My MIL is also a knitter, so I knew she would appreciate the effort that goes into knitting lace. Five dollars from the purchase of the pattern also went to Haiti relief efforts and pair that with three skeins of Claudias handpainted fingering weight yarn and it was a no-brainer. The pattern was very clear to understand and each instruction is given in chart and written form. I started with the written instructions and after several tear backs I switched to the chart. It was much easier to follow. I did however, decide to use a life line (something I had only heard about from other knitters) which is a length of thread or yarn strung through a row of knitting so that when you tear it back the stitches are kept on the line and easy to pick up. I used two life lines about 5-7 rows apart, that way if I didn’t notice a mistake I would have two locations that were set and I could rip back to. The extra effort of setting the life lines was worth it. It relieved my anxiety about having to rip back.
I finished the shawl using with only 2 skeins instead of 3. I considered using the third but didn’t because I wouldn’t have been able to finish it by the time of her birthday. It seemed tiny before it was blocked and but blocking did wonders. I blocked it by submersing it into a cool tub of water and rolling into a towel, then using t-pins at each point and along the top. I really had to stretch it and it was still a little smaller than the pattern dimensions, but I was pleased with the results. Next time I’ll use that third skein.
She loved the gift. Unfortunately not an hour after opening it a bottle of balsamic vinegar fell off the shelf and splattered it with brown. I thought I might be sick. I immediately put it into cold water and soaked it with a little laundry detergent and it came out!
I will definitely make another Brandywine Shawl. But first, I’m jumping on the Baktus bandwagon….
Happy Knitting and Happy Mother’s Days
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