Friday, May 31, 2013

Finished Object Friday

Pattern: Summer Flies by Holly and Ella Knits

Yarn: Shelridge Farms Soft Touch DK in Navy

Needle Size: US 8 (5 mm)

Modifications: I followed the notes on Thetanull's project page to add one additional butterfly section and one additional ridged eyelet section for a larger shawl. I also added three additional pattern rows to the knotted openwork section. My ruffle edge is two rows shorter than written as I ran out of yarn.

Comments: I love this pattern! It's really thoroughly explained and clearly written - it'd make a good choice for someone just starting out in lace. The butterflies are distinct and clear, the ridged eyelet provides wonderful architectural detail, and the knotted openwork is fab. Really, all I could think while knitting was where else could I add some knotted openwork? Maybe in socks?

The shawl knits up very quickly in DK - I started mine of Sunday evening and finished it on Thursday evening! Imagine!  A shawl in less than a week! I hesitated about the wisdom of knitting a shawl in DK weight yarn. The knitted fabric felt really dense and heavy on the needles, butit blocked out beautifully. I was really afraid it was going to more of a blanket than a shawl :o

After knitting a pullover from this yarn last year I had one full skein leftover. Returning it was not an option as I had bought it at a fiber festival. Instead I determined to buy one more skein from the same vendor at this year's festival to make this shawl. Minutes after I emailed Lyn at Shelridge Farms with my dyelot number and a message to explain my plan, she emailed back that she'd snagged the last skein for me and would put it aside. How lucky was that?

With the modifications to enlarge the shawl, I used every inch of both skeins as well as several yards of a tiny leftover ball from last year's pullover. Another game of yarn chicken played and won! While knitting I really hadn't thought I'd be cutting it so close, but the ruffle edge starts with KFB in every stitch, and then that picot bind-off eats yarn!

It's Finished Object Friday over at Tami's Amis. Pinch me - I can't believe mine is finished! WOOHOO! Take some time, click through the links and let's see who else is celebrating!


20 comments:

Evelyn said...

What a beautiful finished object ~ I especially love that you knit this summer shawl in such a rich blue. Enjoy wearing it.

Renee Anne said...

Gorgeous!

Carmela Biscuit said...

Oh, my, every time I see this pattern done I want to cast it on. Beautiful!!! Great choice of color.

Barbara at Knitting | Work in Progress said...

Lovely shawl, and as Evelyn notes, very distinctive in rich blue. Nicely done, as always.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

I knew you could do it! And it looks fabulous. Great colour.

I have a couple of heavier (DK and worsted) lace shawls - and they are great for cooler days - super cozy, but not too bulky.

Unknown said...

It's beautiful. Such a lovely pattern and a yummy shade of yarn

Janet said...

Beautiful shawl in a beautiful blue yarn. I have Summer Flies in my favorites and now that I've seen yours it's been moved to the queue.

Anonymous said...

Simply beautiful!

I love when you use up all the yarn with very little leftover, BUT it can be a little nerve-wracking there towards the end.

Glad you had enough yarn. ;-)

unionjgirl said...

That's gorgeous, I love that pattern, I've made it twice myself.

Anonymous said...

Simply gorgeous and well done on getting it complete against the clock.

Unknown said...

This looks fabulous in a darker yarn! And I love thicker shawls, they finish up that much quicker and are perfect for overly-air-conditioned-office-wear and outwear in fall/spring.

Kim said...

Stunning......simply stunning!
*smiles*

Maria said...

It's beautiful!

Elisabeth Andree said...

Stunningly beautiful again, love the things you make!

Babajeza said...

Great shawl! Have a nice weekend. Regula

bookworm-Mary said...

Wow! I love the richness of the color! And I'm impressed that you made it larger, and STILL finished it in least than a week! Now I'm hunting for a DK weight to knit this in!

HillyT said...

That is so lovely, the colour works beautifully with the pattern.

Stefanie said...

Tis is a terrific shawl! I believe I have this faved on Rav. I love how you knitted it in something a bit heavier than lace weight yarn. I love the deep blue. I didn't know there were butterflies in the st pattern.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous!!!!

katie metzroth said...

ohhhhh. that is lovely!