I just realized that I’ve been talking about my latest lace project for the past couple of weeks and have never posted a photo. I’ve updated my Ravelry project page as I’ve gone along, but never here. That’s what comes of trying to keep up with both, and doing a half-assed job of it at that.
The lace on the needles is the Peacock Feathers Shawl, a Fiddlesticks Knitting pattern by Dorothy Siemens. (Ravelry link here.) The yarn I’m using is Blue Heron Egyptian Mercerized Cotton, in the color Bluegrass. I bought the yarn from Kris at Sonny & Shear, and as soon as I got it I knew it needed to be a Peacock.
And here’s what it looks like now, at row 95 of the pattern.
I can’t say enough good things about this pattern. It does require a bit of attention, as the stitch counts change on a few of the rows, and the repeat markers shift back and forth frequently. However, the whole thing is clearly charted, and the pattern notes are quite explicit. Though the charts look quite complicated, they really aren’t. It’s one of those patterns that you just want to keep knitting, as it’s not just the same old thing on every row.
I also love this yarn. I’ve never used mercerized cotton for lace work, so we’ll see how it blocks, but the shine is just spectacular, and it takes color marvelously. It also looks like Jello. Here’s proof. John had a little procedure this week that required a clear liquid diet for 36 hours, and we made him some blue and yellow Jello. When the dishes were partly emptied, we just tossed them in together.
Proof that I’m easily amused.
And speaking of John, here’s a photo of several of my housemates out on the deck yesterday, enjoying an early fall nap.
Have a good weekend, everybody!
Oh, I bet a cotton shawl will be great! I love your deck. 🙂
That will be a gorgeous shawl! I love the color, and you’re right, it does need to be a Peacock!
The picture of the deck is fabulous – now *that’s* relaxing.
Oooh, this new yarn is in my most favourite colours! It’s coming along so quickly! :0)
I’ll be very interested to see how the cotton works out. Its quite pretty.
That yarn is PERFECT for Peacock! (And you know I love that pattern.) I put some tips on my blog when I finished mine, if you’re interested. http://chappysmom.com/2005/06/14/so-very-peacock/
The most helpful? I moved the markers while on the purl-back row, rather than on the knit, pattern rows–it made life much easier!
That will be a beautiful shawl! The yarn is gorgeous. I love the picture of everyone napping. They really know how to make good use of their time!
Extremely Peacock-y yarn! I love the color mix! I have had that pattern for maybe a year, and WILL knit it sometime, it’s so gorgeous. Glad to hear it’s easy to follow; the ones I’ve seen knit up are certainly spectacular.
The shawl is going to be spectacular!
That is going to turn out so pretty! See you soon.
I finished the Peacock Feathers Shawl and have yet to block it! That is the hardest part on me, blocking. I love the color of yours, mine is red of course 😀
What perfect colors for the Peacock Shawl.
Everyone looks so content in that picture!
Pretty! It does look peacocky too. I’m sure that’s not a word, but what the heck.
Looking at the picture of John napping made me yawn. Hmm.
You know I love me some cotton shawls! This one’s a beauty Lorette!
Too bad it’s not ORANGE 🙂
I love your shawl. I have a shawl in my queue, but after a recent binge of startitis, I decided that I don’t need to start another thing right now. I recently rounded up all my projects…I need to blog about it, but I am still in denial.
I love Peacock so much that I’ve knit it twice – and probably will again. I’ve great things about the Blue Heron – will look forward to your take on it.
I will chime in with everyone else saying, ‘What a perfect color for a PEACOCK shawl!’……..but, shouldn’t you should call it your Jello Shawl?? Can’t wait to see it after it is blocked!
what a gorgeous color for that shawl.
and John looks wonderfully content on the deck – a perfect spot to snooze while he heals.
I love that shawl pattern, and someday I might try it. The crocheted edging always intimidated me, since I can’t crochet evenly. Your yarn choice is wonderful–perfect for that pattern.
How beautiful that shawl will be – gorgeous yarn….!
(((hugs)))
Ahh….that shawl is on my very short list for my next lace project. It’s encouraging to see how beautifully yours is shaping up. I’ll be watching progress closely.
Love the yarn its going to make a nice shawl. Your hubby looks to be having a nice nap!!
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Ah, one of the secrets to a happy life is to be easily amused.
That’s gorgeous. Is it hard to knit with? Hurting the fingers and such?
There’s nothing quite like an alfresco nap to speed the recovery. Or just because.
Cozy! Get well soon, John.