First the knitting stuff....
Remember the Leaf lace shawl that I'd started, in purple Shetland wool? I'm pleased to say that it's doing quite well. It came off the needles this afternoon, and is currently soaking away in my sink.
The water was filthy. The yarn was full of lanolin and while it was intensively nourishing to my hands, it's going to leave a pretty nasty ring in my sink. I love working with shetland yarn. It blocks out so well and it's available in some many colours and so many different weights.
(Going to add some pictures when I've got it pinned out. Sorry, lighting is not so good to show this off)
I just took it out of the sink and one thing that I must remember, do not swish it around too vigourously or the shetland will felt. My shawl felted just a tiny bit, not the end of the world, but I am annoyed that after all that hard work, it's not perfect. It's pinned out at the moment, while the camera is getting a charge.
Non-knitting stuff
Did you catch Touching the Void on tv on Thursday? Wasn't it just the most amazing thing? It's a true story about 2 climbers that made it up the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes in 1985 and ran into trouble coming back down the mountain. Simon Yates attempted a one man mountain rescue of Joe Simpson, after Joe broke his leg. Under dire circumstances, he was forced to cut the rope with Joe on the other end. Joe survived the fall, and made it back down the rest of mountain by himself with a broken leg (that took 6 subsequent operations to correct). It was absolutely gripping. The human spirit's fight to survive. I need to go watch Kenneth Branagh's Shackleton again.
Posted by atu at November 7, 2004 07:43 PM | TrackBackAlways the last to the show, but . . . your shawl is spectacular! So lovely and light. Once again, you've inspired me.
Posted by: Ann at November 13, 2004 04:38 PMBeautiful shawl, I love the bead accents! I've been looking at the Estonian Garden wrap, and thinking that will be my year long project for me next year. Skacel has beautiful shrink resistant lace weight merino that is perfect for it.
Posted by: Gaile at November 11, 2004 07:53 PMhow do you knit these beautiful shawls so fast?? Amazing!
Posted by: Sharon at November 9, 2004 07:42 PMLovely shawl - it looks really pretty. I watched the film as well - very interesting. I thought it funny that on finally arriving back at the camp Joe became cross that they had burned his trousers! It's the little things....
Posted by: Anita at November 9, 2004 06:47 PMWhat beautiful lace knitting! Your knitting is an encouragement to give lace knitting a try. It'll be a nice break from just stockinette stitches.
Posted by: Sandy at November 9, 2004 02:51 PMAnother beautiful shawl Polly. How do you do it again and again? A beautiful colour too.
Posted by: Lesley at November 8, 2004 08:17 PMhahahaha swearing like a sailor... ALL FOR IT!!!
and seriously how the hell do you knit lace so fast and watching TV??
oh and I dont see the not perfect part either :P
Posted by: stinkerbell at November 8, 2004 05:14 PMSimply Lovely!
Posted by: Liz Boston at November 8, 2004 04:11 PMTV knitting??????????????????
that green person must be me.
Hi Polly, the shawl looks wonderful. I admire your patience and skill.
I enjoyed 'Touching the Void' too - tremendous story and very well filmed.
Posted by: Anne at November 8, 2004 01:14 PMHI Polly - The shawl is beautiful! If you don't mind, where did you find the pattern?
Can't watch those kind of movies, DH is a bit of ski mountaineerer and it's too close for comfort ;o}
beautiful! tv knitting? you make me want to cry ...
Posted by: kris at November 8, 2004 08:46 AMThe shawl is amazing, Polly. I love the idea of beads at the points.
Posted by: Susan at November 8, 2004 04:27 AMThe shawl is beautiful, Polly. I love the colour you have done it in, very rich. I'm sure that no one but you will ever spot the tiny bit of felting.
I wanted to see Touching the Void but came in from work just before 9 and promptly fell asleep in my chair!
Posted by: Louise at November 7, 2004 11:46 PMI am STILL thinking about it, at least I know help is at hand if or more likely when - I go wrong. If YOU can make a mistake, how can I possibly do it....
I saw the film at the cinema, even more impressive on the big screen,,,,,,
Posted by: Jill at November 7, 2004 11:22 PMHi Polly
It's beautiful! This is before the shawl's blocked? The lace is still standing out. I do believe that you've nearly persuaded Jill to give it a go!
I've knitted this too, in blue shetland jumper weight, but didn't take a photo before giving it to the recipient!
A very nice easy lace pattern and I'd knit this again if there weren't a million other shawls which I want to do!
Hi Polly - the shawl looks wonderful - I love the colour you've used. If you enjoyed the film, you should read some of Joe Simpson's books - he has had many more adventures and recounts them with great skill. As you say, a great exploration of the human spirit.
Posted by: Mary at November 7, 2004 09:59 PM