My knitting seems kind of dismal too. Here's a stack of swatches that are trying to look cheery, but instead look like a drift of snow:
I've answered the greater part of the questions that go along with these swatches, but there is still a bunch deal of work to do. The March Break has been a convenient time to do the Master's Program, since I'm not at a computer at work all day, I don't mind being on a computer at home so much. But it's dry work. I thought I'd try some lace knitting:
I'm not liking this so much. The pattern is Diamond Fantasy from Sivia Harding. It strikes me as a modern design and the yarn is a lovely wool, but with a touch of hairiness that feels rustic. Also, I have may have been spoiled for this pattern by Maureen's version.
I'm thinking of ripping it and trying the Trellis Scarf from Interweave Knits Spring 2006 instead. What say you?
I've made the DS shawl and really love it. At a glance, yours is knit with smaller needles. You might like it better if it was more lacy. Maybe the problem is also the knitting directions. I had to retype them to make the pattern easier to follow. Keep in mind there's an error in some of the written instructions-- 2 rows are repeated by mistake. Also, lifelines are essential. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love the start of that shawl. The beaded one is pretty cool too.
ReplyDeleteAre you saying that you are almost finished with level 1??? Sheesh, I haven't even cast on for the first swatch yet. I will have my yarn tonight (I hope).
I'm not so entranced by the beads. I vote for your version. I'd lay off the beads--you might knock someone out when you swish your shawl over your shoulders!
ReplyDeleteI'd take the Diamond up a needle size but not add beads. I've seen some gorgeous shawls with beads (indluding Freyalynn's handspun one that won the Majacraft competition a few years ago), and they're beautiful, but I find a beadless shawl much more wearable (and easier to launder!).
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't feeling the love, then the scarf is really pretty. I have never knit a shawl, so I don't know how to give any advice. =)
ReplyDeleteI haven't knit the Diamond Fantasy Shawl, but it is gorgeous and yours is looking good. It is one I want to do someday.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE knit the Trellis Scarf with KP alpaca cloud - it is very pretty, but as I recall there is a 7 into 5 cluster throughout the pattern that is a pain in the a**.(at least with slippery alpaca)
I'll be watching to see what you do...
Beads!!! I vote beads!!! It's a good thing I am mom to two girls. I am way too girly for boys, but not too girly to play with worms and fish. SInce I'm not making sense, just know that I vote beads!! LOL
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed knitting the DFS, but if the pattern isn't speaking to you, I'd put it away and wait for a better combination of yarn and pattern. I do like the beaded versions I've seen, and plan to try one myself someday.
ReplyDeleteYou mention swatches in the picture, but I see small braided skeins. Will these become swatches? I have knit a few shawls, but I find that I do not wear them, so no more shawls for a bit. I do use lots of !s in my writing, but sometimes I am excited! What can I say? Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDelete