I started the Birch shawl, from Rowan #34. I cast on 272 stitches last night before bed, before I just plain gave up for the evening. I started the thing on an ebony circular needle: bad mistake. Don’t try to knit fine lace-weight yarn the color of old bordeaux on a black needle. Switched to my Denise needles, and things went better.
I finished the rest of the 299 cast on stitches this morning after a couple of cups of industrial-strength coffee. Then I counted, and re-counted, and counted again. This hairy stuff just does not rip out; I did not want to get to the end of the first row and realize that I was a few stitches off. Here is the thing after casting on; it looks like a hairy caterpillar.
And after a couple of rows:
It doesn’t look like much yet, does it?
I’m counting on suggestions by Ann of Mason-Dixon Knitting, posted on her blog after she completed this last fall. She has a link to a nice chart as well that should make this a bit easier. This is definitely not going to be the kind of project you do while engrossed in an interesting movie. Or while drinking large quantities of alcohol. Though it might drive me to drink; on that note I will leave you with the Drink of the Week recipe.
Brazen Hussy
Ice cubes
2 oz. vodka
2 oz. Triple Sec or Cointreau
1/2 oz. lemon juice
Shake in a cocktail shaker, strain into a cocktail glass.
As always, enjoy in moderation!
Just thought I’d chime in with a little “you can do it”! I completed Birch this spring, it’s a challenge but well worth it. You already learned the lesson it took me a while to figure out, use stitch markers! Good luck!
Thanks for the Brazen Hussy recipe. I’m heading down to fix one now, substituting lime juice for the lemon – I’ll let you know how it turns out. 🙂 Good luck with Birch!
Good luck with Birch!
After completing 2 reps or so, you will probably know the pattern, and it’ll become much easier!
I completed a second one in June (as a birthday present to my grandma) and it really is a huge ego boost to knit!
I used Denise circs for my Birch as well. Not to imply it is finished! I screwed up somewhere in the pattern on my return flight from Paris last fall and it is still sitting there being ignored. I look forward to your progress.
Good to see that I’m not alone with the Birch! Hope it’s going well for you – I found those first rows very slow going but oddly absorbing. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
That drink sounds yummy! I’ll have to try that one!
I love the color of Birch!
Your caterpillar looks great! Way to go! You’re cookin’ now . . .
love the color of your birch. can’t wait to see it progress. i’ll have to try it too.
I’m working on Birch too. When I say working I mean that I knit the first four rows about a month and a half ago and now it’s just sitting under a pile of knitting. Maybe we should get a knitalong going?