Granted, I started this one in 2012 ... the Sunday before we left for Ireland (that's October to be specific), with the completely misguided idea that I would be able to finish it before we left (in 5 days? Really?), or during the trip. Without saying much more, I think we can all figure out how this idea ended ...
But, I did love the yarn and the pattern I used, and I really wanted to finish it, so once all of the busy and crazy of the holiday season was finished, and I stopped being sick, I buckled down and got it finished. Of course, only when I blocked it did I realize that I had lost count a couple of times without realizing it, so the eyelet "spine" is crooked. I was not going to rip it all out and fix things, and to be honest, I was just proud that I finished it and couldn't wait to wear it.
Since it was my Ireland shawl, I gave it the name of the "Ath-Udair Shawl" Ath-Udair is Gaelic for "next time," and I know I'll take it with me and wear it on our next trip to Ireland ... whenever that may be.
Blocking, when I discovered the "oops!"
This shows the shading and lovely drape better
The details:
Project: Ath-Udair Shawl
Pattern: One from my head, but I'm sure the experienced knitters can take a look and see that it's a variation on many themes. At some point, I'd like to make another one, and write down what I actually did as I do it, in the event that anyone else wants to try it ... and so that hopefully, I can avoid the mistakes.
Yarn: Laines de Nord Romeo (colorway #215, primary color forest green), 1 skein
Needles: Size 11US
I truly do love this shawl! It's a nice size, and very cozy. I've gotten lots of compliments on it (and one person made a point to ask me if I knew there were mistakes, because there's always at least one, right?), and though the yarn is a bulky weight, the finished shawl is as light as a feather. I decided I'd knit until I was as close to the end of the ball as possible. After binding off, I had slightly less than 8 inches of yarn remaining!
Even if I don't make it to Ireland again anytime soon, I did work on this while we were there, so every time I see it or wear it, I think of our trip, and it makes me very happy. Which, when you think about it, should be why we knit anyway, right?
3 comments:
I think it is beautiful, and you knit memories into every stitch so it is even more special.
Hugs to you,
Meredith
Remarkable colors, and a beautiful shape. Quite envious.
Lovely! And I doubt you notice the "errors" while the shawl is in action. I made a "spined" shawl for Isobel when she was little and didn't use markers, so the center jumped a couple of times. Almost six years later and she still wears the shawl, albeit as a neckerchief now :)
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