Monday, March 14, 2011

Demeter's Shawlette

Hi Knitters,
Meet my new favorite neckwear. I have become slightly shawl-obsessed over the last few weeks.

In honor of my new interest I knit up a shawlette this weekend in Noro Kureyon Sock Yarn. I've had this ball of earthy yarn for several years and I just ran across it again last week. Let me tell you, I love this yarn but it had 5 knots in it. 5. That's a lot of knots. I was lucky because the knots all came in the middle of a color and didn't jump to a new color which would have created an unnatural progression in the striping pattern.

The best thing about the Noro is how the colors change gradually. I love how you are knitting along and then you start seeing little flecks of the upcoming stripe color. It never get old. So yes to the yarn, no to the knots. I'd use it again in a heartbeat.
I used the wonderful Laura Linneman's (of the Knit Girllls video podcast) Demeter's Shawlette pattern. Click here to see the free pattern for Demeter's Shawlette. Laura's pattern calls for a beaded edge but I chose to work 6 rows in garter stitch and bind off. I considered adding beads but the simplicity of the project is really what appealed to me most so I opted out.
My Demeter's Shawl blocked out to be about 60 inches long and 23 inches top to bottom on the center line. It is a nice size. Perfect.

I also recently knit up the Baktus shawl out of Zauberball. The Baktus is another good and simple shawl pattern. There is something so quick and fun about using up an entire ball of sock yarn and also ending up with a gorgeous lightweight knitted piece to wear around your neck. I love that.

Oh, I have to give you notice that I am teaching at the Kentucky Fiber Festival (lol. I just clicked on the link and there I was! I didn't even know this was up.) This will be my first sheep and wool and fiber festival ever and I get to see my friend Dianne who I have known for a few years now. She is a good one and she is also running the festival along with many, many others. I will be in good hands. Dianne is hosting a Spud & Chloƫ at the Farm book and Spud & Chloƫ yarn giveaway which I will let you know about as soon as it is up.

Also, later this week I am hosting a really wonderful giveaway that I am very happy about. Be sure to check back for that.
best, susie