Sonnenblume

Sonnenblume-complete (7)

I just love how this shawl drapes on the shoulders. It stays in place even without a shawl pin. I am glad I made the petite version which for me is the perfect length for wearing this time of year when a light weight shoulder covering is all that is needed. It took every bit of 100g (2 skeins) of Classic Merino Lace. The larger version calls for a third skein.

Sonnenblume-complete (1)

The shaping is unusual and flattering. I doesn’t draw unwanted attention to places where you would rather not draw attention, if you know what I mean. Winking smile

Sonnenblume-complete (2)

This shawl was a fun knit once I got past the annoying provisional cast on parts, but that is just me. I dislike doing provisional cast-ons in general as I mentioned when I was starting this shawl. The 713 stitch bind off was a bit of a haul but worth every stitch.

Sonnenblume-complete (3)

It was a challenge to block the unusual shape but Anne gave helpful tips in the ebook  that was included in the FIFC (2012) club version. If you don’t have that fuller version, suffice it to say many pins will be used, with the judicious use of blocking wires for the sections between the “corners”. I pinned the top neck edge first, then temporary pins to stretch out the six corner points starting with the two down the back then the two at the top and last the sides. After that I re-adjusted these until maximum extension was reached and then I used wires to pull out the leaf points on the straight sections between corners. Finally I pinned out the rest of the top edging points. More adjusting of pins until I was sick of messing with it and called it good. Smile

HoneyCowl (1)

Oh, and here’s my Honey Cowl. I think this will be my “go to” cowl this winter.

New Projects

20160621_113802

Well I survived not only one but two provisional cast on incidents in the process of starting the knitting of Sonnenblume. It nearly killed me a few times and more than a few un-lady-like words were uttered but it is smooth sailing now.

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I have also been making preparations for dyeing a bunch of yarn to restock for the late summer and fall festivals. I mentioned I am going to add a couple new colors and here are the sample skeins as a sneak preview. I am calling them Paprika and Peacock. Both are a bit more muted in person than what I see on my screen. They will be replacing Azure and Pumpkin Spice which are colors I have had in my line from the beginning, so ten years. I will have all the yarn in my inventory in those colors on clearance price very soon. More on that later.

Okay I am going to get some knitting done. See you soon!