Ishbel by Ysolda Teague, in Malabrigo Lace Velvet Grapes
I've wanted to make mom a shawl for some time now, but couldn't picture her wearing something large or elaborate. The Ishbel pattern provided just the right amount of lacey goodness for her to drape around her neck come fall/winter. I've pretty much knit exclusively on this project for the last few weeks, and am pleased with the result - now it's back to some other neglected projects!
Thanks to my sister for modelling!
The yarn is Malabrigo Lace, in the color Velvet Grapes. It is so, so, soft and buttery to the touch... although I'm a bit wary of how it will wear being a single ply and all. In real life, the color is a bit darker and less red than photographed, and the variegation is more subtle. I knit the large sized stockinette portion of the pattern, and then did the smaller sized lace repeat. There was a fair bit of yarn left over, so I'm left wondering if I actually could have done the larger lace repeat, but I didn't want to risk running out!
I also uncharacteristically broke my "no more than three WIPs at a time" rule and cast on a sock. It just felt wrong not to have one on the go, especially since everything else I'm doing at the moment requires reading a chart. The yarn is Fleece Artist Merino Sock, which has been sitting in my stash for a while. Looking at the skein, I wasn't sure how the colors would work together, but as soon as I wound the ball everything clicked.
And... because I love New Brunswick so much, I thought I'd share a slice of Grand Manan (a fishery-based island off the Fundy coast). NB has unfortunately earned the nickname "the drive through province", because often people coming for vacation from outside the Maritimes will drive through it on their way to Nova Scotia and PEI. However, there is so much natural beauty and history to be found here as well! Consider Grand Manan: going there is like stepping back in time, to a simpler, untouched place. Although the trails are less well maintained than in provincial and national parks, there is ample scenic coastal hiking dotted with friendly handmade signs. It's a place that feeds the soul.
Old Smoke House, Seal Cove
Hike from Southern Head to Flocks of Sheep
Sunset at The Whistle, Grand Manan NB
4 comments:
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful weekend, and a gorgeous shawl to boot. Can't get much better than that! Thank you, thank you.
-Mom
I think I would love Grand Manan. Beautiful shawl, too!
Whew! On my first quick read-through of this post, I somehow thought you meant you knit your lovely shawl just while on Grand Manan. If that had been the case, I would have given you my entire yarn stash, and redirected my attention to something I might be able to do half as well as those who are good at it. Since I realized you meant that you finished your work in progress, I feel a little better. Lovely colour for your Mom -- and your sister!
Miss you,
Aunt Marie
Your Ishbel is lovely! I hope I don't run out of yarn. I ran into a major problem winding the Malabrigo lace and ended up with a big ball of mess. It took me 4 hours and I still have half a ball of knots left. I'm just hoping what I have wound is enough for the small version. *crosses fingers*
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