Kiri is done.. blocked and all the ends have been stitched in. The feel of ths shawl changes when you work it in the heavier yarns. It's warm and also a fast knit, cascade is definitely an easier yarn to work with than the kid silk haze. Cascade is also wonderfully soft and comes in about a gazillion shades. There were at least 3 shades of red to choose from. I want choice but too much choice can be a bit overwhelming and in the end, I asked a 10 year girl to pick 2 skeins of red cascade for me. In case, you're probably interested in the provenance of the yarn, it's from Yarn Connection, across the street from the Pierpont Library in New York. I always try and work in a visit here when I'm in NY. It's not the biggest shop, doesn't have the most stock, doesn't have the most interesting stock, but it's got a good mix, friendly and knowledgeable sales people and location-wise very convenient. I might not remember exactly where it is, but I can always hop a cab for the Pierpont Library and know that my yarn fix is just across the street.
The edging is done with a short-row shaping technique to emphasize the points on the sk2p. The edging was a 3 stitch garter, attached with a yo, k2tog with shawl edging, so the entire shawl had a 3 stitch edging for the border.
I'm not entirely satisfied with the center. It's symetrical, but I'm thinking that I ought to create one extra repeat to make the center come to a point.
Another close-up of the stitches.
Here's the whimsical shot. Kiri relaxing on my lavendar.
So how much of a shawl did I get with 2 skeins of cascade 220? After blocking, the width at the widest point is 54 inches and the depth from neck to point is 24 inches... a total of 90 'leaves'. I got 42 full 'leaves' before having to splice in the second ball of yarn.
Given the configuration :
Repeat 1: 2 leaves
Repeat 2: 4 leaves
Repeat 3: 6 leaves
Repeat 4: 8 leaves
.....etc.
Repeat 9: 18 leaves
Adding another skein of cascade will give you only 2 more repeats. (like, how I worked that out?) Like curtain making, you need to know the pattern repeats, so telling you exactly how many leaves is useless, because you have to know how many full leaves.
Now some of you might thing, this is a SHAWL not a scarf, but I beg to differ. It's a very small shawl, more scarf-like than shawl-like and can be worn like a cowl to keep head, ears and neck warm.... and Nancy Bush has a triangular scarf in Scarf Style and if she says that it's a scarf, who am I to disagree with her.
I'm curious what size needles you used when you made the Cascade 220 scarf -- did you change, or leave them the same?
What a fabulous shawl and such a great color choice!
Posted by: Eilene at February 25, 2005 01:51 AMMust start Kiri in the not-so-near-future! I love the pattern. You truly are a talented designer!
Posted by: Jen. at February 24, 2005 07:10 PMBeautiful! I'm so glad to see this in a heavier yarn because I was having such fits with mine in the lace weight that last night I started one in Lorna's Laces Shepard Sport. I thought it would be easier to get the feel for the pattern in the heavier yarn. I only have 2 hanks, so mine will be a scarf, too.
Posted by: Melisa at February 24, 2005 01:50 PMGreat shawl! Totally agree with your comments about Yarn Connection. I always have to remind myself to go there and when I do I always end up enhancing my stash! I believe they are located at 36st and Madison Avenue - 2nd floor.
Posted by: Susie at February 24, 2005 04:48 AMPolly, I just wanted to say thanks...I have recently gotten over my fear of lace and started a Kiri, and your instructions are so clear and easy to follow! I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of stitches on my needles (only about 257) and how many more I will have, but otherwise all is well. Thank you! Thank you!
Posted by: Cassie at February 24, 2005 04:26 AMOK, I can't resist Kiri any longer. Once I get my current shawl/scarf off the needles, I'm casting on with some Cascade 220. Are you willing to help when I get stuck on the edging???
Posted by: Susan at February 23, 2005 08:38 PMPolly that is just lovely. I don't usually go for shawl type scarves in a big way but I am drooling over that colour. Beautiful.
Posted by: Heather at February 23, 2005 08:14 PMShawl / Scarf / Whatever it is it looks gorgeous. Who knew that Cascade 220 would make such a beautiful object?
Posted by: kerrie at February 23, 2005 07:09 PMI think it's just lovely, Polly - the edging is so beautifully done and the colour is so uplifting at this time of year.
Posted by: Anita at February 23, 2005 04:04 PMhow very cool! and a bit more approachable than the kidsilk haze in my mind right now...
and frolicking in the lavendar (lavendar is for good luck you know :) is just beautiful!
I love it! I definitely have to start one, when i'm back from sleeve island :o) Thanks for sharing your experience of a heavier yarn, and less repeats - i may try this way.
Posted by: Stéphanie at February 23, 2005 09:54 AMWhat a lovely patch of brightness amongst all this cold, dreary weather!
Posted by: Tracy at February 23, 2005 08:28 AMwow, polly, that is beautiful!
Posted by: kris at February 23, 2005 08:06 AMi was just about to write exactly what louise did - it looks like a lovely red butterfly. i think your point about an extra leaf in the center is well made, but i do love the symmetrical quality of this. i adore cascade 220 - i made a sweater for my husband out if - the marled grey cascade 220. it's soft and wears beautifully.
bravo, polly
ph
beautiful
Posted by: mrspilkington at February 23, 2005 12:40 AMPolly that's gorgeous, and such a quick knit! (But you should be working on your sockapaloozer socks!)
Makes me want to pick up my shawl!
Dawn :)
Polly, this is just beautiful! Someone is going to be very lucky indeed to get this scarf. I love the photos you have taken of it, fantastic edging. And Kiri looks just like a large red butterfly resting on your lavender.
Posted by: Louise at February 22, 2005 11:31 PM