Shawl Talk

One day last week, I had several long meetings at work - the kind that are perfect for knitting while listening. I finished one project, and started another.

This prayer shawl was an easy knit, based on a broken rib stitch. The yarn is Aslan Trends Ecolana, an alpaca merino blend. The shawl feels light, but - with that yummy blend - should be cozy and warm.

I washed & blocked it, to 21" x 71." Stretching and pinning it to that size, with nice even edges, was a bit of a pain, but the 'after' shawl looks much nicer than the 'before.' I have to believe it would be much easier with a set of blocking wires. Someday I'll buy a set, and then we'll see which really is the greater challenge: pinning and repinning the edges, or threading wires through wet yarn (there's always got to be some challenge!).

This is my first project with lace-weight yarn, so I chose what I hope will be a fairly simple pattern - the Free and Easy Pie Wedge Shawl, by Lorna Miser. With such a fine yarn, I figure it will take forever to knit, so this will be a good vacation project!

The other night, I watched an episode of Nature, a show about the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The exhibits look fascinating, and I admit that I am tempted to start a bucket list, just so I can put a visit to this aquarium on it!