It has been an insanely busy last month or so, and it's going to remain that way for some time to come, to which I'm sure you can all relate. I have been working night and day on a super-colossal top-secret project that I hope to reveal in about a month. Until then, my brain will be kind of scrambled, I'm sure.
In my last post, I had been halfway through the first of four shawls I was hired to knit as samples for MacKintosh Yarns. Well, I finished that first shawl in time for it to go off to Stitches and I am very happy that I was able to finish it on time.
Pattern: Kiri Shawl by Polly OuthwaiteYarn: MacKintosh Yarns Rhiannon Lace Weight, color Hibiscus
Needles: Addi Lace size 6
Finished Size: 80" across the top, 45" down the center
Mods: Added pattern repeats until I ran out of yarn, then bound off.
I quickly moved on to my second shawl project and blocked it last night:Pattern: Lughnasadh Shawl by Renee Leverington
Yarn: MacKintosh Yarns Skye Lace Weight, color Morrigan
Needles: Addi Lace size 6
Finished Size: 72" across the top, 41" down the center
Mods: Added three repeats of the center stitch pattern in order to use up as much yarn as possible, and to help balance the design.
Here's a question for you: What do you think of superwash lace weight yarn? The Skye Lace Weight, while beautifully dyed and lovely to work with, is a superwash merino. I seem to be noticing a lot of superwash lace yarns floating around these days, and my question is: Why? You're not likely to toss your lace projects in the washing machine anyway, right? I mean, you have to block them out so you might as well soak them carefully before doing so. Are these yarns made to be used in lightweight garments, like Hannah Fettig's darling Featherweight Cardigan (for which I have the pattern and the yarn...just waiting to have the time)? I generally prefer to stay away from superwash yarns unless I'm knitting for someone else, but superwash lace weight? I'm confused. Any thoughts?
OK, back to the grindstone. I have to finish up a baby sweater I was hired to knit (so cute! I can't wait for it to be released so you can see it!), then I can get going on my third shawl. I'm really looking forward to this one--it's green! :D
Posts
8 comments:
Wow D, it actually looks good!
I'm super excited to find out what this ultra-top-secret project is. Is it next month yet?
Superwash laceweight is a no no.
Love!
I'm with the YarnDude. Superwash is not for lace weight.
oh wow, both shawls are stunning!! Great job. Shawls are so awesome, aren't they?!
- Julie
Shawl-o-rama! Very nice work.
Superwash lace - maybe people are using it for lacy creations for babies, who will inevitably spit up on them? And the moms can't be bothered to hand wash? Dunno. Must be a market out there or they wouldn't produce it.
How's your finger? Battle scar ready for showing off yet?
I wonder if superwash lace is more wearable - like maybe you can wrap it nicely around your neck and not worry about felting it with the collar or your coat or something?
What gorgeous shawls!! I tried to think of a reasonable explanation for the superwash lace...but couldn't. I guess for things like Featherweight it makes sense. But I can't imagine ever machine washing (i.e. not blocking) a lace item. Hmm...
Can't wait to hear about this top secret project you have going on!
I haven't come across much SW lace, but then again, lace isn't my forte, but something I'm just beginning to dabble with. I agree, though, that it doesn't make much sense. Your shawls look amazing!
The shawls are absolutely beautiful, and it seems that you are getting them done with impressive speed.
I agree with everyone else, no superwash lace weight! I only use superwash for socks.
Post a Comment