Sunday 18 September 2011

MAGIC MOMENTS

 

Good afternoon and what a lovely one it's been too. In fact it's been a really lovely weekend here in the east. I've spent lots of time catching up on the August 'Fall in Full Color Club' project 'Autumn Longshadows' and at last it's finished. I soaked and blocked it last night and by this morning it was dry and ready to go. The finish is so smooth and beautifully drapey. I love it!


Using blocking rods, makes the whole process so much easier. I got the rods in place first, before stretching the piece out to the required measurements.


Yes, lots of pins were required!


The ends needing some careful pinning out too, to keep the gorgeous leafy template.


I think blocking brings magic to lace knitting. It suddenly transforms the fabric into something breathtakingly beautiful.


The scarf was made in two symmetrical pieces, that were then grafted, as you can see in the photo above. This was the first time I have made a garment, other than socks, that requires grafting in this way and I'm really pleased with the results.




It's just well I finished, as the September yarn arrived on Friday. It's Shalimar Yarns 'Breathless' in colourwayhazel leaf, which, as with all the club yarns, is an exclusive colourway. It's a merino, cashmere and silk mix and totally soft and squishy, with a lovely bounce to it. 

The pattern has been released too and is a very pretty shawlette. However, I haven't yet decided whether to go with the shawlette, or to make Miss Doolittle, another Anne Hanson faviourite of mine. I don't tend to wear shawls very often, unless they are dark and it seems such a shame to waste the yarn on knitting up something that might get very little wear. I'll let you know my decision! Oscar certainly approved of the colourway.....


Must fly! I've loads of schoolwork to get done this evening, that I've been putting off all weekend. I'll leave you with another glorious sunset, captured on Tuesday evening this week as we walked Oscar around the lake close to our home. Quite magical!


Have a good week!

16 comments:

josiekitten said...

The Longshadows scarf is absolutely gorgeous! Seeing yours has spurred me on - I will get mine finished this week!!! Have a good'un! xx

Lynne said...

I have been admiring this scarf since you started it. It is absolutely gorgeous!!! All that pinning out must have taken ages, but it's blocked beautifully.

I've been admiring JosieKitten's scarf too, and have felt myself feeling the need to make one. I have some lovely green 2ply which is stubbornly refusing to become the top I want it be. Maybe it's trying to tell me I should make this!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Ros! That scarf is really beautiful!!! That pinning makes a big difference! Your new yarn sounds amazing - soft and that colour is so lovely for the autumn!
Give hugs to Oscar!
xxx Teje & Nero

Anna said...

What a gorgeous scarf, the colour, the pattern, so intricate, I love it!

Kate said...

The scarf turned out beautifully, Ros, well done! Love the colours in the new yarn, as well.

Your lake is so peaceful looking, what a great place to walk in the evenings.

Have a great week!

Molly the Airedale said...

Your scarf is just magnificent! Love,love,love it!

Sarah said...

I love the way the ends are in that leaf shape. It is a beautiful thing all round! DO you have to re-block things when you wash them?
Have a good week!

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Just look into those eyes... its almost too cute.
Love the colour of that new yarn.
Have a great week.
Susan x

Kathy said...

Oh my goodness that looks so complicated, but very beautiful!
Oscar has a lovely evening walk ... he's very lucky.
Have a great week!
xxx

melissa said...

you are a blocking superstar!!!!
the scarf turned out gorgeous!! love it!!

Shane Kent Louis said...

I hate those spoilers grrr..but anyway I love your blue scarf, it really look nice!



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Tracy said...

LOVE, love, love Longshadows, Ros... it just exquisitely beautiful...*sigh*... I hope my knitting will evolve to this level someday. I need to practice more. ;o) Oh, Oscar... you are a little love. Kiss his nose for me... Happy Days ((HUGS))

Helsie said...

Your scarf is absolutely stunning. Well done. Like you I'm not sure about the colours of the new yarn but I'm sure it will turn out fine... it's just a different pallet.
It seems so strange to me that you start a "new" school year in September when ours is begun at the real beginning of the year - January. So our schools are approaching the end of the year and the end of the school year too.Final exams are on the horizon for high school students and uni students too with the long holidays only about 8 to 10 weeks away. All that and Christmas too!
Cheers
Helen

Kat Jorgensen said...

Longshadows turned out beautifully, Ros. Hope mine looks as good. Love that Oscar is in love with the Sept yarn. He's got excellent taste. Knit on!

Jo said...

Autumn Longshadows is beautiful, blocking certainly brings out all the detail. I love the Hazel Leaf colourway, I'm looking forward to hearing what you decide to make with it. I do like Miss Doolittle and think that it will look lovely in the yarn. What a gorgeous sunset, you're so lucky to have somewhere like this so close to home to take Oscar for his walks.

K said...

Wow. You're really, really good.