The shawl looks amazingly beautiful. What a lucky lucky friend she is. Oh, and what a lucky lucky friends baby as well. Can't want to hear more!

That was beautifully written.

It turned out beautifully, Stephanie! New-baby will be swaddled in style :)

Wonderful shawl...just gorgeous! Well done on finishing before the baby is born too...must be karma!

*gasp*

It's BEAUTIFUL.

And I'm sure Teresa is relieved. ;o)

(Did the cat sit on it, in the end?)

Wow.
Just, ... wow. That is amazing and beautiful. An heirloom for sure.
Good work!

I am a recent addict to your blog, and love your way of telling a story. Good job on the gorgeous shawl!

There is no such thing as an innocent black cat in the home of a knitter (we have two).

Now THAT is what a truly great knit blog post looks like. Beautiful knitting content, throw in some humor and then leave them weeping in their coffee. I've been rooting for you to get it done in time! Congrats on an in time (if not exactly timely) and beautiful shawl.

Beautiful! A work of art and love. If that's not going to entice the babe out into the world, I don't know what will!

That is absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful way to bring in a new person to the world. I love your blog, even if I can't knit a stitch!

Oooooooooo...

Pretty.

That's gorgeous, Steph! Now let that baby out!!

Oh my goodness.....it's gorgeous Steph. Many blessings to Theresa and baby snowflake :)

A truly beautiful shawl. It really blocked out wonderfully; I always worry a LITTLE about alpaca since it hasn't got the "give" of wool. Could we have a picture where we can see more clearly the progress from flake to flake? Pretty please?

Laurie

This is one of my favorite posts. Beautiful.

You blocked it in less than an hour? I can't even block a stupid 6" by 6" lace swatch in less than an hour. Maybe if I pretend I'm racing a baby ...

What a beautiful shawl and a lovely sentiment. Good luck to Teresa.

You are one dedicated and caring friend! And the shawl is absolutely lovely. Way to go. Perfectly fitting for a perfect baby.

Bravo! I can't believe you TOLD her that it was your fault she's still pregnant. She must be a very good friend. Or perhaps she's just too big and tired to reach anything heavy to throw at your head.

More likely she's so overwhelmed with gratitude at that stunningly beautiful and wonderfully creative peice of lacework that she might just forgive you. You sure are lucky you knit so nice. To be safe, though, you might want to move any paperweights or heavy lamps out of her immediate reach.

Beautiful, beautiful shawl. I'm actually envious of a not-even-born-yet baby.

So how many black cat hairs did you have to pick off of that gorgeous shawl?

Great job, Steph. Sitting back for news of the snowflake baby. :)

That was a seriously beautiful entry for a seriously beautiful shawl destined to be part of a seriously beautiful event.

Oh.My.God. That is without question the most beautiful shawl I have ever seen. Moreso I think for the obvious love that went into it.

You are SO worth making babies for. Warm thoughts and wishes out to Teresa for an imminent start to labour and a trouble free delivery of the lucky new person who will be wrapped in your testament to how special he/she is.

Awesome! Absolutely awesome! (both the shawl and you!)

Let the baby-birthin' begin!!!

The shawl is absolutely gorgeous. The baby is very lucky and is obviously waiting for you to rest now that it is done.

Stunning. Now come on out baby so you can be wrapped in a soft, airy shawl and loved by everyone.

Just perfect!

I am in awe. Of your inventiveness, of your knitting, of your writing, and of how good a friend you are. Teresa is truly lucky, although she may not acknoledge that until her ankles return to their normal size.

It must be a terrifying responsibility to wield such control over the birth of babies. Do you get together with Demeter and Flora and Hecuba and the other goddesses and just vent from time to time?

Love the shawl pattern. The balance of solid fabric and open spaces is extremely striking.

It's breathtaking, Stephanie, and will soon be totally outshone by the new baby it shelters. Congratulations on the finish! and best wishes with the next bit.

Spectacular, spectacular shawl/blanket!!! Did you make up the snowflakes?? Please, please, please chart them for us!!! We'll pay big bucks for the chart!!!

GAil

That is a really beautiful shawl.

On the other topic though...innocent black cat, my foot. You know she crawled all over it as soon as you were out of hearing range. ;)

Stunning work on the shawl, and best wishes to Teresa for a fast labor and a beautiful new addition to the family.

beautiful.

As they say in Québec, Wow!

(okay, I would add, que c'est beeeeellllllle...)

You have definitely just prevented yourself from becoming a knitting target for heavy objects. Nice save, Steph!

The baby will surely be happy to come now just to be wrapped in that wonderous creation. Breathtaking!

I am sitting here beaming! It's beautiful!
Now.. I know why my four were all late and had to be induced!! No one was knitting for them!
OI!
The chiropractor sure didn't mention that as one of the natural inducers of labour!
I'd have taken up knitting alot sooner!

I love the way you put that last part - can't wait to see who is in there. And, if whoever is in there look anything like the Snowdrop, he/she will be the best lookin' baby around. Next to Ambrynn, of course.
The shawl is gorgeous. Isn't it great when things work out like you want?

Your touching blog today was a testament to all of us to have more faith in ourselves. The very shawl that 4 days ago was causing worries about the ratty-factor, is today -- by your own admission (and we all agree)-- one of the best & most beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.

We have 2 black, 1 orange, 1 gray and 1 (mostly) white cats. I firmly believe they conspire with each other to decide who's going to lay on what for maximum impact. Because the blacks never lay on black stuff, the white on white, etc.

As pretty as the snowdrop shawl was, this one is even more spectacular. Is there a recipe for it coming out sometime in the future (please, please) somehow, somewhere?

I don't think that cat looks innocent. I think she looks like she's up to something.

Can't blame her for wanting to cuddle up on that incredible shawl, though .... it's a work of art.

Well done.

The shawl is beautiful! See? The snowflakes came out perfect as we all knew they would ;o)

That shawl is the most beautiful I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a few. Whoever is in there is going to treasure that forever-it is lovely.

Let 'er fly, Teresa ( I am so happy you spell your name the RIGHT way ;o) )!

I have no right to be reading your blog, woman, when I have been feeling all smug about mastering the Turkish stitch in lace knitting.

You knit some of the most fantastic and incredibly lovely & beautiful items. This shawl just brings tears of admiration to my eyes.

Goddamn.

beautiful! and promptly on time! Hurry up baby! we want to see you wrapped up in snowflakes!

That is Gorgeous! WOW!

On one hand, I'm REALLY glad no one (that I know of anyway) is knitting for my baby (17 days)...on the other hand, after reading your post, I REALLY wish I had someone knitting for this baby. I really wish I could have a midwife/doula/LC/knitter friend like you. Such lucky babies.
So when's the pattern being posted?! (I've only got 17 days, and 17 projects still in my basket--knitting basket, not baby basket, LOL).

Breathtaking! The babe will enjoy this, I'm sure!

It would almost be worth getting pregnant just to be the recipient of a shawl like that. Almost.

And thank you for your hilarious stories. You're a nut, dear, and I like you that way.

You have such a gift for writing... this was both funny and touching. :)

Baby? You listening, Lambie? This is your Auntie Rams (ewe'll notice the family connection in the names.) Listen. All those people trying to urge you along mean well, want to welcome you and get the party started (not to mention affording your mama a glimpse of her feet again.)

But you just roll over-- preferably without kicking any vital organ, bladder included -- and snuggle down for one more night, okay? Auntie Steph was up late getting ready for you, and if you let her get one good night's sleep I promise she'll catch you better. (I have it on good authority she's been known to go to sleep sitting up. Knitting. With double points. Cut her a break.)

So. One more night as a thank-you present for your magnificent blanket. And then parrrrrrrrtay!

Steph, it is gorgeous. I will admit I am surprised that you got it done despite ripping the sweater (the picture doesn't *quite* do it justice) and - ahem - a little lace problem? Perhaps Thersa should actually blame that last stretch mark on Emma?

What a lovely shawl-I'm truly amazed. Now to wrap it around a tiny newborn-that will be a sight to behold! Do get a pic for us!

Oh my goodness, those snowflakes are SO pretty!

Isn't it interesting that snowflakes are so pervasive in stranded knitting (esp. Norwegian sweaters) but rarely seen in other kinds of knitting? And lace is actually a perfect medium for them, judging by this shawl.

Quote Lynn

"It would almost be worth getting pregnant just to be the recipient of a shawl like that. Almost."

I second that. I would love to be the mother of the recepient of such loveliness.

Steph - I can't believe that you got it done so quickly, all the while knowing that it would be done on time.

Again, it is just stunning.

Oh my God, you have brought on such beautiful memories of those last days of pregnancy. (Clearly time has brainwashed me). Now I'm going to cry.

Lovely shawl, and post, Stephanie. (I may have to spin you some yarn.) Which book is the large snowflake from? It looks like it's from the Orenburg tradition, as does the edging.

The shawl is absolutely gorgeous. Now, Teresa, let's see the baby :)...the shawl is ready.

So, are you going to write up this pattern? I have some new fiber, the processor labeled it "Heaven in a Bag". Just sayin'.

See, it looks LOVELY now that it's blocked, not shabby at all! Now we will all be interested to see if this baby indeed arrives today!

Beautiful the shawl and the story.
C'mon baby....

Fabulous shawl! The snowflakes came out perfectly. I couldn't see them while in process. And Emma? I couldn't read on til I stopped laughing. I can SO relate to the two person sweater...or the 3/4 person sweater.

I'm sure Teresa's partner thanks you as much as Teresa will.

Beautiful shawl!

Absolutely breathtaking Stephanie! Anytime now Teresa the Harlot is done. I will look forward to hearing when the receipient arrives.

Oh, so lovely. I want to be -you- when I grow up.

Two questions...

1) You've said before that you usually block lace on your bed. Assuming you crawled into bed after the pinning, and assuming you didn't sleep on wet lace...where did you block this one?

2) Have you watched Firefly (specifically the episode titled "Heart of Gold"), or is your ability to quote it without having seen it a remarkable coincidence?

Gorgeous! And blocking in the middle of the night... I'm impressed. And now waiting for new of the baby...

Gorgeous! And blocking in the middle of the night... I'm impressed. Now waiting for news of the baby...

Beautiful! I do hope you will post the pattern... that is if poor Teresa ever has that kid!!

What a stunningly beautiful shawl!! That's one lucky baby, not just for the shawl but for the love that went into it. Please post the pattern. My niece is due in the spring and it will definitely take me that long.

Stunning. And I want to be a friend like you when I grow up.

The shawl is so beautiful that I emitted an exclamation of awe that may not have been work-appropriate.

Beautiful post, too. And I'm wishing Teresa a safe and healthy labor.

That shawl is stunning - and did the cat sit on it?

That is one achingly beautiful shawl. Simple as that.

Oh, that's beautiful.

Lucky, lucky baby.

Best wishes to Teresa for a quick and easy labour/delivery.

Liza {who wonders if someone knitting for them would have convinced her two to stay put until they were done cooking?}

Very beautiful. That sure is one lucky baby.
:)

We knew you cold do it---- and YOU did get a great post out of it---- now---- as for the whole- world revolves around Harlot issue......hmmmm we can skip it for today---- still busy looking at the pretty snowflakes----those would be my preferred type!;) many prayers for healthy babe- and mom----

That's got to be my favorite shawl yet- just stunning!

The shawl looks gorgeous!

But here's my question, as a mom of a 1-year-old, what about the puke factor? I mean, everyone is talking about wrapping the baby in this gorgeous thing, but what about when the baby emits fluid upon it? Washing? Reblocking????? Enlighten me. I know you have done these gorgeous shawls for other babies (like the Snowdrop), and there clearly is a big tradition of baby shawls, so someone must have solved this problem...

Awwwww, it's beee-yooo-fial. Does Teresa know there are hundreds of people out here, wishing her well? I can't wait to see the new baby wrapped up in it.

That is soooooo pretty!

Wooot! Beautiful shawl. I know the cat laid on it as soon as you walked away. I hope the birth does well and the baby and Mom are happy and healthy.

The shawl is lovely, and I'm sure the babe will be absolutely beautiful as well. Thoughts of happiness, relaxation and deep breathing go to Teresa and to you!

A thing of beauty is a joy to behold.

That goes for shawls, babies and preggos.

As beautiful as we all knew it would be! (So, has labor atarted yet?)

It is in the nature of cats to be up to something, and to look it. It is also in their nature to want maximum contrast, shedding-wise, and who can blame them? Think about it: you didn't photograph the shawl against a white background, did you? And why would you?

We once had a black cat, pure, witch's-friend black, but we soon discovered that she had a light gray undercoat that she kept handy for sleeping on dark-colored things.

Anyway: even though yesterday's picture prepared me, somewhat, I still lack words to tell you how exquisite is the finished shawl. Congratulations.

Since I can't talk you into a deal for Joe, how much for the pattern?

So, so beautiful. Hope you'll show us the equally beautiful baby cozied up in it.

How sweet. I cannot wait to hear that the little snowflake is here!

Dear Harlot--

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed this last column... working on my 4th baby here (only my 2nd since I've started 'yarning' as my husband calls it, since I both crochet and knit... don't kill me, but I love them both) and I only wish my yarning karma with babies and due dates were as good as yours. I had one unfinished blanket with my last child and I decided that this meant that this blanket just wasn't his. He's nearly two years old and I haven't decided whose blanket it is... I'm thinking maybe project linus can help me on that score... but since I'm on the pc, and confessing my flaws as a 'yarner', I may as well confess the most horrible sin of all...

I love cheap plastic yarn. Now don't get me wrong... I get pretty orgasmic over fine wool, cashmerino, cotton, and alpaca, and I own a serious stash of these magic fibers...

But I own much more Red-Heart super saver, Lion Brand Fun Fur, Jiffy, & Homespun, and Jamie Pompadour than I will ever own of the truly fiberific yarns... and I use them unapologetically and with great gusto, never apologizing to my friends or family, who are under the impression that I am a genius because I've made my daughter six pairs of those little fun-fur flip-flops and a TLC Amore hat with smiley faces all over it... but my problem here is this...

If you, who are Canadian and thus value the finer, more quality things in life are the Yarn-Harlot, does that mean that I, the cheaper, flashier, well, uhm, much fatter and self-indulgent American version of you, am the Red-Heart Ho?

Just curious...

Shanny Mac, the Red-Heart Ho.

Mother will turn into the human hosepipe when she sees that glorious piece of hard work and love. I don't think she'll contemplate violence at all. :)

I'm awestruck, Steph. That is such a gorgeous design. I really don't know how you manage to come up with so many beautiful ideas AND actually pull them off. Brava!

So ... is she in labor yet? ;)

Hmm. I wonder how much it takes to get a tubal reversed and then to work on becoming your new bestest friend? Would they even attempt a tubal reversal when I'm on the 'over' side of 50?? Off to call the doctor....

Dear Steph
Not only was i reading yesterday in your new book the chapter about baby blanket but here it is today - ready : such a nice blanket.. As i am not trying to convince myself that i can design one - do you believe that you could chart this one down for all your fellow knitters.. i would pay for it !!! Txs in advance.

Bee-you-ti-ful! I've never wanted to knit a (triangular) shawl before, but I'd love to knit this one. If you happen to post (or sell) a pattern, I'm sure there would be many appreciative knitters.

This is another one I had to pull my DH over to look at. It blocked out so nicely! Very very cool.
Monica

It's beautiful!! Let us know when the baby arrives! :)

Truly stunning, I'm sure Teresa's work will be at least as beautiful.

So, should I conclude that if you and i were really close friends and you were knitting for my kids, they might have waited the full 40 weeks instead of making their respective entrances a few weeks early? Hmmmmmmmm. It's kind of a tough call, trying to decide between a magnificent shawl or going a few weeks early. All kidding aside, it is a magnificent gift for a baby that will no doubt also be magnificent. You're a wonderful friend.

Oh my goodness. Both the letter and shawl are beautiful and how lucky you both are (you and Teresa not you and the shawl)to have each other. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. I came to your blog today hoping you had something to lift my spirits above kid squabbling, etc.,etc. and I must say you outdid yourself. Thank you, thank you. And best of luck with the little one. I am anticipating this birth with great excitement.

I now return to real life with a sense of peace.

I'm humbled. I wish I was a babe again so I could be wrapped in such beautiful and loving softness. I have new goals to knit to. Thank you.

By the way, your yarn familiar is a cutey!

Steph, your supernormal powers continue to amaze. What can you not do?

The shawl is a thing of beauty. Will you make me one, please? Thanks ever so.

that was by far the funniest blog entry i have ever read! i think i'll keep it and read it every now and then just for a laugh! thanks i needed that....

Where and WHEN will you make this pattern available???? It is TRULY STUNNING and I love the snowflake motifs. You are, as Joe has said, amazing!

Bea-you-ti-fulll!

And no cat is ever innocent. Take it from me.

It is truly gorgeous and amazing and now I'm completely jealous and want to knit one.

*gasp* what a beautiful shawl that is. bravo! & hope the delivery goes well!!

Way to beat the baby!

The shawl is just gorgeous.

Words just don't do that shawl justice.

Six years ago, I was knitting a lace shawl for my impending goddaughter. Never a patient person, I knit like a demon towards the end - I was worried about not making it and really bored by then. Finished a month before the due date (this was a first pregnancy and aren't they known for going over?) and borrowed Stephanie's floor for the blocking.

The shawl had just come back to me again when the labour started and although I'd previously thought Stephanie was a little nuts when she said the baby comes when the blanket is done, I had to concede the truth of it.

The shawl is STUNNING. I pray I someday achieve a fraction of your skill, Stephanie. And reading your letter to Theresa almost makes me want to be pregnant again - - - - ah.....nope, not even the prospect of getting one of your magnificent shawls would make me want to get pregnant again. Besides, I would have a heck of a lot to explain to my darling hubby.

The shawl is beautiful and I wish Theresa an uneventful labor and delivery (soon!)

it's beautiful! it's come a long way since the explanation of the snowstorm, and looks simply lovely. I do hope the snowflake is here shortly to enjoy it.

(you've given new meaning to knitting for babies, and hopefully my time on the obstetrics floor (starting next week!) will give me a chance to get some knitting and birthing in...)

Dear Ms. Yarn Harlot,

I found your blog about a month ago (new to the whole "blogging" thing) from a link of a link of a link etc. It was the best thing that happened to me in a long time. I've been away from knitting for about 25 years - learned as a kid, gave up in my teens - but I kept buying knitting books and magazines and saying one day....

Then I found your site and was amazed at the amount, and quality of your work, and I've never read anybody who could make me laugh, cry, cry because I was laughing so much all in one posting. I enjoy reading the comments as well, I feel like I know everybody...Rams, Roggey, the Lovely and Talented Laurie (you love her right?). I've been reading the archives, anyone who hasn't must go back to the beginning to learn about daughter's wearing too much mascara, being pulled over by the police and pulling out yarn, wine, yarn, yarn, wine. etc. You have inspired me to take up knitting again, I've never knit socks before but I did one, didn't like it, ripped out and tried a different pattern with greater success - I've got to the heel (I'm certainly not as prolific as you and my socks don't travel as much).

You made me cry today because the "Snowflake" shawl was so beautiful. Now I'm going to have to learn to knit lace (lace knit??). I'm sorry for the length of the entry but I've never written a "fan" letter before. Just wanted to thank you for the laughs and the inspiration - I'll be taking up spinning next. Geesh :)

So did Teresa have a girl or boy?

Did the cat sit on the Snowflake?

Do tell!!!!!

You know she's going to make you wait now, don't you?

Steph,
Poetically beautiful shawl and post, and lucky, lucky mom and baby. You are amazing.
Now, where's the pattern? ;~D

Go, baby, go! With that kind of bribery, who'd ever need an epidural? You're amazing and you do beautiful work. Can't wait to see the pattern!

Beautiful shawl. Lucky Lucky Baby. Fortunate expectant mother to have such a kind and considerate friend.
I will try and knit a beautiful baby shawl one day.

Stephanie,

It is beautiful -- though never as beautiful as a new baby! What joy to be surrounded by both. Teresa and family are so lucky -- as are you to share in the experience. Makes me seriously consider a lace shawl despite getting along with lace almost as must (gag!) as I love crochet. [No offence to those who love the 'c' thing; it just ain't me.]

Wishing Teresa an easy labour (now there's an oxymoron!!)
cs

I think for that Beautiful, Lovely shawl anyone would forgive you if they were a day over due! How could she not!

Wow - I bow to your superpowers.

Stephanie, that's an absolutely gorgeous shawl! Lucky Teresa, and lucky baby!

Oh, I feel like an idiot! No one told me it was the completion of KNITTING that brings on labor! I owe an apology to my doctor!

There I was, 17 years ago, so overdue and hugely pregnant that the cheeks of my arse hadn't seen each other in weeks, wildly waving a lovely, newly completed baby QUILT at him, asking what else I had to do to get to deliver!

I am completely awestruck. I've been a fan of your writing since first stumbling upon your humble home in the blog universe, but that baby shawl/blanket isn't just a snuggly comfort. It is truly a work of art. I am inspired once again. Are you sure that the knitting gods didn't have a hand in your conception?

I think the Wow has almost been adequately stated. Here, let me help emphasize the point: Oh wow. Oh my, oh wow. Wow.

I'm rather impressed. It's delicious.

So tomorrow, when you've had a good night's sleep and a cup or three of coffee and the call comes and you are there, and the house is full of magic and baby loveliness and hope, you will know the joy that is...

Introducing a new being to hand-knit alpaca.

Being an enabler can be a good thing. You just keep telling yourself that. :)

Love the shawl - told you it would be OK. Blocking works miracles!

Absolutely beautiful! What a lucky mom and babe. Think of the generations that will use this shawl--and the number of people you are touching with your love and craft--some as yet unborn. Amazing!

Absolutely gorgeous!

Wow that turned out just lovely. As usual I'm going to say what I always say: I love the edging. I'm an edging junkie I guess.

Ok, seriously...has anyone ever done a study to see how many knitters are owned by at least one black cat?

That second picture frightened me.

I think I'll do my own study. Email me privately (*dhershey(at)rochgrp(dotcom)with "Black Cat" in the Subject and I'll tally the numbers and post back here, if Steph doesn't mind.

We have four so far: Steph, Lucia, Emily, and moi.

This blog of yours has really captured my imagination. I read the entry yesterday, went to bed dreaming about shawls and babies and jumped on-line as soon as I could this morning--truly expecting to read about the birth. I hope she doesn't keep us all in suspense too long. I don't think I've been this excited about a birth since my own boys'!

'Though I may be a bit of a Luddite and certainly drug my heels getting on board with this whole blog thing, I have so enjoyed being a part of this community. You are so funny, your stories so real and moving, your knitting so inspiring. In short--brilliant! I thank you.

Wow - truley amazing shawl Steph! What a lucky baby! Blocking is so COOL - I had doubts when I saw it yesterday... but after blocking it looks so awesome. How dare I doubt the fabulous Harlot. It looks really great!

Steph--lovely work! If you ever get the chance to visit northern Michigan I'd love to meet you!

BEAUTIFUL!

I was thinking about this last night, and I got really concerned. You put snowflakes on this shawl. Has it snowed there yet? Are you making this baby wait until the first snow?!?!

What a beautiful, beautiful shawl!

This blog entry made me laugh till I cried and it was a well timed, much needed laugh.

Hurry and get the next book finished, please.

i cried

Cats and blocking lace-

My "Cappucino" and "Truffles" both love to sit/sleep on ANYTHING out of place- including blocking pieces-----i found a little kitty trick----after careful blocking----and pinning- i set a box fan next to the pieces--- set to low--blowing over piece--so it doesnt affect the blocking--- "Cino" and "Truffles-" don't like wind. ;) no sleepy kitties on my blocking!!!

I agree with Laura, are you making the baby wait for snowfall?!

What a gorgeous shawl and post! Steph, you are really awesome. C'mon Baby!

Beautiful shawl, I am sure that pregnant Teresa is pregnant no longer. Can't wait to meet Snowflake.
Teresa

I've been waiting eagerly the appearance of the finished shawl (and the baby, cause I'm a sucker for baby pictures, and I hope we get to see 'em). It's absolutely gorgeous (I'm sure the baby will be, too; though a slightly more red and wrinkly sort of gorgeous). I hope you post the pattern (for the shawl, not the baby).

oooh! so pretty! i LOVE snowflakes! damn! now i need that book!

Beautiful, so very beautiful. What a precious keepsake.

Stephanie, that is beautiful! Destined to become a family heirloom for sure. (I'm curious too, did the cat ever lay on it?)

Steph, I don't know which is more impressive: your incredible blanket or your touching birthday story about Joe. How wonderful to add so much beauty to the world and to get the support you need. Congrats on all the good work you do.