(It had to be said.) Yesterday Peacock Feathers got a tepid soak, and then the festival of pins started. The shawl fit, if I put the long top edge diagonally, onto our queen-sized bed. (I did start early in the day so as to not have a damp bed on the evening of my anniversary. I thought that just wouldn't say "I love you" quite the way I wanted to.)
Big shawl. Blocking wires (I use and like Handworks Dressing Wires) went along the top to get a nice straight edge, and I had to use four of them to manage. I pinned out each scallop and crochet chain loop individually. I did try just putting more wires through the loops to avoid the pinning, but it didn't give me the beautiful deep scallops I was looking for, and besides, once you're in this deep with a project it just didn't seem right to skimp on the finishing. (That lesson, not to cop out at the end, is one that improved my knitting a lot once I learned it, which was embarrassingly late into my knitting career, but there you go.) I didn't block it severely, just as little as I could to show off the pattern.
Pin-o-rama. Pinfest. Pinoptic. Passels of Pins. Profuse Piles of Pins. Pins-o-Plenty.
The shawl reposed there, pinned to our duvet until it was dry - or more properly that it lay there until we went upstairs at bedtime after drinking a bottle of anniversary champagne and I was all "Oh, hold on. Let me just entirely kill the mood by removing 200 pins from our marital bed. One moment." (To his credit, Joe laughed.)
I loved knitting this shawl. To be sure, it's a big one, coming in at just about the size that the pattern predicted. (Good call on my part with the gentle blocking.)
Pretty, pretty, pretty.
On the Fiddlesticks website, Dorothy says that this shawl is recommended for "experienced intermediate knitters" and I'd agree with her. The Fiddlesticks charts remain the best in the business, and her instructions are very clear and concise, and if you're looking to move up to a big piece of lace after working some simple things, this would be a good place to start. Challenging, but good.
That said, if you're just starting with lace, unless your the sort who doesn't mind a challenge and learns quickly, you're probably going to find a couple of things difficult. Firstly, there's a lot of charts. They're good charts, and easy to read, but you're going to need to read them. This pattern doesn't have an easily memorized pattern (mostly because you're knitting a picture), and even if you do get the hang, once you do, you're off to a new chart.
A secondary challenge is presented by the charts themselves. Only the chart to the centre point is given. When you reach the centre, after reading the chart row right to left, you then work the charts reading left to right, reversing the decreases. I don't find this difficult at all, not even a little, but everybody has a different sort of brain. (I think you could get around that really easily by scanning and reversing the charts, and taping the two sides together, if you had a brain that resisted the effort.)
Besides that, the only challenge is that this is a big and fiddly project, which only makes me adore it more, since it only gives you a better lace high when you're done.
Absolutely worth every single moment. (Even the cast off - since, wow. It's perfect.)
Pattern: The Peacock Feathers Shawl, from Fiddlesticks Knitting. Yarn: 50/50 wool/silk from Perchance to knit, in the Midnight Rainbow/Harlot's Peacock colourway. It took 108g of yarn - or just less than 4oz. Knit on a 3.5mm needle, showed off in my Mother-in-law's beautiful back garden.
Posted by Stephanie at October 1, 2008 5:09 PMabsolutely. gorgeous!
Posted by: Molly at October 1, 2008 5:12 PMWow! It is Perfect... and could it be? Am I actually the first to respond to a Yarn Harlot post?
Posted by: Krystina at October 1, 2008 5:13 PMBeautiful shawl your brain works better than mine to get yourself around all those charts
Posted by: Linda Gutowski at October 1, 2008 5:14 PMOMG, that is gorgeous!!
Posted by: Marlyn at October 1, 2008 5:16 PMThat is truly lovely!
Posted by: amy in michigan at October 1, 2008 5:16 PMThat shawl is stunning and the yarn you picked is perfect for it. The colors...so lovely.
I just hope you did not lose any pins in the bed - that is the kind of thing I would do.
Happy Anniversary.
Simply said --- exquisite!
Posted by: Kathe at October 1, 2008 5:20 PMI am focusing on the lovely knitting. I am focusing on the absolutely gorgeous knitting and I am NOT going to make a damp-marital-bed-anniversary joke.
Posted by: Marin at October 1, 2008 5:21 PMThat is an aboslutely beautiful shawl. Those are the kinds of shawls that suck me in and make me really want to knit lace. :) Someday...
Posted by: LittleWit at October 1, 2008 5:22 PMOh, you temptress vixen you! How am I going to keep myself from rushing off to that website, for heaven's sake?
Posted by: GeekKnitter at October 1, 2008 5:22 PMWow! Absolutely stunning!
Posted by: Amanda at October 1, 2008 5:22 PMYou forgot a "plethora of pins".
Posted by: KnittingInMind at October 1, 2008 5:23 PMIt's gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
Congratulations on finishing it!
Posted by: Dragon at October 1, 2008 5:24 PMIt's stunning! Stunning -- and ginormous!
Posted by: Sarah at October 1, 2008 5:24 PMGorgeous! And you're giving it to the ever-patient Joe for an anniversary present, aren't you? He's tall; the shawl's big - I guessed correctly, right? I bet he's just tickled pink. (does he have any single uncles?)
Posted by: Lynn at October 1, 2008 5:26 PMJust gorgeous! Congratulations on two very happy years. My hubby and I celebrate our 2nd this weekend as well - cheers!
Posted by: Muriel at October 1, 2008 5:26 PMawesome-azing!
happy governmental anniversary!
Simply scrumptious!
Posted by: Mya at October 1, 2008 5:27 PMOn not copping out at the end: Yes! I've only just learnt this myself, actually. And what I've found is that when my intention is to finish well, I start better. (Like, um, swatching!) Like you, it's taken me a long time to learn this lesson. Hope we all have plenty of good knitting years left :)
Posted by: Max at October 1, 2008 5:27 PMStunning.
Posted by: Crissy in Oregon at October 1, 2008 5:28 PM(To his credit, Joe laughed.)
And that is part of why you married him. That and the holding shawls in uncomfortable positions so a good photo of the pattern can get taken.
It is gorgeous. Very lovely and useful color that in no way resembles my first refrigerator.
Wow. Just. Stunning. That is all...
Posted by: KittyMommy at October 1, 2008 5:32 PMWOW.............I wish I had the patience to knit something like that. It's magnificent. I might have tried if there was a smaller size. Thanks for sharing.
Janet MF
Oh, it is LOVELY!! Sincere, envious, and utter admiration to both you and the designer!
Ooooooh! And again: OOooooh! I'm trying to work up to that level of Ooooh. Serious.
Congrats on shawl, Anniversary, and Joe :)
Posted by: Marjorie/California at October 1, 2008 5:33 PMWow! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Kat with a K at October 1, 2008 5:36 PMSomeday...
Posted by: Norma at October 1, 2008 5:36 PMGorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and there's punnet of pins....
Posted by: susetheslowknitta at October 1, 2008 5:37 PMWoooooow. So preeeettyyy.
Stupid sweaters that I have to stupid finish before I can find more lace to knit...
Beauty!
Posted by: Cath at October 1, 2008 5:38 PMWhat a gorgeous garden to model it in! (And who's the dude with the cute butt?) :)
Posted by: Bee at October 1, 2008 5:39 PMBeautifully done! This was actually the first thing I ever ever did with lace. I had no idea what I was getting into!! It was so beautiful though that I was very inspired to make it through. And by the end I could tink like a champ. And knew the value of a lifeline.
Again, well done!
Posted by: Teresa at October 1, 2008 5:39 PMThat is beautiful!
And I am dumfounded at what an understatement that is!
Mostly I see the pattern of the lace itself.
But then the light catches it another way and I see the beautiful colors in the yarn!
You did good!
Posted by: Johann at October 1, 2008 5:39 PMWOW! Must de-lurk to express my admiration for this project. Thanks for the inspiration to think BIG!
Posted by: Elisabeth at October 1, 2008 5:42 PMAaaaahhhh, Stephanie. Another shawl so beautiful, yowza, those colours, has me nearly weeping. Joe is such a swell sport :^) Carole has a Beautiful yard.
Posted by: marianne at October 1, 2008 5:44 PMIt is beautiful! For some reason, I thought it was going to be a lot bigger. I'm glad it fits, it is so pretty!
Posted by: knittingkel at October 1, 2008 5:44 PMWow. Definitely a wow.
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson at October 1, 2008 5:45 PMAbsolutely beautiful. Having just started working with lace, I admit that the "lace high" is very addictive. Joe is such a good sport.
Posted by: samoofish at October 1, 2008 5:46 PMOMG-beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! Gorgeous pattern (will add to my Ravelry list) and a simply scrumptious yarn. It is the drfinition or elegance.
....oh and did I say, it's beautiful!!
~margaret
Beautiful!!
Posted by: --Deb at October 1, 2008 5:47 PM"definition of elegance"-sorry I was gobsmacked by it's beauty...
Posted by: margaret at October 1, 2008 5:48 PMStunningly gorgeous! I really, really want a COMPLETED one!! Anyone want to volunteer???? Wear yours EVERYWHERE and GLORY in it!
Posted by: Brendastitches at October 1, 2008 5:49 PMA masterpiece! Will it be with you at Rhinebeck? I'd love to see it in person!
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Trish at October 1, 2008 5:51 PMwhoever said gobsmacked above has it just right! gobsmacked! that is some serious loveliness.
Posted by: joyce at October 1, 2008 5:54 PMAbsolutely stunning.
I also like Sivia Harding's patterns as she writes them well, too.
Happy Anniversary, and many more.
Posted by: Joanne, The Canuck in Colorado at October 1, 2008 5:54 PMWow - that's really beautiful. I mean, just stunning. A great garden.
oh yeah, the shawl's nice too. And Joe does have a cute butt.
I'm not tempted to follow you down the lace knitting path (I've just taken up quilting, which is another time consuming hobby) but that doesn't stop me appreciating a quality job of shawl making when I see it. Well done.
Beautiful.
Posted by: payge at October 1, 2008 5:58 PMLove it. Absolutely love it. It's beautiful!
And happy anniversary :)
Posted by: Jocelyn at October 1, 2008 6:02 PMI'm assuming you wouldn't let anyone but Joe force that beauty to assume The Position against the garage wall, but he's pushing my never-firm grip on the known universe. Glasses? Okay,look, here are the rules. Long hair, glasses okay. But short hair AND glasses? Witness protection program?
Please. It's like seeing Spock with rounded ears.
And smiling.
(That shawl needs an Occasion.)
Posted by: rams at October 1, 2008 6:02 PMAwesome! I love the yarn it is exactly like a peacock's coloring.
Posted by: HAW at October 1, 2008 6:03 PMWow. That was just about all she could say. Wow.
(One of our favorite kid-book quotes, from Lily's Purple Plastic Purse.)
Posted by: amy at October 1, 2008 6:03 PMHard to decide what to give you more cleverness points for...knitting that glorious shawl, or marrying a man who'd find a bedload of pins laugh-worthy. Well done on both counts!
Posted by: Christine at October 1, 2008 6:07 PMI can only hope you found all the pins.
Posted by: Deb at October 1, 2008 6:07 PMStunning! Utterly stunning. I love that yarn too. The colorway is absolutely perfect. Up close you can see all the colors but from far away it's a lovely dark colored shawl. Gorgeous.
By the way, thanks for finally giving a name to that euphoric feeling I get when I finish a lace project. Lace high. I never knew what to call it. I only knew that I felt it. Thanks again.
Now I'm off to check out the fiddlesticks website. I treated myself to some gorgeous midnight blue lace weight and it's screaming at me that it wants to be a shawl RIGHT NOW!!!!
Lovely! Hey! Joe cut his hair. (No, it's not stalkerish at all that I noticed that, I swear.)
Posted by: Carrie at October 1, 2008 6:09 PMIn two words: beauti. Ful. It´s beautiful. Beautiful. I can´t repeat it enough. Congratulations on the anniversary and on the shawl. And it isn´t THAT huge in the end, it fits perfectly, doesn´t it?
Posted by: Ana at October 1, 2008 6:13 PMAbsolutely gorgeous. And just the right yarn for it!
Posted by: VickiB at October 1, 2008 6:14 PMI love that you both modeled the shawl for your readers while celebrating your anniversary. It's absolutely glorious. A peacock in the garden.
Posted by: AlisonH at October 1, 2008 6:14 PMThe Dark Peacock shawl is gorgeously big, absolutely beautiful, and you can't say The Blog didn't warn you about blocking it on your bed on your anniversary. (Since I know I did. But needs must when the devil drives, or something.) I trust it didn't kill the mood, and (as others have said) that there were no stray pins. I am certain not.
Although as a less tall person I'm sure you are sensitive to drowning in clothing, there are advantages to a big shawl to wrap up in, and make dramatic entrances in also. (And exits.)
Okay, now I have to scroll up to the pictures again. I HAVE that yarn, you know....hmmmm.
Posted by: Cathy-Cate at October 1, 2008 6:14 PMStunning! I'm going to have to start dyeing laceweight again, if for no other reason than I must knit that shawl!
Posted by: Artsygal at October 1, 2008 6:16 PMWOW! Truly gorgeous!
Posted by: Lynne at October 1, 2008 6:18 PMStunning! Just stunning! Love the colors. Happy Anniversary! and oh yes. This has been on my to do list forever!
Thanks for the encouragement!
That is beautiful!!! I am afraid of lace knitting or I would attempt it ;-) Yesterday was also mine and my hubby's anniversary (2 years). So Happy belated anniversary! I was excited to find out we share that in common :-) The shawl really is gorgeous. I'm envious!
Posted by: Emily in North Carolina at October 1, 2008 6:24 PMThis is gorgeous and the only thing, besides a lack of money, keeping me from ordering this kit is the nagging reminder that I have 4 of Anne Hanson's lovely shawl patterns still left unstarted in my "To Knit" binder. The colors are perfect and you finished it perfectly. Very nice.
Posted by: Heide at October 1, 2008 6:25 PMWhat a sweet hubby to hold up the shawl for a blog photo - Thanks Joe! Looks better on you than the door though :) Lovely knitting.
Posted by: Cynthia A at October 1, 2008 6:26 PMYour shawl is Gorgeofabuloustiscutio!
Your veautiful shawl cheered me up and made up for the sh**t neighbour who stole a bin bag from the landing outside my flat containing a whole dirty, smelly, unwashed shetland wool fleece covered in sheep doody that I was planning to wash, dye and spinl. It was sitting outside my flat for two months to ensure that whatever was living in it was dead before I brought it into the house to wash it.
I am partly relieved that the thief has saved me a big job that needed to be done before the fleece had any value, but on the other hand I feel really sorry for the pathetic person who felt that it was worth stealing, and left them a note telling them how to clean it and wishing them good luck. What else should I have done? It wasn't worth calling the police over, and everyone I told about it has laughed at the stupidity of the thief.
Posted by: Knitty Nora, London at October 1, 2008 6:27 PMSimply magnifique!!!!!!
Posted by: Ruth in NJ at October 1, 2008 6:30 PMDamn, that's a gorgeous shawl! Think I'm gonna have to buy the pattern. (Not that I don't have plenty already, but damn, that's a gorgeous shawl!)
And you MIL's garden is fabulous! That's what I aspire to, as I look out upon my field o' weeds.
Be proud, you deserve it!
Lovely, and it's just the right size. You can keep it after all:-)
Posted by: the Lady at October 1, 2008 6:31 PMWow - it really is beautiful. Congratulations on not only the terrific lace knitting, but also on your anniversary and on having a great guy who knows just the right moment to laugh :-)
Posted by: Misty the Kneedler at October 1, 2008 6:33 PMwhoa. I bow down before you. any chance we'll get to see it in CA on Saturday (she asked hopefully)?
Posted by: bekala at October 1, 2008 6:39 PMThank you for showing us this work of art--I am weak-kneed with admiration.
Posted by: Susan at October 1, 2008 6:43 PMI really think that it looks lovely on Joe. What a great model!
Posted by: Amelia at October 1, 2008 6:46 PMIt's BEAUTIFUL!!!! Congratulations! Good thing you didn't spill any champagne on it!
Posted by: Knit Witch at October 1, 2008 6:47 PMhow very lovely
Posted by: elizabeth a airhart at October 1, 2008 6:49 PMAbsolutely gorgeous! I love it.
Posted by: Dawn at October 1, 2008 6:50 PMBeautiful shawl! And belated congratulations on your anniversary.
I got a copy of your new book, by the way, and I'm trying to savor it slowly. Very good stuff so far, thanks.
Everything about this shawl is gorgeous! I love the pattern, the yarn is stunning (and I covet some) and your knitting and finishing are superb. Yup. It is awesome.
Posted by: Ruth at October 1, 2008 6:51 PM*eyes peacock shawl*
*eyes lotus shawl in the works*
*eyes peacock shawl*
*eyes college homework*
*eyes peacock shawl*
I will be a dedicated knitter and finish what I've started, I will be a dedicated knitter and finish what I started...
I want to do that shawl.
Posted by: McKenna the Weasel Queen at October 1, 2008 6:53 PMSha-ZAM! Stunning. Congratulations.
Posted by: heather at October 1, 2008 7:01 PMReally, really lovely! Bravo on the finish! One of my favorite sayings is "You only have to do it right once and it is right forever!" And, not to worry, this was learned late in my knitting career so you are in good company!!!
Happy anniversary!
Posted by: sherri at October 1, 2008 7:01 PMThe shawl is absolutely breathtaking! Not one I will be attempting anytime soon (baby steps, baby steps!), but most definitely something to aim for in the future.
Posted by: yarnpiggy at October 1, 2008 7:01 PMBeauty.
Beautiful.
Beauteous.
WOW great lace!!!
TO all the harlot fan around here, the 2008 Bloggers choice voting is up and our dear Harlot only has 30 votes at last check. Come on everyone this is a vote I think that we can all agree on!!!
PS She is nominated for best Hobby Blog, Best Blog Design and Best Blog of all time.
Posted by: MommyknitsJen at October 1, 2008 7:10 PMThat is spectacular, as in spectacle! It's so big, so grandiose, so epic, so over the top; I love it. And the yarn is really pretty. Great knitting job, too. Bravo!
Posted by: pdxknitterati at October 1, 2008 7:12 PMYou removing 200 pins from your bed on your anniversary reminds me of me removing 200 pins from my hair on our wedding night. I have very fine, slippery, hair, and I had a pretty fancy updo for our wedding.
Posted by: Julie at October 1, 2008 7:15 PMYou're right - it IS perfect. And then some! Happy anniversary!
Posted by: madmad at October 1, 2008 7:19 PMA truly exquisite shawl. Very beutiful colors to match the name. You did an excellent job and what a wonderful thing to help celebrate your anniversary... by the way Happy Anniversary.
Happy Knitting
Linda
Talk about gobsmaked !!! Makes me wish I was younger to take on such a challenge. Oh well I'll try the smaller lace projects.
Posted by: JoanH at October 1, 2008 7:24 PMStephanie,
You were right about the negative space, 'cause during the whole "peacock shawl", "peacock shawl" "peacock shawl" talk, talk, talk I was thinking yeah a shawl,why?! But now, OH MY GOSH! The proof is in the blocking and draping. Exquisite! And when you talk about your knitting, you make it seem so accessible, that I honestly think, yes I can aspire....You and those darn sock photos are why I am knitting my first pair of socks--many times in public (and loving it)despite the many kinda negative comments, you know "buy 'em at Walmart for .99". I'm sure you've heard them all...So I say Thank you, for your inspiration and sharing.
Happy Anniversary! Peace...
Amazing
Posted by: Aron at October 1, 2008 7:30 PMExtraordinary. Truly. I love how sheer and light it is (probably a really good thing, considering the size). And the colors are perfect!
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) at October 1, 2008 7:33 PMThat is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!
Posted by: Barbara-Kay at October 1, 2008 7:34 PMWow! I would have been frustrated trying to knit that! It looks gorgeous, and yes, perfect.
Posted by: Kim-from-toronto-now-in-seattle at October 1, 2008 7:36 PMI vote for you keeping the shawl for yourself. I am sure we will have another cold winter, and you will need severe weather shawl coverage.
That shawl would be a once-in-a-lifetime project for most. The results are terrific.
Congratulations!
It is beautiful! I have always loved that pattern. By the way, are you losing weight? That shawl makes you look very slim and trim.
Posted by: Kim at October 1, 2008 7:48 PMthat is an object of such beauty as to take my breath away! and you look fantastic in that photo. definitely a good hair day! :)
Posted by: christine m. east of toronto at October 1, 2008 7:54 PMohh, its so lovely. glad it turned out, and happy anniversary to you and joe! :-D
Posted by: mel at October 1, 2008 8:02 PMDude. That is a thing of beauty. Well done.
Posted by: Julia at October 1, 2008 8:06 PMWow - I know the shawl is huge and all, but looking at Joe holding it, it appears to be the size of a doily. I don't envy you knitting his sweaters, or socks for that matter!
Beautiful shawl, madam Harlot.
Posted by: Claudia at October 1, 2008 8:08 PMThat is beyond beautiful! It's just stunning!
Posted by: Jan at October 1, 2008 8:08 PMGorgeous! The yarn is perfect for this pattern. Reminds me of a real peacock.
Posted by: Melissa at October 1, 2008 8:13 PMWow! The lace itself is impressive but the yarn was just perfect for that pattern! Now, of course, I have to drop my Christmas gift knitting and the baby gift I'm working on so that I can pick up my lace WIP...
Posted by: Susan at October 1, 2008 8:14 PMHey, it'd fit Joe perfectly! (It's too bad you don't have a picture of him modeling it. ;o)
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Annalea at October 1, 2008 8:14 PMGORGEOUS!!!
Posted by: Michelle at October 1, 2008 8:18 PMHi, Joe! Glad to see your leg is better.
Posted by: Presbytera at October 1, 2008 8:24 PMThe empty room around me got a loud,
"Oooooooooh!"
right at the 4th picture. That yarn is perfection. Peacock. Mmmm.
Posted by: Amy at October 1, 2008 8:25 PMThat colourway is *gorgeous.* That said, I can't believe anyone could ever have the patience to knit that much lace. Congratulations.
Posted by: Jane at October 1, 2008 8:32 PMI'm agog.
There was much blathering and drooling. I even forced Mr Wonderful to look at the photos. He was greatly impressed too.
BTW, he loves your books as much as I do, which definitely means you write not just for knitters but those who love them. He was excited when Free Range arrived in the mail, almost as much as me!
Wow indeed! Nice work there marrying the yarn to the pattern. You'll have to grow into that lovely shawl, or just become more dramatic. That may work...
Posted by: sil at October 1, 2008 8:36 PMHmmm.
Maybe this one could have been quite wonderful,
worn in a sort of Lady Godiva mode,
especially on one's anniversary.
But I won't say more. It IS truly beautiful,
congratulations on its completion and on your anniversary.
The gleam in your eye on the photo says it all!
No other colorway would look as grand, and the larger scale justifies the name.
It's perfect. Which daughter is going to claim it?
Posted by: RosemaryC at October 1, 2008 8:44 PMAbsolutely gorgeous! Now I want to make it!
Posted by: Becky at October 1, 2008 8:48 PMReally, really lovely! Great job!!
Posted by: Elizabeth L in Apex, NC at October 1, 2008 8:51 PMAbsolutely beautiful. What a work of art! The yarn complements the pattern so nicely, and I agree the blocking is just right - soft and drapey. That said, I never say never, but it gives me a little twitch to even think of adding this to the queue. Although, if someone were to gift it to me, I'd be eternally under their spell :~)
Posted by: tree at October 1, 2008 8:54 PMSimply amazing!!!
Posted by: Awesome Mom at October 1, 2008 9:22 PMGasp!!! Stephanie, it is beautiful!!!! I am in awe!!!!
I think I will try knitting it like in a year or so.... !
You continue to inspire me!
::drops jaw and gazes wild-eyed::
Good heavens! No, really! That's gotta be the stuff you find in heaven. Simply the most beautiful - ever.
(And don't you look all swanky and pretty and blonde!)
Posted by: inky at October 1, 2008 9:26 PMAbsofreakinlutely amazing. I love knittng lace, but I shall stick to admiring this shawl in pictures. We have no room for a plethora of pins, and Little Himself has not yet learned to interpret the whole head-bobbing-while-knitting-and-trying-to-respond-while-keeping-count-of-stitches thing.
Posted by: silfert at October 1, 2008 9:30 PMAmazing! The shawl is simply gorgeous.
Happy Anniversary!
The shawl is gorgeous and best wishes.
Posted by: Léonie at October 1, 2008 9:37 PMGosh that's beautiful. Just stunning.
Posted by: ReddH at October 1, 2008 9:38 PMWow. Just wow. That is absolutely amazingly gorgeous!
Posted by: Knitter Kitter at October 1, 2008 9:38 PMThe lace high, hmmm? That explains alot about you.
Posted by: claudia at October 1, 2008 9:41 PMbeautiful. and a belated happy anniversary. i must take lessons. ours is april 14th. in good news we complete our taxes early every year because i *refuse* to be doing them on our anniversary and don't quite think the IRS would grant us an extension for that. ;)
Posted by: penny at October 1, 2008 9:50 PMAbsolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Jolynn DeMeter at October 1, 2008 9:53 PMThat is so amazing. I can only hope to knit something that beautiful someday.
Posted by: Tabby at October 1, 2008 9:55 PMPerfect pairing of yarn and pattern. Well done!
Posted by: Linda in NC at October 1, 2008 9:59 PMLovely!
See, I was beginning to worry about myself, until I saw NewarkKnitter's comment about wearing it in "Lady Godiva mode" as anniversary-appropriate.
I had the exact same thought, but she phrased so much better than I was going to....
This is a gorgeous piece of work. You are incredibly talented. Congrats on finishing such a great piece.
Posted by: Amy at October 1, 2008 10:21 PMlove your shawl - it is the perfect length for something so fancy! What a wonderful anniversary 'gift' to yourself .... nice day too - we celebrated our 20th today as well.
Posted by: ginger at October 1, 2008 10:29 PMMy poor brain is missing some important cells, so I scanned all of the charts and then flipped them on my computer so I could read the second half of the patterns. To assist with blocking, I "drew out" the triangle's outer dimensions using string so I could pin it out easier. I loved this pattern, too!
Posted by: lv2knit at October 1, 2008 10:37 PMTruly beautiful knitting, yarn, design, blocking!
Posted by: Kati at October 1, 2008 10:46 PMAwe inspiring and Awesome!
Happy Anniversary-hope you wore the shawl and nothing else and if you did, Happy Anniversary to you too Joe!!!!!!!!!!
I have that pattern, I have the yarn, and now that I'm sure what it'll look like on a real person, I'm dying to cast on! Must finish some of the 9 wips before casting on another project.
It came out absolutely gorgeous and I'm jealous it's not mine. Enjoy wearing it. And a Happy Anniversary too!
Posted by: Paula D. at October 1, 2008 11:04 PMLovely! Isn't it gratifying to finish such a labour.
Peacock feathers was my introduction to lace. However, I did knit 3 easier lace shawls between the midpoint of the second to last chart and finishing the thing.
Posted by: Kat at October 1, 2008 11:05 PMSo beautiful what a lovely way to end the day:)Hugs Darcy
Posted by: Darcy at October 1, 2008 11:06 PMWoohoo! Just beautiful. The colors in the yarn are so subtle that the pattern doesn't get lost in them.
Posted by: Beverly at October 1, 2008 11:09 PMThat doesn't suck.
Posted by: Juno at October 1, 2008 11:13 PMFirst, Happy Anniversary!!
Second, holy-moley, that's gorgeous!
Third, now I must hate you because I've got that pattern. And yarn to knit it with. And, because of you, ma'am, everything on my needles seems sort of blah and it would be so nice to knit peacock feathers...and...and...
Oh! And love the book. Especially the story about Cass.
Posted by: Bryn at October 1, 2008 11:16 PMAbsolutely stunning!
Posted by: Marion at October 1, 2008 11:21 PMWow, that's beautiful. I'm almost ready to try knitting lace, and that's really inspiring. And I love that Joe found humor in having to wait for romance until the shawl was undone! AND that he was willing to pose with the shawl. What a wonderful man. Happy 2nd anniversary!
Posted by: Amy in StL at October 1, 2008 11:26 PMUnbelievable! Well done and congratulations on both counts.
Posted by: shelly at October 1, 2008 11:35 PMStunning. Really. Enjoy flaunting it every chance you get. (that sounds so naughty!) Cheers.
Posted by: linken at October 1, 2008 11:40 PMAmazing. And worth it :)
Posted by: Mona at October 1, 2008 11:47 PMBravo. It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Amy at October 1, 2008 11:52 PMOhhhh. Sigh. It's just too beautiful for words.
Posted by: yvette at October 2, 2008 12:25 AM
Me Peacock
WHAT'S riches to him
That has made a great peacock
With the pride of his eye?
Adding feather to feather
For the pride of his eye.
William Butler Yeats
*********************************
All the Proud Peacocks curtsey in your direction Stephanie!!! Hoorah!
Steph, that is one seriously lovely shawl.
Posted by: Marina Stern at October 2, 2008 1:14 AMIt's a work of art, but ohmigod that pattern is pretty much the embodiment of my vision of knitting hell.
Posted by: Lizbon at October 2, 2008 1:51 AMPS. Which is a comment on my lack of patience and skill rather than any reflection on the pattern itself, mind you.
Posted by: Lizbon at October 2, 2008 1:52 AMplethora of pinnage! it looks gorgeous, as do the still-pretty-newlyweds.
Posted by: reb at October 2, 2008 3:00 AMWow!! That is an enormous piece of work! Very pretty and breath-taking! I love the subtle color changes it has.
Wow! That is a beautiful shawl. It looks lovely on you.
- Pam
Posted by: pipneyjane at October 2, 2008 3:58 AMHappy belated Anniversary! I hope that you managed to take out all of the pins. (I don't know about you, but champagne and a attentive, expectant husband would make me likely to miss one! Attentive, expectant husbands can be very distracting!) The shawl is stunning! Are you bringing it to SOAR? I'm sure that it will be a hit with all the attendees. The yarn is perfect for that pattern. I'm going to have to find a friend to knit one for me because I'm so slow that it would take me 20 years to knit it. Not to mention that I'm one of those people whose brain would seriously not like reading the chart one way and then another. It might be worth trying though because it's so pretty! Just gorgeous!
Posted by: Dyepotgirl at October 2, 2008 4:18 AMThat is gorgeous. You did a fabulous job pairing the pattern and yarn. I think about getting the pattern and knitting that one from time to time. I may need to one day.
Posted by: Sarah at October 2, 2008 4:28 AMWOW - that's nothing short of STUNNING, and not one bit too big! Well done you. :)
Posted by: teeweewonders at October 2, 2008 5:47 AMmay I add my "WOW!!!!" stunning, magnifque, gorgeous, bellisimo, and every other adjective in every language I can think of doesn't begin to cover it. this one definitely has heirloom status.
and congrats on your anniversary -bet unpinning it was a fun game for you and Joe.
L
Posted by: Lea at October 2, 2008 5:59 AMthat shawl is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also love your mother-in-law's back garden.
Back to the shawl. It is certainly perfect. Great job well done again. The colors are fantastic too.
Beautiful!
Posted by: Wheezy at October 2, 2008 6:28 AMVery impressive!
Posted by: Debbie at October 2, 2008 6:45 AMThat is a beautiful, gorgeous, stunning shawl. And a very nice picture of Joe holding it. Nice backside on Joe too, I must say. Wait, that is Joe with the shawl, right? Hopefully all pins were accounted for and back in the pin box before, well, you know...Oh! Must get ready for work now.
Posted by: marjorie at October 2, 2008 6:54 AMI loved everything about it.
I've only been knitting a year. However I run a knitting group which has some fantastic knitters in it. I haven't tried lace, but am just knitting the sarah dallas shawl. Seeing this is such an inspiration to do a lace project. I'll float the idea at the group next week, watch them all head for the hills!
Gorgeous shawl!
Posted by: Phoe at October 2, 2008 6:58 AMBeautiful. Simply beautiful. Wear it EVERYWHERE.
Posted by: Carol at October 2, 2008 6:59 AMWow, that turned out just lovely. It's definitely big, but not excessively big.
Way to go!
Posted by: Michelle at October 2, 2008 7:24 AMSteph - the shawl is amazing. But I just picked up your book yesterday...and your new calendar. The book is lovely. You should have no worries that we will all love it.
Thanks.
That is beautiful
Posted by: Hazel at October 2, 2008 7:46 AMReally, really gorgeous. You're totally right about the finishing, too. I always surprise myself now by looking forward to the end of the project, because doing a good job with the non-knitting parts makes all the difference.
Posted by: Mandy at October 2, 2008 7:48 AMMagnificant!! The colors capture the details of your knitting perfectly, and the size for the pattern is right on target for the style of the shawl!
Discovered your blog (and books) not very long ago and love your take on knitting and life! Although I've known how to knit for years since my grandma taught me as a pre-teen (and didn't realize my true passion for it), I'm now tackling my second project involving lace - a basic sweater for my daughter. After having ripped the thing several times, and having my husband look at me as though to say "...and you actually love doing this?" and what seems stressful to him, I can only respond ABSOLUTELY!
Congrats on a shawl well done and thanks!
Posted by: Debbie S at October 2, 2008 7:52 AMBeautiful. My friend just got a new 60 inch loom and has been talking about weaving a lot. It's been making me look at my knitting and think "I should warp the loom" (yeah, I know, disloyal but as she points out-- it's all ONE hobby-- Fiber Arts :) but that shawl makes me want to finish up the knitting I have going so I can start it.
I have a lot of knitting going. So maybe I'll get to it... in 2016.
Posted by: Mary Peed at October 2, 2008 8:16 AMWow! This is wonderful. I've got this project on the needles - seeing yours completed has inspired me to get working on it again.
Posted by: Cindy at October 2, 2008 8:41 AMWhat? No "plethora of pins"?!?!
Absolutely gorgeous. Wow. Wow, wow, wow.
Posted by: Diane at October 2, 2008 8:41 AMOh wow I love it and in that yarn it's fabulous! I have yarn and the pattern for this, one of these days maybe I'll get to it?
Posted by: Hattie at October 2, 2008 8:43 AMThat is an absolute work of art! Congratulations.
Posted by: Katherine at October 2, 2008 8:44 AMPretty pretty!! I love the against the garage shot heheheh If we can't wrangle our loved ones into helping photograph our work where's the fun?
Posted by: Denise at October 2, 2008 8:46 AMWOW! A beautiful work of art! And you must be feeling such pride at having accomplished this without losing your mind! Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Jody at October 2, 2008 9:02 AMYour shawl is beautiful! I thought it would be a little more bulky, but it's airy and light.
I'd make one for myself, but I fell into the rabbit hole chasing your lead (Vintage Sock). Once burned, twice ... no way!
Did your mother-in-law ask for the shawl?
Posted by: Sharon V at October 2, 2008 9:19 AMIt's beautiful. And I wouldn't say it's too big at all!
Posted by: Jennifer at October 2, 2008 9:21 AMOh, your PFS is breathtakingly beautiful! I've half-knit it once (back when I thought it would work just fine in baby-weight acryllic), and am now attempting to finish at least one of the three shawls - no, wait, four - that need finishing before I start it in the Good Stuff (some Claudia Handpainted Silk Lace).
Yours is so lovely - I MUST finish something so I can start mine!!
Posted by: CraftyGryphon at October 2, 2008 9:41 AMThat is just gorgeous and it totally has a "I made it this big on purpose" vibe to it. Lovely lovely.
Posted by: Jess, of the Bugs at October 2, 2008 10:00 AMI still think you are nuts to not use string....you only need half as many pins, then, for the same effect ;-)
Posted by: Colleen at October 2, 2008 10:03 AMAbsolutely exquisite!
I also wanted to let you know that I forwarded your blog about Harper to some friends who are artists and artisans, writers and film makers. Seem to be lots around me.
They are now forwarding that blog to other artists and friends. Amazing!
Hope you don't mind.
Astounding.
Posted by: Dianna at October 2, 2008 10:15 AMThis is so wonderful. It gives me courage to start my shawl project. Wow, what a treat to see yours. It is really beautiful.
Posted by: magpie2knits at October 2, 2008 10:21 AMDelurking to say how beautiful that shawl is. Wow!
Posted by: Claire at October 2, 2008 10:21 AMWow. Juno's going to love it. *snark*
And Happy Anniversary! Me, I would've just ripped the duvet off the bed in a fit of marital impatience and said "I'll reblock the thing tomorrow... We've got work to do!" And then been stuck by a pin at a most inappropriate moment.
Whoa. Stunning. Applause.
Hope you had a happy and lovely anniversary tryst, and no pins in anything besides the shawl.
Posted by: dez at October 2, 2008 10:32 AMWow. That's really beautiful. Congratulations, on both accounts!
Posted by: Janet.2 at October 2, 2008 10:36 AMAll I can say is WOW! Beautiful! Stunning! And Perfect!
Posted by: Linda at October 2, 2008 10:37 AMSimply lovely~! Maybe after I get a few swallowtails off the needles I will give this a try.
Aren't you concerned about pinholes in the duvet? You don't want all the down to leak out!
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Michele In Maine at October 2, 2008 10:37 AMUm... I might have just carefully pulled the whole comforter off the bed, pins, shawl & all. Who needs a blanket with that much heat? Congratulations on everything - beautiful shawl, beautiful husband, beautiful life.
Posted by: doreen at October 2, 2008 10:43 AMQuite spectacular. Bravo.
Posted by: Marti at October 2, 2008 10:44 AMWow! And - happy anniversary :)
Posted by: NewJerseyLaura at October 2, 2008 10:52 AMSo if one, for example, had already made an icarus shawl and thought that was pretty easy, this shawl should be within their skill set? It's gorgeous!
Just checking cause I have it in my queue, but I'm also waiting to check out the new Nancy Bush Estonian Lace book to see what patterns she has.
Posted by: Liz at October 2, 2008 10:53 AMWow. That - is a beautiful shawl. Congrats on both surviving the knitting and your anniversary!
Posted by: Shel at October 2, 2008 11:02 AMFabulous Feathers!!
You were right to pin each little curlicue, as the
result is beyond terrific (rather than thread the blocking wire through the bits); each little curlicue has it's own little direction enhancing the feathery end even further. I love the size of it. I'm very very tempted to try it as well.
THWOK!!!
I think the world's biggest gob just smacked me.
Posted by: Lucia at October 2, 2008 11:11 AMJust SO beautiful. You should demand a second anniversary dinner so you can go show it off. Then you'd get a second chance with that whole champagne moment, too!
Posted by: hadley at October 2, 2008 11:26 AMWow!! It's amazing! It's stunning! It's beautiful!
I showed these pictures to my mom, and the first thing she said was "That's Knit, right? Can YOU do that??"
Posted by: Debbie at October 2, 2008 11:31 AMI guess I have to join the chorus:
"Wow!"
Beautiful pattern. Beautiful yarn.
Now off to Ravelry to add it to my queue.
Posted by: E. Engman at October 2, 2008 11:53 AMYou did an amazing job and it looks great on you. Dorothy is one special designer isn't she?
Happy Anniversary Lovie!!
I'm not going through 204 comments to see if someone's made the same joke, but you know...
...nothing says "I love you honey" like "no, no- I'll sleep on the wet spot!"
*groan*
Posted by: Jennifer at October 2, 2008 12:10 PMIt is truly lovely!
I live in St. Paul Minnesota, and in the spring time the peacocks strut there stuff at the Como Park Zoo. It is a sight to behold. Well, your shawl totally reminds of that amazing display.
Wow!
Posted by: LouAnn at October 2, 2008 12:22 PMStunning. Gorgeous.
Posted by: fibercrone at October 2, 2008 12:33 PMThe peacock shawl is absolutely gorgeous, I am in awe of your talent in making it - and patience in blocking and pinning it, but what a difference it makes to block the finished piece - not something I've been over-particular about doing in the past.
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary - my husband and I celebrated on the same day (19 years) but dinner out with our teenage son didn't have quite the same magic as your bottle of champagne!
Posted by: Isobel at October 2, 2008 12:59 PMAbsolutely, positively beautiful. Wow!
Posted by: Sheri at The Loopy Ewe at October 2, 2008 1:03 PMGorgeous!
Posted by: Doris at October 2, 2008 1:31 PMIt's stunning. Well done on finding space to pin it.
Posted by: Red at October 2, 2008 1:36 PMGolly, is that ever gorgeous.
Posted by: Tara at October 2, 2008 1:43 PMThe thought of you having to remove 200 odd pins from your bed after celebrating with a bottle of champagne had me in giggles. Your shawl is just awesome. I'm certainly not ready for that type of knitting yet.
Posted by: Anita at October 2, 2008 1:45 PMSo. Now that you're done, and you realize that the finished product is
a) freaking gorgeous, and
b) not trailing on the ground behind you...
Are you going to keep it?
Posted by: Susan at October 2, 2008 1:50 PMWow! It's beautiful! You continue to rock! But what is this lace high of which you speak? I've never experienced it, and not for lack of trying to knit lace. Do I just need more coffee? More beer? More chocolate? A different (larger) project?
Posted by: Kathryn in Minnesota at October 2, 2008 1:50 PMOkay. Yea. That is kinda of super freaking epic-ly gorgeous.
Posted by: Convivialiddell at October 2, 2008 2:35 PMI have to say that I let out a really breathy "ahhhh....wow" upon seeing the finished product.
That is a really gorgeous piece of art.
Posted by: Lilith at October 2, 2008 2:40 PMGorgeous! I am amazed and in awe of all you accomplish and thoroughly enjoy reading your blog! Thank you! Was thrilled the other evening when I came home from work and on my doorstep was "Free Range Knitting" that I'd ordered awhile ago. A wonderful surprise!
Posted by: Linda at October 2, 2008 2:44 PMStunning! This is where the line blurs between craft and art.
Posted by: Margaret at October 2, 2008 2:46 PMBeautiful! I need to force myself to block lace more carefully.
Posted by: lanea at October 2, 2008 3:35 PMWOW! speechless & drooling....gorgeous!
Posted by: sylvia at October 2, 2008 3:45 PMAbsolutely amazing. I have just started knitting my first lace shawl. It's really hard work. I admire what you have done immensely.
Posted by: Krishna at October 2, 2008 4:14 PMThat is absolutely beautiful! You should be very proud of that shawl. And also of the ability to follow the chart backwards. Awesome!
Posted by: Ronni at October 2, 2008 4:44 PMGorgeous! Your time was way better spent than the time I spent playing word twist on facebook... Let that be a lesson to me. :)
Posted by: Monica at October 2, 2008 4:49 PMOh wow. It is FANTASTIC! Such a beautiful pattern. I have a love-thing for peacock feathers, and now I'm going to have to learn to knit lace so that one day, I can have one of these beauties too!
Posted by: Ellie at October 2, 2008 5:00 PMI have been working on this same shawl off and on for over a year - now that I've seen one completed, maybe I'll feel inspired to finally finish it since it looks so good!
Posted by: Ang. at October 2, 2008 5:05 PMStunning. Absolutely stunning. Happy Belated Anniversary!
Posted by: Alicia at October 2, 2008 5:19 PMGorgeous! Good thing that you did suffer through the fiddly crochet edging, it looks great!
Posted by: Erin at October 2, 2008 5:22 PMthis is the shawl that never ends,
it just goes on and on my friend.
some person started knitting it not knowing what it was,
and she will keep on knitting it forever just because...
this is the shawl that never ends,
it just goes on and on my friend.
some person...
Wow. Just 'Wow'. (And your sweetie's a definite keeper:-)
Posted by: shanny mac at October 2, 2008 8:09 PMI am in awe of your mad lace knitting skills. Magnificent!
And your husband is a good sport to boot. That man deserves a handknit gansey.
Just saying.
Posted by: Ellen-Mary at October 2, 2008 10:58 PMYour shawl is gorgeous, and it makes me want to start knitting lace (when I typically shun any needle smaller than US8). Does anything quickly come to mind as a good starter project? THANKS.
Posted by: Shirley at October 2, 2008 11:11 PMStunning!!!
Posted by: Romi at October 3, 2008 1:07 AMIt's beautiful, and it doesn't look too long at all. Great choice of yarn.
Posted by: Gretchen at October 3, 2008 3:01 AMOf course it's beautiful! You don't do anything lace that isn't beautiful! I do think though you need to invest in some of those interlocking foam squares. Then you could have lifted the whole thing off the bed and not interrupt the mood quite so much. Also, you can fold things in half when pinning, to make it easier to be symmetrical and take less space :)
Posted by: TracyKM at October 3, 2008 12:17 PMAnother beautiful work of art. I especially love the picture of Joe showing it! He's a keeper!
Posted by: Daniele at October 3, 2008 4:10 PMWOW!! You have given me hope! I've been knitting this since last summer....yes last summer. Somewhere along the line I made a mistake and threw off the repeats, I've knitted enough lace to adjust it up and get it back on pattern but...I can't decide if I should rip it back and start again. I can see where the pattern hiccupped...and so it sits ..till I get brave enought to ~sigh~ rip...
Posted by: April at October 5, 2008 11:24 AMAbsolutely beautiful. There's nothing like having a ginormous handknit shawl to wrap yourself up in.
Posted by: turtlegirl76 at October 5, 2008 4:41 PMStinkin' awesome.
Posted by: stashmuffin at October 5, 2008 7:43 PMI love your shawl. It is one of the best lace knits I have ever seen. I think it's because it's not just random lacey pattern but actually looks like peacock feathers. Beautiful.
Posted by: vickstick at October 7, 2008 10:15 AM