Friday, November 24, 2006

Progress on my Lacy Pi Shawl



I've finished the section with 48 rounds and 244 sts on my Pi shawl. The pattern is a variation on the Horseshoe pattern. It looks nice, and I'm very happy with it. I started the next section, 577 stitches and 96 rounds, and am now using my second skein of yarn. I chose a variation of Old Shell, a 6 round repeat. I read that the wider repeat should reduce the waviness in Old Shell.

I weighed my skein before I started this section, and there were 8 grams left. I knit 6 rounds and added my new skein. I guess I will get about 36 rounds from this skein of yarn. (skein = 50 gram. 50/8 = 6.26, 6x6 = 36)

I have 3 skeins left, and my basic plan is to save the 3rd skein for the knit on edge. My theory is that each stitch on the pi shawl will get 2 rows of the knit on edge. If I get 36 rounds from each skein, then an edge with 18 stitches should use up most of the last skein.

As an additional safeguard, once I choose my edging, I will knit 2 or 3 repeats, unravel and measure how much I used. I can multiply, and compare to the yardage in the skein. I'll need to remember to knit 2 rounds plain before starting the edge, so I can adjust the number of stitches in my pi to fit the number of rows in the edging.

Knitter's info: Knit Picks Shadow, 100% Merino Wool, Oregon Coast, 50 grams, 440 yards, Lace Weight yarn, #5 US needles.

Monday, November 13, 2006

A Little Slice of Pi


Christmas knitting is done; I am even caught up with my SamplerM. I was compelled to start something new, I couldn't help myself. I have plenty of UFOs and yarn for baby hats, but I heard the lace weight yarn calling my name.
I had a hard time deciding what shape shawl I wanted, what pattern to use, and which stitches were within my capabilities. Yesterday I stopped dithering and cast on for a Pi Shawl, after picking 3 of the simplest lace patterns I could find. I want to make a simple shawl, and then decide if I need to knit a lacy, spectacular shawl like I see on other knitters' blogs.
The camera never lies. You can see the loose stitches from knitting on dpns. It will have to block out or pass the galloping horse test. I have already frogged once, (without a lifeline!) and can't bring myself to frog again.
I love the color, but freely admit that it is basically the color of dirt. Sandy dirt. Dusty dirt. Summertime dirt in my toes dirt. I love this yarn! I can't see variegation in the skein, but I can see muted changes when I spread my knitting out in natural light. You can see how much darker it is after my last increase, the stitches aren't stretched as much after I doubled. I am watching closely to see when it changes back to the lighter colors.
Here's the obligatory knitting information: Knit Picks Shadow, Oregon Coast, #5 needles. I'm 9 rounds into the 144 stitch section, 15 rounds to go. My first pattern is one of the many flavors of Cat's Paw Stitch. I'm thinking of the 2 cats in my life as I knit this section. Blessings to Ollie and Kisar, I'm thinking of you!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Almost Done!


I turned the heel and knitted heel flaps last week, and have been working on miles and miles of k2p2 ribbing. I even switched to 00s after the heel flap and knitted for 30 rounds, bless DS's skinny little ankles. @*#$&!!

Last night I took a deep breath, and decided it was time to start the k1p1 rib. Too short or not, the socks should be done by tomorrow night. Whew. I am so tired of gray. I threw the socks on one of our flower gardens for their picture. I love the bright red and orange leaves from our maple tree, and they contrast so nicely with the socks.

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