and the sun comes back out to play.
According to my Ravelry page, I cast this on sometime in March, but it feels as though I’ve had this project on the needles forever, (maybe it’s the 2, almost 3, other shawls I’ve started and completed in the mean time, just maybe).
The yarn is Madelinetosh Lace, colorway ‘flashdance’ knit on US size 2s (2.75mm). This is the first time I’ve used Madelinetosh anything, and I think I’ve said this before, but I might be in love. I’ve got two more skeins waiting in my stash, and I’m trying to talk myself out of a third skein that my LYS is holding for me.
The pattern is already in the works, and I’ll probably start looking for test knitters later this week.
If you follow me on twitter, you might have seen me mention wanting to knit a hat once the deadline shawl I was working on at the time was finished. This was kind of spur of the moment since I don’t wear hats all that much, and it was April (I think) at the time I said it. But since I try to do what I say I will (unless it has something to do with blogging regularly, or more often) I started a hat.
It’s a top down stocking cap, knit on US size 10s, in an unknown yarn that I got from a friend who picked it up somewhere in Asia. This friend actually got me four balls in two different colorways (the two, not blue balls, really are the same colorway, I promise).
I don’t know what the yardage is, or exactly what the fiber content is, but it’s a single, with what feels like a high wool content. I’m betting the hat won’t take more than the one ball, and I don’t know what I’ll do with the other three balls. Maybe a felted bag?
Though I hate to end this post on a down note, the Springy Mitts made a trip to to frog pond. They’re now just a cuff. Though I might rip the cuff out as well, cause it’s kind of big.
I really liked the boxes on the palm, but I wasn’t in love with the waves going up the back of the hand. So I’ve ripped it, and I think I’m going to do a more geometric pattern. Maybe a play on a classic argyle? We’ll see.
Anyway. Until next time, keep knitting.
Zodiac le Plume
July 12, 2012 update: “Zodiac le Plume” was originally part of The Sanguine Gryphon’s Spring 2011 pattern collection, and is now available directly from the designer (me!).
The pattern is now available for purchase as a download for $8.00, either on Ravelry, or directly through the blog … buy now
I mentioned Zodiac le Plume in my last post a couple of days ago, but I’ve got a handful of free minutes again today, so I figured I’d better do a proper post now before something else comes along and eats up all of my time.
I’m also trying something knew, so all of the pattern details (yarn, needles, gauge, etc) are listed at the bottom of this post instead of on the Original Designs page.
Swirls and curls created by little pin pricks of light floating across a solid field, flit and flutter, combining and intertwining to give the impression of uncontrollable chaos. Only by prolonged and careful observation will order eventually emerge and the secrets of the stars unveil themselves.
Knit out of two skeins of the Sanguine Gryphon ‘Little Traveller,’ Zodiac le Plume is a crescent shaped shawl begun at the back of the neck and knit through to the hem. Just before the bind off, an increase row is worked, to ensure that a thorough blocking is possible.
Yarn: The Sanguine Gryphon ‘Little Traveller’, 4 oz/560 yds, 100% superwash merino, 2 skeins, shown in ‘Tintagel’ (Standard colourway)
Needles: US 3/3.25mm 40”/101 cm circular, or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions: 4 stitch markers, tapestry needle
Gauge: 22 sts and 38 rows = 4”/10 cm in washed and blocked St st
Blocked Dimensions: 23.5”/59.5 cm down the center back
Skills Used: cable cast on, knitting and purling, k2tog, k2togtbl, k3tog, k3togtbl, sk2p, ssk, yo, decrease bind off, weaving in ends, and blocking lace
Both charts and written instructions are included in this pattern.
