Swallowtail Shawl Progress

Last week I finally made a yarn selection for the swallowtail shawl - Malabrigo lace in a lovely purple colour.

The first section (budding lace) was knit quickly, even though I added 10 repeats to the 14 called for in the pattern so that the shawl would be a bit larger.



Although the pattern calls for nupps in the Lily of the Valley section, I opted for beads. The photo doesn't do the beads justice - they match the shawl colours perfectly. I have never done beading before and so far it has gone remarkably well. I am using the crochet hook method. I am already on the last few rows - it should be done by the end of the week.



Last week I knit for a secret project. Here is a sneak peek until it is no longer a secret. Hourglass lace pattern in Elann Peruvian Highland Wool - Colour: Nutmeg Heather Heather.



Additions to my Knitting Library

I received some great new books from my son and his girlfriend as birthday gifts:



I am happy to finally have Elizabeth Zimmerman's Opinionated Knitter - it was the only one of her books I didn't own.

I haven't yet opened the Japanese knitting stitches book - that should keep me enthralled for hours!



Stash Improvement for this week:

June Update

Clever title. Makes me wish I had just numbered my blog posts instead of using titles - but then I would know exactly how few posts I have made. With the advent of Ravelry, it seems superfluous to post to the blog. It's not as if I have loads to say - I just want to keep track of my knitting.

Since I completed the silk scarf shown below, I've been knitting socks while thinking of other projects. I've joined the Swallowtail Shawl KAL but I can't seem to make up my mind as to what yarn to use. I have loads in the stash already (which has not prevented me from ordering more). My plan for the weekend is to select yarn and get a good start on the shawl.

Crest of the Wave Silk Scarf

This lovely scarf was completed a few weeks ago. I had never knit with silk before and it was an enjoyable experience. This blocked out to 10"x80". It is fluid and practically weightless. Silk from Clever Cat Knits.




Café Mocha Socks

I just love these. The yarn came from Etsy's Sunnyside Ellen. Her base yarn is Louet Gems (very soft and squishy) and the precision dye job is admirable. The yarn came in two skeins, ready for matching socks. I used Anne Hanson's Tesserae pattern.



Lime & Violet Sasquatch Socks

Very cheery colours. I'm sure they will brighten up those dull, rainy winter days when I start wearing them. "Stems" lace pattern from one of the Sensational Socks books.



Lana Grossa Meilenweit Socks

Just plain striped socks.



Stash Enhancement

A short while ago, Yarn Harlot linked to EarthFaire. I can't remember what she was knitting at the time, but I'd never heard of them, so I had to go take a look. This is what I came away with. The yarn is a merino/tussah silk blend - very soft and shiny.



Socks and Lace Yarn - Araucania and Malabrigo purchased from Valley Yarn.



More sock yarn - Mama Llama, Shui Bui and Whimzy Pinzy purchased from Sonny & Shear.