Alas, not me! But I am working on my newest WIP, the Travelling Woman shawl. I’ve seen this one around quite a bit, and I’m developing quite the fascination with small shawls. It’s not that I don’t like larger shawls, but they don’t seem quite as practical. I get the caught on things, and I don’t feel like I’m really dressed up enough to wear them much of the time. But small shawls–like my Ishbel–are easy enough to throw on with a pair of jeans and a shirt to make me feel like I actually have some sort of fashion sense. Or something.

They’re also super quick to knit. I’m using Neighborhood Fiber Co Yarn in Truxton Circle. I love the color, and it was even on sale! This is just ziping along and I can’t wait to find more to knit….there’s a whole small shawl group in Ravelry that I found. I see lots of shaws in my future!

First thing–I love, love, LOVE this shawl! It turned out so well. It was pretty amazing. I blocked it out on a Sunday, and by Monday morning, it was totally dry.

The pattern is Ishbel by Ysolda, and I used Knit Picks Shimmer in Happy Dance (now discontinued). The color makes me think of Stargazer Lillies, hence the name.

I made the large size with lace weight, and I like the size it turned out. The pattern was wonderful, and I could definitely see making this again, maybe with sock yarn and the smaller size.

My attempt at an artistic shawl-in-action photo. Yeah, it’s not great. How do people get such good pictures of their finished objects? I feel like I’m always doing the same things–is it just because I don’t have a significant other or roomate to help take photos? Or have y’all trained your cats to use a camera?  Maybe I should try to bribe a photographer….

Before I head down the rabbit-hole of getting a late start on my holiday knitting, I have an almost finished object to share!

I caved and knittted Ishbel–I can absolutely see why this is such a popular pattern! I already want to make more! It’s unblocked, due to the fact that I lent my blocking mats to a friend, but once I get them back I’ll be able to block this out and see how great it really looks!

A while ago, I cast on for Ishbel. Because despite many protestations that I would not follow the crowd, sometimes the crowd is just right.

As with most lace, it doesn’t look like much so far. I’m doing the larger size, but on US5s. Mainly because I couldn’t find my US6 needles, and didn’t feel like buying more. The yarn is Knitpicks Shimmer in the (I believe discontinued) colorway Happy Dance. It reminds me of Stargzaer lillies, and it’s already working it’s magic; it makes me happy when I see it.

Happy Midsummer/Litha/Summer Solstice!

I finished this a while back, but I haven’t had a chance to take any good pictures. This picture isn’t good either, but I figured since it’s Litha I needed to wear this and take at least one photo.

Ignore that it’s crappily taken in the corner of my office.

The shawl turned out great, and it works to wear in many different ways–including tied around my waist like you see it here! Hopefully I’ll get a chance to take some better pictures this weekend, and work on writing up the pattern.

Tarot Card of the Day: Knight of Wands

I’m still fringe-ing away on the Litha shawl. I need to have it finished by tomorrow, so I can wear it to a Midsummer festival and Worldwide Knit in Public Day!

Because nothing says fun like spotting knitters in the wild, I’ll be hanging out with the Knit One One crowd in Berkeley. If you’re in the area, head over to Sweet Adeline’s Bakery and look for the knitters outside…and don’t forget to stop in and get some of their delicious baked goods.

I love knitting in public like that–people always looked so surprised to see such a large group of knitters congregating in one place. I’ll be bringing my tarot cards too, since one of my homework assignments is to do a reading for someone –I’m hoping that I’ll be able to find a couple of people who are interested.

Knitting in public and free tarot readings! What could be better?

Tarot Card of the Day: Ten of Wands

No actual knitting accomplished last night, since I had an early morning meeting, which meant leaving my house at 7:45, and then a class so I didn’t get home until 10:30.

I was too fried to knit, but I did start fringing my shawl. That is a lot of fringe, y’all. I got half of it done while watching the Top Chef finale (thank god for DVR!) because I knew I wouldn’t be able to go all day today without getting spoiled.

I won’t say what happened, but I am happy with the outcome. I’m just sad there won’t be any more episodes–I’m already eager for next season.

Tarot Card of the Day: Five of Swords

So, this weekend I finished up the knitting on the Litha Shawl.

It turned out beautifully, and all I need to do is add the fringe. Yes, I think I’m going with fringe.

Fred approves of the color. He looks good in orange, so why not the rest of us?

Tarot Card of the Day: King of Cups

I actually did get some knitting done, and the Litha Shawl is making great progress.

It’s getting quite long, and it knits up really quickly–I’m hoping to finish it by next weekend.I love the stitch pattern I’m using, it reminds me of armor–both strong and delicate.

The only question I have now is should I add a lace border to the end, or fringe? I’m not usually a fringe person, but I’m thinking it would really work on this. I’m afraid another lace motif would be too busy, and fringe would also remind me of the rays of the sun, which is fitting.

Tarot Card of the Day: Nine of Cups

Although this Memorial Day wasn’t the sunniest or warmest, it still feels like the (unofficial) start of summer. So of course I didn’t want to work on heavy, winter-y projects.

I headed out to Piedmont Yarn and Apparel for their sale (who doesn’t love a yarn sale?) and picked up some gorgeous Mango Moon viscose in the most startling shade of orange I’ve ever seen.

Normally, I’m not an orange fan, but I couldn’t resist this yarn. It’s so shiny and bright, and makes me think of the sun shining on a hot day. I decided to cast on for something to wear on Litha, the summer solstice (mid-June).

I started with a scarf, but after a few inches I realized that just wasn’t what I’m envisioning. I ripped it out and started again, this time with enough stitches to make a stole. I’m using a super simple stitch pattern from my handy Good Housekeeping Guide to Needlework, and this stuff knits up really fast on US11s. Hopefully I’ll have enough yarn, and be able to finish this in time for the solstice.

Tarot card of the day: Knight of Pentacles