My rendition of the Birch Shawl is done. It took me a long time to get the pictures sorted. The light colour of the yarn, overcast skies amd wind all conspired to ruin the Sunday photo-shoot.
More than once, I arranged for pictures, when a gust of wind blew it the darn thing out of position. Kid silk haze is so light and delicate that even a small gust really got her moving.
To finally get some definition on the lace, I hunted down a dark blue blanket.
The difference between a light and dark background is so clear in these photos.
Here's a close-up of the neck edge and the birch pattern. The pattern forms squarish leaves.
This should give you a sense of the dimensions. The shawl is over 6 feet wide. (The fence panel is 6 feet wide)
But, so light, I can string it onto the branches of this plum tree without worrying about damaging the branches.
I've decided to name this pattern Kiri. According to Rowanette Carol, the ferm (which this pattern is based on), is New Zealand's national emblem. The only Maori name that I could find was Kiri and I wasn't sure how Ms Te Kanawa would feed about having a shawl named after her, but I found Kiri easier to spell than Maori (is it pronounced as May-OR-ri or More-RI)
And just for Tink, a few frolicking pictures.
And the question that all girls ask, do you think my backside looks big in this? (heehee, you don't have to answer that)
I'll post the pattern tomorrow, I just can't stomach Microsoft Word formatting hell at the moment.
Absolutely gorgeous shawl. I am in awe.
Posted by: Mickey at December 3, 2004 03:40 AMPolly it is beautiful. It looks wonderful.
Posted by: Sarah at December 2, 2004 12:00 PMThat shawl is absolutely stunning. You can almost feel the softness through the monitor. Beautiful work! You should be very proud!
Posted by: Jean at December 2, 2004 10:55 AMyour computer is formatted now ? *drool* *drool*
can't wait to have the pattern....
It's gorgeous! I can't wait for the pattern... I have 2 balls of KSH waiting for this!
Posted by: MJ at November 29, 2004 09:28 PMoops i mean stuff and not staff sorry bye that
Posted by: monique at November 29, 2004 07:29 PMkiri is the sauce! she turned out beautifully...the kid silk is divine.
I love that color especially.
Posted by: heather at November 29, 2004 05:38 PMabsolutly beautyful thank's for all the pics
wow lovely great...congratulations kiri is an succesfull staff..
Wow, your shawl is absolutely fabulous. Just stunning! Enjoy wearing it!!!
Posted by: Eilene at November 29, 2004 01:21 PM1. GORGEOUS,
2. YEAH you are in the photo this time, even prettier on you!!!
3. How the hell did you know that I watched Dirty Dancing on TF1 last week??
and 4. Sistah you want to share MS Word formatting stories, I will bring the wine!
:)
Posted by: stinkerbell at November 29, 2004 10:51 AMI'm sure Kiri would be honoured! I just wish it was cold enough here in NZ to justify making such a beautiful shawl.
Posted by: Sally at November 29, 2004 10:08 AMWhat a great series of photos! The shawl is just beautiful!
Posted by: Louise A. at November 29, 2004 09:48 AMSooooo beautiful, Polly!!!
Posted by: Marta at November 29, 2004 08:27 AMIts absolutely gorgeous and great photos
Posted by: yvette at November 29, 2004 06:51 AMWow oh Wow!
You are a knitting genius!!!I am not worthy!! As the shawl gives such good bum coverage I shall definitely have to make it! Hee hee!
That's a beautiful shawl and I love the neckdown construction as it'll mean it can be knitted in any yarn, to any dimension preferred! Can't wait to see the pattern.
Posted by: Siow Chin at November 29, 2004 06:27 AMGorgeous! Nuff said.
Posted by: chris at November 29, 2004 03:29 AMI think that Kiri is the most beautiful lace I have ever seen. How many balls of Kid Silk did it take after all? I would love the pattern.
Posted by: Leslie at November 29, 2004 03:10 AMI think that Kiri is the most beautiful lace I have ever seen. How many balls of Kid Silk did it take after all? I would love the pattern.
Posted by: Leslie at November 29, 2004 03:09 AMThat's really gorgeous. I've been thinking of doing a shawl with Kid Silk Haze - now I 'm thinking even harder.
"Maori" is pronounces Maa- ore-ree - but when said fast enough it becomes " more- ree" and Kiri is a great Maori name.
The maori version of my name is Moana.
Mona
Posted by: Mona at November 29, 2004 02:53 AMWOW - that is a *gorgeous* shawl! [Puh-leez - your backside look big in a shawl? I can't even *see* your backside!] :D Looking forward to the pattern!
Posted by: Alysia at November 29, 2004 02:49 AMThat is such a beautiful shawl. It's such a gorgeous color. I can't wait to try your pattern.
Posted by: eyeleen at November 29, 2004 02:14 AMAnd no, it doesn't make your butt look big!!!!!
Posted by: Kay at November 29, 2004 01:46 AMWhat a treat to see all these pictures--the Many Moods of Maori, I mean Kiri!
Dame Kiri would be proud--somebody should tell her, in case she knits!
The bag is wonderful, also, nesting in the hydrangea! And your tale of putting together all those shower favors reminds me, of me. Why am I always putting together raffia & cellophane packets???? love, Kay
xoxoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay at November 29, 2004 01:45 AMKiri looks great.
I know the pattern as the Shetland Candleflame, but as they say here in DK 'popular child has many names.'
Hugs,
Thos.
This shawl is an absolute must do, can't wait for the pattern. Thanks for all the beautiful photographs, Polly.
Posted by: Louise at November 29, 2004 12:03 AMIt's simply amazing. Lovely! I too am looking forward to your pattern notes.
Great job, Polly.
Posted by: Annie at November 28, 2004 10:25 PMWow ! Fabulous.Really beautiful.I agree that this is an improvement on the original,which is a bit pointy - as well as being a pain to cast on ! I will definately knit this one.
The pics are fab,and your 'bum' looks neat and petite in that...
:0)
Posted by: Emma at November 28, 2004 09:23 PMIt's stunning Polly and, I think, a vast improvement on the original - love the scalloped edges and the green shade is much prettier than I first thought. Birch Mk2 definitely on my short list.
Maori - MA-OR-REE is about as close as I can get. I didn't realise the design was based on the Silver Fern - which can be seen on every All Black jersey!
Posted by: Lesley at November 28, 2004 09:14 PMI've just got to get me one of those! The colour looks far softer that I thought as well. I agree with Jill, I'd prefer to start with fewer stitches. The question is, do I buy more KSH or try and use something from the stash? My cheque card is quivering at the thought.
Posted by: Tracy at November 28, 2004 08:31 PMPolly,
Super super gorgeous.... lovely photos too.
Impossible to take those kind of photos here at the moment....snow, cold and dark
I think I am ready for my third birch....
Love
Kristine
yep can't wait neither to see the famous pattern...
I tried and tried again, I think I found how-to do but the result of my essays were dramatic...
I'm expecting forward to reading this pattern !!
Thank you for teasing us ....
wonderful job. !
Polly - your Kiri is gorgeous! I was put off the original Birch with the HUGE cast ons, but I'm much more likely to give it a shot with your version - I'd rather start with fewer stitches and increase as I get to know the pattern! May be an after Christmas project though! Well done!
Posted by: Jill H at November 28, 2004 07:59 PMBeautifully done! I can't wait to read the pattern and cast on...I took my first Birch attempt off the needles as soon as you mentioned you were doing this. I think I like the size of your better than the original.
Posted by: Jackie at November 28, 2004 07:27 PM