Serial Monogamy

I have not stuck to one project in years.   Even my everyday knitting basket always has at least two projects at a time (one simple, one more complicated).   However, an odd bug bit me recently.   I woke up compelled to start something in lace wt yarn.   Theoretically I dont even like lace wt yarn.

After fight it for a day or so, I  gave in and started the Reunion Shrug with some grey Findley Dappled that I had in my stash (earmarked for I don't remember what).   I am so hooked.   Lace is my new favorite wt yarn, and the soon to be finished (focus is a wonderful thing) Reunion Shrug is my new obsession.   It's all I've worked on for a while now,  and now that it is done,  I can't wait to cast on another lace wt project.   Re-yarning my Simple Comforts Wrap in lace is appealing, but I am also attracted to the Ethereal shawl.   Still thinking.

The Phoenix Shawl Flies Again

Find the Phoenix Shawl on Ravelry

A pattern two years in the making. That is when I began to knit the sample, create the charts, and work on the written directions. Then, the Memorial Day before last, our house burned. The boys were out with me, Hubby was in the pool, and the dog came when called. We were (and are) fine.

However, we lost almost everything. Much of what did not burn, was deemed “toxic waste” by the fire marshall. Up in smoke (literally & figuratively) went my computer (No, I did not back up regularly. Yes, I do now.), and, I believed, the first sample.

My written notes and the printed charts survived. So being a good little soldier, I used those to start over. Eventually, I even found the sample (in a grocery bag in my trunk. Don’t ask. I just don’t know.).

So here we are, almost a year after the restart, and it is finally done and for sale on Ravelry.   The Phoenix Shawl, a pattern that rose out of the ashes.

Almost there...

Phoenix Shawl

Check out the Phoenix Shawl in all its glory.   This baby has been in the works for years (literally).   There was the idea, which became the charts, which became what you see above.    Then came the fire, the loss of the shawl, the laptop with the charts (backup, backup, backup!), and the preliminary pattern.  

From my written notes came new charts, and new samples, and a rewritten pattern.   I've got three test knitters working on it as we "speak".    One, is three rows from being done.   One has put it aside to work on Xmas gifts, and one is waiting for a meet-up with me.

First known as the Old City Shawl (we live in St. Augustine, FL), then the Simply Exquisite Shawl (thus dubbed by a LYS owner), it is now, finally, the Phoenix Shawl (because it rose out of the ashes).
I used Colinette's Jitterbug for the lost one. Two of the test knitters are using Knit Picks Stroll Tonal (Canopy & Thunderhead).   It occurs to me that I have no idea what my third knitter is using.   I've got three samples on the needles, one of Knit Picks Stroll Tonal  (Pearlescent), one in Malabrigo Lace, and one in Ella Rae Lace Merino.   It is not so much that I don't have a favorite, but that each one is my favorite when I am working on it.

If you would like for me to drop you a line when the pattern is good to go,  just follow the link to Ravelry and leave a comment.   I am hoping (but not promising) to have it up and available for sale before the end of the year.

I’ll have a Grande Citron, please.

In addition to whatever I am working on of my own design, church/movie theater knitting, and a sock (handbag knitting), I almost always have something of someone else’s design on my needles.     This I refer to as my OP (other people’s) knitting.

My OP knitting of the moment is the Citron Grande using Filatura Di Crosa’s Centolavaggi Chine thinking that I was using a lace wt yarn.  Instead, I am using a cobweb wt yarn.   I am not bothered by the fact that it is not looking like much on the needles (Lace typically comes into its own once ruthlessly blocked).   But I am finding the ubber thin string like yarn to be a bit of a trial.   Just a bit of a tug and it breaks.   I bought a big skein specifically so that there would be no knots or joins.   I was so annoyed that I bought an alternative yarn, thinking that I would rip it out and cast-on with the new stuff.  

Then I changed my mind, again.   The pattern is past the fiddly part.  Wool blocks better than cotton, and I really do love the dark purple color.   Surely I can deal with the pretty, thin, thread yarn for just this one project.