I've rounded the second corner and steadily approaching the third corner. I swear if life or death was involved in getting this shawl done, I'd be a goner. There are still 38 more repeats to go!
I've improved on the initial 28 minutes to do one repeat (15 minutes knitting, 10 minutes, unpicking and counting the stitches, 3 minutes cursing like a sailor) to now 15 minutes a repeat (it helps to not have to stop, frog and mutter some colourful expletive in a non-English language). It also helps to put it down when tired because theose yo's can get a bit tricky.
Can I say interminable? I don't know how she does it. It does go a lot faster after I memorised the the edging pattern, but still ... it's starting to feel like Chinese water torture. Wendy managed to finish the edging of her Inky Dinky Spider shawl in a weekend. I wonder if Lucy's been helping?
Oh, aside from working with Rowan Denim, here's another good reason for a navy blue sofa... the perfect backdrop for photographing a light colour lace shawl! I didn't even have to ask to borrow Amelia's dad.
...and
because I was tagged by
Finally, tomorrow (Aug 19th) is my second blog birthday. As with previous blog birthday, there will be a yarn drawing. This year, it'll be a bag (10 balls) of Rowan 4 ply cotton in sage, perfect for making Martha from Rowan 37 in the largest size with some to spare, should you wish to lengthen the body or sleeves). I'll post a photo of the yarn, tomorrow. If you'll like to take part in the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment in this post. I'm drawing on Sunday night at 18:00 BST. I wish all of you participating good luck and thank you all for coming by and visiting ATU.
Added 19 August
Happy blog-birthday!
Posted by: Ana at August 24, 2005 02:38 PMHappy blog-birthday!
Posted by: Ana at August 24, 2005 02:38 PMHappy blog-birthday!
Posted by: Ana at August 24, 2005 02:37 PMJust downloaded the pattern for Kiri and wanted to say thanks for having this available, this will be my first shawl which i am doing in my handspun cashmere/angora/silk mix im spinning just now, really looking forward to making this, finaly something pretty & indulgent just for me !
Happy Birthday !
&
Again, many thanks
Angela
Posted by: Angela at August 23, 2005 12:13 AMTypical!
Late as usual.
Happy blog birthday xx
Hi! Happy Anniversary. Your shawl is beautiful. Someone else here said she was going to start Kiri soon (when she found yarn): I am, too, though I have some Kidsilk Haze. I'm just waiting until I get recover from my last KHL lace project. Thanks for the great pattern.
Posted by: Hope at August 21, 2005 02:25 PMCONGRATULATIONS! I enjoy your blog with my morning coffee and thank you for the Kiri pattern. My first lace endeavor was the simple Meadow Flowers Shawl in The Knitters Stash and I'm working my way up to Kiri. However, I'll never get as far up the lace scale as your beautiful knitting...it's gorgeous
Posted by: Pam at August 21, 2005 11:52 AMHappy Blog Birthday, Polly! Your inbox must be groaning with the weight of all these comments!
The shawl is exquisite - it will be well worth the interminable hours.
Posted by: Anita at August 21, 2005 09:23 AMTina is looking good! So much patience, more than I have at the moment.
Posted by: Susan at August 21, 2005 08:08 AMHappy Blog Birthday Polly! Maybe this year I'll get to London to knit with you and all at Liberty!
Posted by: Stacie at August 21, 2005 07:04 AMHappy Anniversary! I'm fairly new to your blog, and I'm trying to find "the perfect" yarn for your Kiri which will be my first laceknitting project other than socks! The one you're working on now is To Die For. Keep writing, and knitting, of course!
Posted by: Jacky at August 21, 2005 06:44 AMHappy Anniversary! I've enjoyed watching your projects progress. You're a great knitter!
Posted by: Un My at August 21, 2005 06:23 AMAw Polly, don't enter me in the contest, fer heaven's sake, but puLEASE accept my warmest superhappy blogiversary wishes... Your latest shawl has me scratching my head in wonderment. Just gorgeous. And of course, I await the blocking part of your story with bated breath . . . xoxoxoxooxox
Posted by: Ann at August 21, 2005 05:26 AMDelurking to enter! That shawl is absolutely incredible -- I'm in awe of your skill and patience.
Posted by: Brynne at August 21, 2005 03:52 AMGorgeous knitting!
Posted by: Jill Schaefer at August 21, 2005 02:26 AMHappy 2nd Blog-versary! I come and read often, I have been having my eye on Kiri for a while. Hopefully I will be able to knit her soon!
Posted by: Heather at August 20, 2005 11:53 PMHappy Blog Birthday! Your sit is a joy to read, with hopefully many more years to come! I particularly love reading about your travels with knitting! :)
Posted by: Heathre at August 20, 2005 11:30 PMHappy blog birthday,
I have been reading you're blog for a while now.
You're shawl looks great!
Posted by: Knittacia at August 20, 2005 10:38 PMCongratulations on your blog birthday!
p.s. I too believe in Lucy's super powers
Happy Blogbirthday to you,
Happy Blogbirthday to you,
Happy Blogbirthday dear Polly,
Happy Blogbirthday to you!
What a beautiful shawl. I can't imagine how much time it must take to make this one. It's gorgeous!
I enjoy reading your blog - and I have to send you a HUGE thank you for the beautiful Kiri pattttern. I have now completed two of them. One in sock weight merino and one in the Kidsilk Haze. Another one is about to be born.
Posted by: Joanne Williamson at August 20, 2005 08:37 PMHappy Blog Birthday! I've really enjoyed reading and seeing what you're up to!
Posted by: barbara at August 20, 2005 07:57 PMI know exactly how you feel about that shawl. But even if it doesn't feel like it will ever end, it will. And then you will miss it.
Posted by: Emily at August 20, 2005 07:11 PMhappy blog-versary!
Posted by: maeve at August 20, 2005 06:15 PMI don't know how I stumbled upon your wonderful blog but for sure I'll be back!
Posted by: stephanie at August 20, 2005 06:12 PMAbsolutely gorgeous shawl. I am afraid to attempt something that delicate. Beautiful work!
Posted by: Dawne at August 20, 2005 06:02 PMI can only dream of being skilled enough to knit a shawl one day so I salute you and your obvious skills and await the result!
P.S Happy Blogaversary! Two years is good going!
Polly, you are such a sweetie. I'm enjoying Kiri immensely. I hope you don't give out red envelopes on your birthday, too. That is only for OLD Chinese folk.
Posted by: Daisy at August 20, 2005 04:45 PMYour shawl is beautiful. I'm a daily reader of your blog.
Posted by: Sue at August 20, 2005 02:59 PMBest to you Polly and ATU! If I had to choose only one blog to read, ATU would be the one:) Monica
Posted by: Monica at August 20, 2005 02:48 PMMany happy returns on your Blogiversary! I so enjoy all the lovely knitting you do - it has inspired (and enabled) me on many occasions. I've been lacing this summer, too. Just finished Sivia Harding's Faroese Shetland Garden Shawl in a hand-dyed soy silk. An excellent knit!
Posted by: Carol at August 20, 2005 02:36 PMHappy blog birthday!
I've Kiri-ed too, mine was blue and great fun. I'm just about to dye some lace weight yarn for some unspecified future project which definately won't be a Tina. I look at Wendy's Inky Dinky Spider and I know that I'm not ready for that either!
Posted by: Caroline Morris at August 20, 2005 02:05 PMHappy blog birthday....
Yours were the first blog I found, and it opened my eyes to the fantastic world of knitting on the internet.... Thanks.
May you get many more blogbirthdays ..
IDA
This is STUNNING! Well done.
Posted by: shewhowatches at August 20, 2005 12:41 PMHappy blog birthday! Loving your shawl - it looks fantastic!!!
Posted by: Jill H at August 20, 2005 11:42 AMHartelijk gefeliciteerd (congratulations) on your second year in blogland!
Your shawl is gorgeous. I am sure it will be lovely when you finish it. :)
Posted by: jaya at August 20, 2005 07:31 AMMore loveliness. Kiri has me stumped for now, but i am not calling "Uncle" just yet! Happy Blogaversary from the southwest US.
Posted by: Katy at August 20, 2005 05:49 AMHappy blog birthday from another American ex-pat. Love the lace shawl. Learning to love cricket (the swearing I learned while knitting lace comes in handy). Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi,oi,oy(vey).
Wow! Your shawl is gorgeous. I can't wait to see it blocked. I am also a lurker and have just finished blocking my first lace project...Kiri. I think it turned out beautiful and it was such a wondeful pattern to knit. I thought it was great for a beginner because now I'm not intimidated by the thought of knitting from a chart. I enjoyed it so much I'm ready to start another. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful pattern with all of us.
Posted by: Yvonne at August 20, 2005 03:52 AMLovely shawl - and so quick too! Happy blog B-day - always enjoy seeing your work.
Posted by: Katie at August 20, 2005 03:34 AMBeautiful shawl! Happy birthday to your blog!
Posted by: Christine Blaser at August 20, 2005 02:24 AMHappy Blog Birthday! Here's hoping all the good wishes will help you beat back that shawl. ;)
Posted by: Stacy at August 19, 2005 11:58 PMPolly,
Congrats on your 2nd anniversary/birthday. Celebrated my own birthday on the 17th - some of it was done with yarn purchases a few days earlier at Stitches Midwest.
Love the new shawl photos!
Fantastic shawl ... and happy 2nd blog-a-versery! How generous of you to give a fellow knitaholic a gift on your occasion! Here's to a speedy finish to your shawl.
Posted by: Robin at August 19, 2005 10:13 PMYour shawl is stunning!! How can you keep from stopping all the time while knitting it, just to look at it in awe? ;o)
HAPPY blog-a-versary...I often think about how knit blogging is a wonderful phenomenon, it erases the borders and people interconnect across these no longer existing borders because of their obsession, knitting! :o)
Not being one to turn down an opportunity to get my paws on some new yarn... Actually no, I wanted to post to tell you that should you ever want to borrow my father, you are more than welcome to. Come to think of it, he might be up for a new daughter...
Posted by: Amelia at August 19, 2005 08:52 PMThat shawl is spectacular, I'm planning on making your Kiri later this year when I've finished all my current projects (!) it will be the first shawl I've attempted and my first proper lace, I'm nervous, but have long been inspired by your beautiful work. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Purlpower at August 19, 2005 07:57 PMCongrats on the blog birthday! The shawl is beautiful!
Posted by: Robyn at August 19, 2005 07:52 PMHappy blog b-day!
Posted by: Laina at August 19, 2005 07:41 PMI'm impressed. My few attempts at lacy shawls were complete tangles. Not at all salvageable. I lack the total focus and indefatigueable attitude required.
Posted by: susan at August 19, 2005 07:08 PMHappy Blog-Birthday! I am knitting Kiri right now (she's sitting in my lap as I type) and am truly enjoying the pattern. Thank you!
Posted by: DebbieB at August 19, 2005 06:52 PMGorgeous shawl!!! Happy blog birthday! Yours is one of my favorite blogs.
Posted by: Amie at August 19, 2005 05:54 PMHappy blogiversary! I mean it as a compliment when I say that it seems like you've been around forever!
Posted by: joy at August 19, 2005 05:43 PMHappy blogiversary Polly! I always enjoy reading your posts and getting a glimpse of the English (French, Welsh...) countryside with your travel posts. I hope to be reading it for years to come!
Posted by: Tish at August 19, 2005 05:19 PMWow! What a (sneaky) interesting way to get people to comment! Love your blog, and happy blogiversary. Your shawl is beautiful. I've started one, but the going is so slow I'm wondering how in hell people finish theirs so fast. Good Luck to me in the drawing!
Posted by: Mary at August 19, 2005 05:13 PMWow! Your shawl is gorgeous. Congrats on the blogiversary.
Posted by: pilot6283 at August 19, 2005 05:06 PMHappy Blog Birthday! What a gorgeous shawl!
Posted by: Charlotte at August 19, 2005 05:05 PMLucky me--I checked your blog on a day I can enter for a drawing!
Happy birthday to you and your blog!
I can't wait to see your finished shawl--it's going to be soooo beautiful!
--Judy
Posted by: Judy at August 19, 2005 04:54 PMHappy blogiversary! 2 years is exciting! I love your shawl. It is really beautiful. Perhaps when my children are back in school I can attempt to try another shawl.
Posted by: Michelle at August 19, 2005 04:51 PMHappy blogiversary. :D
That shawl is going to be pretty when it's finished.
Posted by: Tracy at August 19, 2005 04:42 PMI don't think I fully appreciated how beautiful that shawl is until right now, seeing it against the very dark background. Drat, I may have to place an order now. ;-)
P.S. Happy blogiversary!
Posted by: Beth S. at August 19, 2005 04:32 PMlove your blog and i'm looking forward to embarking on my first kiri once i'm finished with christmas gifts. keep up the good work!
Posted by: elaine at August 19, 2005 04:28 PMBeautiful shawl, it is amazing !!! Happy blog anniversary, I visit daily !!!!!
Posted by: kimberley at August 19, 2005 04:10 PMYour shawl is amazing! I don't know how YOU do it! Happy blogniversary!!
Posted by: Siow Chin at August 19, 2005 04:09 PMHi Polly, Congratulations on the shawl and the anniversary. Is this the christening shawl from earlier this year? It is lovely.
Posted by: Judith at August 19, 2005 04:00 PMHappy Blog Birthday!
By the way, your blog was the first that I ever started reading.
Beautiful shawl - I need to try making one!
Posted by: Susie at August 19, 2005 03:27 PMHappy Blogiversary!
Posted by: Danielle at August 19, 2005 03:26 PMHappy 2nd bloggaversary...
Your knitting is a real inspiration. I start to tremble just thinking about knitting lace!
Posted by: Michelle at August 19, 2005 03:24 PMHi Polly,
Sorry if it's in the archives, I couldn't find it - what pattern are you using for that gorgeous shawl?
Posted by: June at August 19, 2005 03:18 PMWOW!!! You give us beginner/beginner-intermidiate knitters something to put on our "want to do that" list :) I love the color - shows the design so well. Congrats on your blog bday!
Posted by: denise at August 19, 2005 03:14 PMYour shawl looks amazing! You'll be finished in no time I bet. Enjoy your blog much, happy blog-iversary.
Posted by: Heather at August 19, 2005 02:57 PMHappy Bloggerversry!!
OMG!! My favorite yarn and color I've been meaning to knit up Martha!!!! Just haven';t had the time to cast on yet...
That shawl is Absolutley beautiful!!!! Almost there....;o))) Will be on the Vineyard SUnday but good luck with the drawing I hope I win! I hope I win!! I'll be praying!! Good luck!
Oh my...that shawl is gorgeous! Although i would expect nothing less!
happy blog birthday!
Posted by: jacqueline at August 19, 2005 02:52 PMI love your shawl.I found your site a short time ago and look at it everyday. Beauitful work.
Jennifer in Canada
Posted by: jennifer at August 19, 2005 02:33 PMHappy Blog birthday! Hope to meet up with you at Liberty's one of these days. That shawl looks awesome.
Posted by: Anne at August 19, 2005 02:29 PMIs that Tina you are knitting? It's on my list of things to knit, but unfortunately that list is quite long and Tina's not near the top right now.
Posted by: Jody at August 19, 2005 02:18 PMI only recently found your blog, but have been enjoying it very much. You are a wonderful knitter, as well as writer and photographer. And prolific...I could never finish so many projects in one year!
Posted by: patti at August 19, 2005 02:17 PMPolly, the shawl is gorgeous! Is it for someone special or are you treating yourself? Which pattern is it? I've yet to do Kiri, but it is on my "to do" list.
Happy blog birthday!
Posted by: Helen Lockhart at August 19, 2005 01:33 PMI don't know how you have the patience to do those shawls AT ALL...the yarn is so thin! I gave up on Branching Out in laceweight after an hour of fighting with it just to get through the first repeat. The shawl is beautiful, and you do great work.
Posted by: Leigha at August 19, 2005 01:30 PMLove the shawl!
Happy Birthday!
What an absolutely beautiful shawl!
Happy blog birthday!
Happy Blogiversary and many, many more to follow I hope. It's an absolute pleasure to visit your blog and watch in total awe as you knit away, definitely a knitting hero!
Posted by: Tracy at August 19, 2005 01:10 PMBeautiful shawl. I've been thinking about using denim yarn for some time now and you've just convinced me it's worthwhile. So beautiful.
Posted by: Julia at August 19, 2005 12:55 PMI have benefitted from your kindness enough! And furthermore been dazzled by your FO's!
Yup must send out the holla Polly Happy blogiversary siren call for the par-tay :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at August 19, 2005 12:45 PMWow - 43 comments. Looks as though lots of people are lining up for the "drawing". Beautiful shawl Polly, you are really such a patient knitter and, as usual, the workmanship is perfect.
Posted by: Lesley at August 19, 2005 12:35 PMA very very happy Blog-i-versary, dear Polly. And if it makes you feel any better, I wanted to main, disfigure, or kill someone while I was knitting the freaking border on my Tina. My Inky Dinky stole had the border knitted along with the body, so when I finished the body of the stole, all I had to was to knit the edging across the bottom. If it had been otherwise, I think I would now be locked up in an asylum for the terminally befuddled. Whimpering.
Posted by: Wendy at August 19, 2005 12:20 PMWould this be a shameless attempt to get a massive amount of comments ;)
I love the shawl - and I don't know how SHE does it either!
Posted by: AmyP at August 19, 2005 12:14 PMHappy birthday to your blog, thank you for showing your fantastic knitting.
Posted by: Violaine (vvivi) at August 19, 2005 12:08 PMHappy Blog Birthday ATU,
your shawl is amazing.
Congratulations on the anniversary of your wonderful blog. Yours is the first one I started reading on a daily basis. I loved your blog title! Your shawl looks beautiful even without blocking. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Posted by: Sheila at August 19, 2005 11:28 AMHappy 2nd blog birthday to ATU! Amazing lace shawl, and what a jewel it will be...only one last line left, and i am impressed by your productivity.
Posted by: Stéphanie at August 19, 2005 10:43 AMThat shawl is fabbo! I think it will be a while before my lace gets that complicated though, I'm still having to really concentrate on Kiri and I'm on the 8th repeat! I have no idea how people say that they memorise lace patterns, doesn't happen for me, I need reminding all the time what I'm supposed to do!
Happy blog Birthday!
Anna
Posted by: Anna at August 19, 2005 09:53 AMhappy blog birthday!!! I don't leave much comments but I read your blog every day, it's great!
Posted by: Kim at August 19, 2005 09:25 AMcongratulations on your blogiversary! and polly i have to say that lace is just gorgeous, what pattern is it?
Posted by: anna at August 19, 2005 09:17 AMWhat a lovely shawl-wish I had the patience!
Happy blogday!! 2 years, I'm coming up to 6months.
I'm just about to start on the FMB, just looking for the right yarn as I'm in the UK.
Posted by: Nic at August 19, 2005 08:22 AMWhat a lovely shawl-wish I had the patience!
Happy blogday!! 2 years, I'm coming up to 6months.
I'm just about to start on the FMB, just looking for the right yarn as I'm in the UK.
Posted by: Nic at August 19, 2005 08:22 AMHappy blog anniversary! I love your shawl but would never have the patience to knit that. Lace and me have never got on and there would be far more than 3 minutes of expletives for every repeat if I was to attempt this.
Posted by: Marie-france at August 19, 2005 07:43 AMPolly will you please teach me the curses so that my lace can look as good as yours!
Have a fantastic blog birthday!!
Posted by: Yvonne at August 19, 2005 07:40 AMHappy 2 year blog birthday!!!!!! And the lace is so amazing! Wow, I'm very impressed!
Posted by: Rachel at August 19, 2005 07:30 AMHappy second blog-o-versary! I've been reading your blog for some time now and I'm halfway through a Kiri Shawl for my nana. Happy knitting!
Posted by: Gabby Kang at August 19, 2005 07:25 AMThe shawl is beautiful! Happy 2nd bloggiversary. :) I've enjoyed reading you.
Posted by: Kristel at August 19, 2005 06:43 AMLong time blog-stalked, first time commenter. Happy Blog-iversary!!! You should know that you are the reason I learned to knit. I was helping my niece research a project in the fall of 2003 and accidently came across your French Market Bag over at Knitty. I fell in love and begged a friend to teach me to knit. I've been hooked ever since. Tragically, I have yet to knit the FMB but I am planning to buy the yarn for it soon. Thanks, Polly!!
Posted by: Kristy at August 19, 2005 06:21 AMHappy 2nd Birthday Polly!!
Wishing for many more happy knitting years!!
I just found your site - what beautiful lace! And I know, that Wendy is awe-inspiring. (I also love the baby booties in your header!)
Happy blog-a-versary,
Ingrid in WI, USA
Your shawl is breathtaking! Thanks for letting us in on what actually goes on when knitting lace. I have a tangled mess formerly known as Birch. I'm now going to start with River first. Wish me luck!
Posted by: Cruz at August 19, 2005 04:16 AMHappy 2nd Blogiversary! Beautiful lace!
Posted by: eyeleen at August 19, 2005 03:58 AMI am amazed at all the Lace I've been seeing lately. It's lovely!
Happy Blog-Birthday!
Posted by: Liz at August 19, 2005 03:35 AMI am amazed at the lace work I've been seeing lately. It's lovely!
Happy blog-Birthday!
Posted by: at August 19, 2005 03:34 AMHappy 2nd blog anniversary. The shawl looks very delicate and lovely. Enjoy.
Posted by: Pauline at August 19, 2005 03:05 AMBeautiful, stunning shawl!!! I'm just about ready to start on Kiri and I'm really excited about it! Thanks for a great pattern and Happy Blogaversary!
Posted by: chris at August 19, 2005 03:03 AMAbsolutely beautiful shawl!! I can't wait to see it when it's finished and blocked.
Posted by: Jenny at August 19, 2005 02:51 AMBeautiful. I commend you on your perseverance. I did a test swatch of the field of flowers shawl from Knitters stash & got bored with the edging after 3 repeats.
Your shawl looks like it will be lovely to cuddle with.
Tina is looking lovely but the edgings are a killer!
Happy Blog-day to you.
Posted by: Angela at August 19, 2005 01:48 AMHappy blog-birthday to you. The shawl is lovely!
Posted by: PumpkinMama at August 19, 2005 01:45 AMHappy blirgthday 2 ewe! Your lace is stunning. I very much enjoy all your photos in the garden.
Posted by: Paddy at August 19, 2005 01:08 AMHappy Blog Birthday! I love your work - am just about to start a Kiri.
I'm curious, I've not knitted a square shawl before. Are you only knitting along one side at a time? I can't really see where the active edge is.
OMG, that shawl is glorious. Your own pattern or...?
Posted by: Toni at August 19, 2005 12:52 AMYour shawl is just glorious. Your description of the unpicking and cursing made me smile broadly, but I'm sure that you never said anything worse than a "botheration".
A very happy blog birthday to you.
Posted by: Louise at August 19, 2005 12:38 AMHappy Blogiversary! I've enjoyed reading you since I started reading knitblogs. The shawl looks gorgeous!
Posted by: Anne at August 19, 2005 12:38 AMAbsolutely Fabulous shawl!
Posted by: Brooke at August 19, 2005 12:34 AMWOW!! Your shawl is GORGEOUS!!!!!! Beautiful!! Can't wait to see it finished!! What pattern is that? Happy 2nd BlogBirthday!
Posted by: KIm at August 19, 2005 12:30 AMWOW---The shawl is drop dead gorgeous!!!!
Happy blog anniversary to you !!
I've been lurking for a while too. You do a nice job.
Janice
Ooooh that really is pretty - very nice work!
Posted by: terry at August 19, 2005 12:21 AMI have been in lurking around, and currently working on Kiri. Its been a breeze except for a few "operations" which consisted of dropping and picking up stitches. Will be up for the French market bag for my first felting project.
Lastly I would like to wish u Happy Second Blogiversary in advance!
Posted by: Lois at August 19, 2005 12:15 AMPolly, that is the loveliest shawl I have ever seen. I often look at laceknitting and think how skilful it is, but it rarely makes me want to do it. This one does.
Posted by: Linda at August 18, 2005 11:51 PMBeautiful!!! What knid of yarn are you using?
Posted by: Khebhin at August 18, 2005 11:50 PM