Wavering Heart
Pattern: Fragile Heart by Boo Knits
Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist Fino in Plum Wine
Needles: US 6, 7, 8
Project Page
Still, it just didn't seem right. I couldn't make up my mind about anything, so I just started knitting to see how I felt. Then I got to the lace part and couldn't decide whether to bead it. When I decided to get beads, I couldn't decide what beads to get. When I got to the pattern repeat, I couldn't decide whether to repeat. Then when I got into the border and realized I should have done the repeat, I couldn't decide whether to rip back or try to repeat the border twice. When I got to the end of the repeat, my decisions were all made for me: the stitch count wasn't right for a second border repeat and I didn't want to use that many more beads on the damned thing anyway.
Then, I washed it and hung it up to block it--another dilemma: pin flat or hang it like I do all my shawls? Again, a decision made by circumstances: my blocking stuff was locked in a room with John, who was studying and wouldn't like to be disturbed. :) And then I went to check on it (it dried really fast!) and instantly fell in love!Really, what's not to love? I'm sorry I wasn't so fond of you in the beginning, shawl. You are a very nice shawl.
My Thursday night knitting group (who had seen the waffling and hemming and hawing for the past few weeks) marveled at it and scolded me for second-guessing. I deserved it. :) I think my biggest question about it was whether I'd wear such a shallow shawl, but I have all day and it's perfect for summer, when my Bridgewater or fingering weight shawls are just too heavy.
The pattern is a little confusing, but after I sat down and read through the whole thing a couple of times, I understood it. I should have done the pattern repeat at least once more to use up my yarn, but I really do like its size now. In fact, since I think I have enough for another, I'm probably going to make it again, this time without beads. I may give it away. My friend Jane called dibs. :)
Lesson learned: just because you aren't sure doesn't mean you should stop. I'm sure you've had patterns like that too?
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For all that wavering, your shawl sure turned out lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I lucked out!
Deletesometimes we either just need to let the whole thing go and end up like it will, or just slow down. its beautiful, i love the way it has become its own project!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thank you!
DeleteIt's gorgeous
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThis is such a lovely project, especially for left over yarn. I'm definitely going to queue this one for if I ever get into lace. The beading is particularly pretty!
ReplyDeleteYou haven't gotten into lace yet?! Girl, you better get on that! :)
DeleteI have for sure had patterns where I thought it was going to end very very badly...and then all of a sudden it comes out beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteI've had the opposite happen too, so this kind of surprise is much better!
DeleteYour shawl is lovely! I love the beads. That's something on my knitting bucket list that I've never gotten around to trying. I should really make it a priority!
ReplyDeleteThanks! You should! It really changes a knitted garment.
Deletehaha! i've had very similar experiences! your shawl turned out lovely. sometimes i appreciate lovely FO's all the more for being frustrating while in progress.
ReplyDeleteIts really beautiful. I guess its a bit like when you don't feel like going to a party, but you make yourself go and then just have the best night ever! That's your shawl :)
ReplyDeleteI have a question. I bought the pattern for the fragile heart shawl, and the body directions are confusing me. Did you do both the garter stitch body and the stocking stitch body, or do you just pick one? I may be able to make this thing if I can figure that out!
ReplyDeleteYou just pick one. It confused the hell out of me too. :)
DeleteThank you so much! I am excited to try this out!
DeleteI have one other question on the pattern if you can help me. What does kyok mean? I have tried looking everywhere, and even taken some classes, but it is alluding me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou knit into the stitch, without taking it off the needle, then do a yarn-over and knit into the stitch again (this time taking it off the needle). I'm not sure I like it, but I guess if you have to increase three stitches that's probably the best way to do it!
DeleteThank you so much for all of your help on the shawl. Here is the link to mine that I finally finished!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ravelry.com/projects/swimchickmle/fragile-heart