Finished Flower Basket
In spite of the atrociously hot weather here in Chicago this weekend I finished my Flower Basket Shawl. This project comes from the Fall 2004 issue of Interweave Knits -- yep, I'm a little behind the curve on this one. But sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect yarn.
As it turns out, I never did find the perfect yarn, I had to spin it myself. What I ended up using was a three-ply yarn that I spun from a madder and cochineal dyed Corriedale roving that I bought from Handspun by Stefania while at MS&W in May. I think that the fact that I have gone from purchase to shawl in about 2 and a half months is probably a land speed record I'll have a hard time matching in the future. In the end, it is one of the most satisfying projects that I have worked on. There's nothing quite like being involved in the creation process at multiple levels.
I chose to knit this pattern up on US size 8 needles (5.0 mm). When I knit, it just felt like a good density for the yarn and I didn't think the fuzzy sproingy quality of the yarn would lend itself as well to an airier knit. Probably, if I had thought from the start that I was going to use this fiber to create a yarn to knit lace with, I would have chosen to mak e a two-ply instead of a three-ply. The same 3-dimensionality that is good for textured stitching such as cables is not as good for lace.
Thus, my version of this shawl looks somewhat heavier than was originally intended by the author. It also turned out smaller than the pattern specs, even after I added an additional lace repeat. One nice thing about a shawl with a singular motif (Charlotte's Web was the same way) is that whether you start it at the top (as this one was) or the bottom, it's very easy to increase the size to be where you want it to be without having to worry about gauge too much. If I'd had more yarn, I'd have added another repeat or two. But the size that it reached will still work well for a nice neck and shoulder warmer in the winter, and the fact that it is a little less airy than the pattern calls for will make it just a little cozier.
I was somewhat concerned that the sproingy nature of the Corriedale would mean that after blocking it would try to return to it's original shape. My worry was misplaced. It drapes quite well and is holding it's shape quite well. I think I'll be adding another "C" to my set of favorite sheep breeds: Cormo, CVM and Corriedale.
I believe that everyone and their dog has long since completed this shawl, but for anyone out there who still hasn't tried it or who wants to have an easy to cope with lace project as their first project, I would highly recommend this one. The lace pattern is easy to see and understand, and it knit up so quickly for me that I'm almost want to cast on another one. I've got some exceptionally yummy Brooks Farm mohair yarn in my stash which has been waiting for a purpose and a shawl like this would suit it well. I think that is another nice thing about this pattern. Whether you pick a yarn with no elasticity or a lot, you will probably end up with a nice result. The only downside of this project for me is that knitting it with a heavier yarn in the summer means that I won't really get to enjoy it until October at the earliest.
Now I'm going to have to spend some time thinking about what my next project should be. Except for socks, I've been feeling a bit uninspired lately. However, I'm getting increasingly curious about the construction of triangular shawls. Or it might be time to start getting to work on my Dad's vest again.
Your shawl is lovely and what an accomplishment to have spun all the yarn before knitting it!
You're not the last - I just started a Flower Basket Shawl a few days ago. (and my dog hasn't even picked her yarn yet :-) )I have to second all your comments about it being appropriate for a novice lace knitter - it's my first lace shawl and I'm loving it. I'm afraid mine's going to fall far short of shawl size, however, but it will make a lovely scarf ..
That is so beautiful. You should be really pleased with it.
Don't worry - I have FB-Shawl still on my To-do-list and yet no time to start! And till know I haven't even a dog ;-)) ! The Shawl is wonderful.
Best Whishes
Eve
I haven't knitted that one either, also no dog. Looks lovely though. Maybe when it gets a bit cooler here I'll give it a whirl.
Meanwhile I'll stick to socks. Wouldn't mind entering the family sock challenge, except that some of them wouldn't appreciate socks, even, or particularly, handknitted ones.
That is really beautiful !
Very little beats knitting with yarn one has spun oneself.
It's a fab colour. I haven't knitted that pattern yet. In time...
xxx
The land-speed record is pretty impressive. Good to see that Stefania's stuff spins/knits up so well. I, for one, can't wait for October.
It's just beautiful. I so admire that you spun the yarn for this - I've not attempted to spin for lace and you've inspired me to do so.
It's beautiful! I'd love to say I made something from fiber to finished product, but I'm not nearly ready for that yet. I don't know how to spin yet and I tried starting an Adamas Shawl and didn't get very far on that before having to banish it to the closet. So, I'm starting small with my lace and will eventually build my skills up to FBS talent. Fabulous job!
I keep seeing the FBS everywhere! I think I need to order the pattern. No, I _know_ I need to order it. =)
I am so impressed with your shawl. It's lovely. I think I'll go hunt for that pattern online. I have been thinking about a shawl project after all the socks I've been knitting. Will you tie it or pin it or what? Is it too warm for summer nights? Do wear it, it is a work of art.
I'm behind as well. In fact I bought that issue of IK last year, at an outrageous price on EBay (its out of print now, no back issues available, and quite popular because of this shawl!) But I never started it until this past spring. Its still on the needles since I had some other projects that needed to be moved up. But I plan on finishing it before the end of the month.
Anyway, yours is lovely. I agree, from sheep to shawl..you finished in record time ;)
The shawl is beautiful.
I've yet to knit that one but it's on my list. Yours is great - especially because it's your own handspun.
Lovely shawl. I am so very impressed that you went from fiber to shawl, and so quickly too. I hope to be spinning that well sometime in my future.
I haven't knit the flower basket shawl yet but I have knit a Kiri shawl in a very big fat yarn and I love how it came out. It's big and squooshy and warm, and the large yarn really shows how orderly the pattern is.
You are a vertically integrated garment making machine!
Well, not quite -- you didn't raise the sheep. But close enough, eh?
It looks absolutely lovely!
It's all the lovelier to me, knowing that you created it from handspun. Wow!
Beautiful, Theresa! I love that pattern. How fun to have spun the yarn yourself, too.
It's lovely! What a pretty color! I haven't knitted Flower Basket yet but I've loved every one that I've seen so it's definitely a planned object. Like I need an excuse to buy more yarn! Ha!
Your shawl is gorgeous. I had to go back and look at my old Interweave Knits magazine. From the photo in the magazine I would never have knit it. The online photo you found is wonderful, though. It's amazing what a difference color and photography can make! I'd knit your shawl in a heartbeat. Congrats on your finish. :-)
Looks great! I wish I had one of my own. Maybe someone's dog is making one for me. :)
Looks great! I wish I had one of my own. Maybe someone's dog is making one for me. :)
I think it's a lovely size, and it's great that you spun the yarn and knitted it! It looks really comfy and pretty.
Everyone hasn't made it yet! I plan on making one at a later date in the future. I love how yours turned out. So beautiful. I'm sure what you work on next will be lovely too.
Very beautiful, and the handspun makes it extra special. Great job!
That shawl is beautiful and all the more special because you spun the yarn! Wow!
It's beautiful! i wish we could see a close-up of the stitch detail with the yarn you spun!
Your FBS came out lovely!! Beautiful color too. I finished knitting mine AGES ago, but haven't blocked it. Guess I should figure out how to do that and get it done. Congrats on spinning and knitting a fine shawl.