A thousand curses on a real life that keeps interfering with my desire to blog and knit all day….Friday sort of got away from me, and the weekend wasn’t much better. Still, today is the first official “Lene Schedule Day” and so far, so good. I assured Lene that I could finish the beaded Swallowtail, and that she didn’t need to put it on the schedule and it took a reasonable amount of busting a move (and neglecting laundry…but what else is new) to finish it, but finish I did.
This is the whole enterprise, unblocked.
I used Misti Alpaca Lace in “CD43” (Love that colour name. So appropriate. It’s like poetry.) and the pattern from Interweave Knits, Fall 2006, along with some beads from Arton Bead on Queen Street West here in Toronto. (They were 75 cents. I love that.)
And post- blocking.
To turn it into a beaded swallowtail instead of the pattern as written, I placed a bead in the centre of each little motif in the top portion and replaced each nupp with a bead in the bottom part. (I used the crochet hook method here, so I didn’t have to string them all on ahead of time.)
When it came to the border, I just put them anywhere that there was a line of stitches that didn’t get messed with in the pattern. I’m totally thrilled.
For the rest of today, Lene has me working on a pair of socks,
(Embossed Leaves socks from Favorite Socks, in Lotus Yarns “Hydroponic” (I got this skein right from the dyer herself, but I know that The Sweet Sheep carries this yarn, as does Knitch. Happy Hunting. )
When I’ve done my time on those, then I work on a mysterious something, then a pair of mitts in the evening. Progress report tomorrow, but it feels good to have Christmas knitting underway, especially in this beginning part when nothing is screwed up or behind yet, nothing has fallen apart and everything seems possible.
I got totally bogged down dealing with the gifts on Thursday, and still haven’t heard from a few of the lucky knitters, so I’ve got things on hold while I wait for that. The gift giving is a smidge complex, and I don’t want to screw it up by letting it get weird, so I’m going to do one “wave” at a time. I know you’ll all be patient. (As much fun as it is to watch me come unglued, I don’t think any of you want actually unhappiness on my end….right?)
I haven’t decided what our new goal should be. I don’t want us to loose track of how incredibly stunning and boggling what you knitters have already accomplished is…. This is an incredible thing you’ve done. Just incredible. Stop and look at that total….then divide it by whatever you think the average donation size is…and do a little math about what it’s taken to get here. Then try and breathe. It’s staggering. Absolutely staggering, and I don’t even know how to guess about what you’re capable of anymore. I remember getting an email from my Brother-in-Law Ben (the one who works for MSF) when we hit $15 000 and we were all just so stunned….
I don’t even know what reasonable expectations are anymore…so mighty is the power of the knitters. I’m thinking on it.
To start gearing up for this year though…I’m going to attend to the first job, which is updating those of you who give on a monthly basis. If you’re signing up to be a monthly giver OR If you signed up to give to MSF each month last year (or the year before), and you’re going to keep going for this year, I’d like to update you in the database with your new total. The address for letting me know is kwb AT yarnharlot DOT ca. When that’s done…I’ll open the floodgates to the rest of you! (It shouldn’t take that long either, since Sam is going to earn her Christmas money entering names for the grand price of 10 cents an email.)
PS. Tracy got Barack Obama (he’s a presidential candidate in the US) to hold a sock. She’s just my kind of people, an absolute NUTTER, but my kind of people.
That is absolutely stunning. Love the colour!
I’m cheering for you. babe! Good luck on all the gifties.
Barack Obama is willing to hold a sock? That is something that will influence my decision!
Gorgeous shawl, Stephanie. Beautiful work.
And shoot for the moon on the goal. It might take us a couple of years, but we’ve proven that we can do major work for good causes.
“As much fun as it is to watch me come unglued, I don’t think any of you want actually unhappiness on my end….right?”
As Jack Benny said when the robber demanded “Your money or your life” and, when the pause dragged on, added “Well?!?!,”
I’m thinking, I’m thinking…
Swallowtail is stunning. I’m going to have to go back and revisit that pattern, especially now that my current lace project seems to be behaving. KWB is amazing. And you’ve done a fantastic job mobilizing us knitters. And no, even though your recounting of becoming totally unglued is likely to be hilarious, I really don’t want that to happen to you right before Christmas. It would totally whack out Lene’s schedule.
Shawl is beautiful – color is perfect for it.
Love the shawl. I have been inspired to create my own christmas knitting schedule. Naturally I fouled it right up this weekend and took a nap when I was supposed to be knitting *shrug*
P.S. I <3 Barack even more now that I know he will hold a sock.
That Swallowtail is gorgeous–makes me want to learn to knit lace.
Love the pictures! The pink is stunning! that little bead is like the cherry on top!
That KWB total is amazing and impressive! In annual giving fundraising, we are always trying to explain to people who feel their “small donation” isn’t enough to make a difference, that it _is_ enough to make a difference. Your fundraising campaign is a prime example of how each and every gift, no matter the size, is meaningful, appreciated, and helpful. Look how close you are to _half a million_!
Oooooooh, I may just want to try lace knitting after seeing that shawl…it’s lovely, and I have some pretty beads from a half-baked plan to make jewelry (stupid me, making jewelry will only take me away from knitting!)
Love the sock too…maybe I should make socks for hubby…or not, it’s already Dec 3rd and I don’t have a Lene…
Ohhhhhhhh…amazing shawl! I think the random bead mix really makes it. It wouldn’t be quite as incredible if they were all the same. Wonderful job, Stephanie! CD43? LOL; what an utterly mundane name for a froth of rosy dawn. (Ok, you know it’s a stunner when I’m waxing poetic after having been awake 24 hours!)
Go, Lene and her Schedule! Go, socks! Go, KWB donations! Pace yourself. You’re right, we’ll be patient. Go, Sam! Go, Tracy and Barack Obama! Go, Christmas knitting! You can do it!
And if it’ll help, The Blog will no doubt even volunteer to sing “We Shall Overcome” at you. Or “We Are The Champions”. Although maybe “Another One Bites The Dust” would be the real choice… (Yep, I need to get to bed. Shutting up.)
Love the shawl. The beads are such a nice touch.
I love that Tracy got Obama to hold her knitting… and thank heavens for her brother that got the photographic evidence! Too bad she will now on the FBI list for the rest of her life.
And, wow, almost a half million dollars!! Knitters are the best.
i dont want to say i hate you – that is too strong and certainly really not what i feel. but man, how do you finish a swallowtail shawl (with beads) that quickly!!!??!! it’s not fair
That really is an amazing figure. Knitters make such an amazing community!
Barack Obama holding a sock. Cool! He did a walk-on on SNL, too. That is one cool presidential hopeful! Too bad I can’t vote in the States…..:-)
I’m thinking a cool half mil is do-able.
Oooh, your Swallowtail came out lovely – and you didn’t even have it on the schedule! Go, socks, go… and Yay to Lene for coordinating your life so you stress (hopefully much) less!
Hi, I’ve been lurking here since you got your new stove. Your writing and knitting is absolutely wonderful.
That’s a very pretty shawl. The beads look great. It’s amazing what blocking does to lace. I just blocked my first about a week ago (SOTS).
And I guess I should blame your blog for a few things: my first and second pair of socks, lace KALs, cranberry sauce, and probably something else too (just can’t think of any more right now). 😉 You are SOOO such an enabler. But I love knitting, so thank you.
I made your cranberry sauce for US Thanksgiving, family dinner at my house. Before this, we used to just get the canned jellied sauce for the few of us who like cranberry sauce. People loved it, so guess what I’ll be making from now on? LOL
I am so impressed with your productivity! I spent all day Sunday finishing just 1 illusion scarf. I gotta learn that Irish Cottage Knitting technique you talked about on the Lion Brand podcast. Would you consider expounding on how you hold the right hand needle? I’m wondering how that works on circular or longer straight needles.
Ooh, that shawl is gorgeous! Good luck with everything else!!! =)
Fabulous post! I looked up the link to putting on beads with a crochet hook – i’ve forever been wanting to know how to do that. And the link to see Barack Obama holding the knitting!!! LOLOL that was wonderful. If all the knitters would vote, we could indeed rule. Yarn Harlot, you’ve got this solidarity thing going. I am so impressed with what you are doing with MSF . (congratulations!!!)
I’m a huge Obama supporter anyway, (and being American I get to vote for him), but now that I know he held the sock I’m voting early and often! Great knitting by the way….
Yeah Sam for helping! We shall inundate you with emails. Buy your mum some nice yarn with it. (And maybe your dad a new truck–we knitters might surprise you.)
Thanks for the link to Tracy’s site. I’ve been fence-sitting re the primary, but I think my vote has just been decided. (Well, I like Obama on the issues, too, but it doesn’t hurt that I just can’t quite picture Senators Clinton, Biden or Edwards holding a sock. Kucinich maybe, but he’s not “electable” as they say in the press.)
Stephanie, what’s the best way to offer a signed copy of my “Wrapped in Comfort” book for the Knitters Without Borders donaters?
There I was yesterday feeling smug that I, a beginner knitter, had finished a scarf, a hat, and the first of 3 pairs of fingerless mitts for Christmas gifts, when I found myself casting on and knitting on EZ’s Rib Warmer, that I swore to my daughter not an hour earlier that I was definitely not making for DH for Christmas. Wool fumes. That’s my only excuse. Chunky wool fumes and big needles. This knitting sure sneaks up on a person.
Very “pretty in pink” shawl with the perfect sparkly beads! It amazes me that you can make it that fast–and work on a sock and whatever else!! Good luck with your list! I also used your cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving this year–I loved it so much that I’ve got 4 more bags of cranberries in my freezer waiting for me to make them into sauce for my morning english muffins–yum!
The swallowtail is beautiful. The beads really make it glisten! Sam, thanks for helping with KWB. You’re a brave girl, even if you are getting paid.
Well, Barak holding a sock locks up my voter for sure now. If only they made it this easy every time 😉
You always brighten up my day, Stephanie but you truly outdid yourself today. First, when I open your page I am struck with the beauty of your shawl and then you give us the link to BARACK OBAMA HOLDING A SOCK!!!! —swoon— I think I am going to lie down for a while because it can only go downhill from now on.
The shawl is exquisite. Congrats on starting the Christmas knitting. To you and Lene.
We’ll be at a half million in no time. What would it take to get MSF to make a change on their website? Under, “What inspired you to make a donation”, they list “Internet Fundraiser”. I would REALLY like to check “The Yarn Harlot sent me”! The shawl and socks look like wonderful gifts.
Of course not, dear, my entertainment is not at all based on your unhappiness…but it *is* related to the way you write about it. And whose fault is that?
Fantastic Swallowtail. Simply beautiful.
Good job getting Lene to run your life early this year too, although I will desperately miss the IT. Think maybe you could fry a batch of meringues for old time’s sake?
I love the shawl, it’s in my Ravelry queue. Also, the dyer for Lotus Yarns created “nymph” just for me, and it’s gorgeous. The yarn is incredibly soft, and I’m sure the recipient will be very pleased. I’ve already done a pair of socks in the Strawberry Switchblade colorway. Happy knitting
I was already voting for him, and planning to send him a little cash, but NOW? NOW! Now is the time to get the money in the mail for my new pro-sock president!!!
Bee-you-tea-full shawl, ma’am. And the color does it well.
I want those socks though.
OMG- I covet this . Stunning!
Oh. My. That shawl is just the lovliest thing. It’s still not my color, and I still don’t wear shawls, but I cannot look at that picture without a wave of pure, yarn-loving lust sweeping over me. Those graceful lines, and the sparkle of the beads…fabulous. The recipient will be a very lucky woman indeed!
And really- why do laundry when you could be creating beauty like that? Anyone can do laundry.
And I’ll second the thought that Sam is very brave- because that last post was *totally* a challenge to The Blog to *bury* your KWB inbox this month. And you know how The Blog likes a challenge. 🙂
I really love the swallowtail with the beads — I may have to reconsider knitting it (once Christmas is past — I need a Lene to write me a schedule!). Have fun with the embossed leaves socks — I liked them so much I may just have to knit them again.
I love the shawl! I went through a lace phase earlier this year and thought I was burned out for the moment, but now I’m seriously thinking about trying beads. . . Thanks (said sarcastically) for giving me new things to lust after 🙂
The socks are awesome. I made a pair earlier this year, but made the mistake of using black, which wasn’t all that great for the pattern. Can’t really see it.
Congrats on getting a jump on Christmas early(ish). Good luck!
That shawl is seriously gorgeous. I’m working on the embossed leaves socks too, though in a nice solid teal yarn. Congratulations on feeling so in control of your holiday knitting – I’m already a bit nervous about mine..
Wow, that shawl is absolutely stunning.
Thank you so much for the Obama link. It amazes me the awesomeness of the knitting community from the DWB donations to the woman who is willing to be on an FBI list for knitting needles. haha.
Why not a million by the end of next year? Knitters can do anything.
That shawl totally bumps Swallowtail up on my Ravelry queue. So stinking gorgeous.
Tracey is so KEWL! And I wish Lene would keep my Holiday knitting on the straight and narrow (OK, they could be circulars). I’ve inadvertantly added two projects in the last four days…..HELP!
It probably doesn’t say good things about me as a voter that I’m ever so slightly more inclined to vote for him in the primaries now.
I think the new goal should be double of the current total.
I may have to check out the sock pattern.
I need to add, your shawl is absolutely gorgeous. And my thank you, for whatever it’s worth, to you and Sam for all your work on those totals, as well as to the people who make them happen.
Steph, thanks SO MUCH for sharing your beaded Swallowtail! I did this shawl shortly after the pattern came out and thought at the time that it would be beautiful done with beads – especially in place of the nupps. Now I really know what a beautiful result that is (I’m impressed with how quickly you finished!)
I love the swallowtail and have had my eye on that pattern for a while.
Do you think its a do-able pattern for an brave first shawl-knitter?
We loved the link to Tracey, Obama, and the knitting 🙂
Good luck with the Christmas knitting.
I knit a pretty pink lace shawl. Cast on to block: 14 months. So there.
The goal has to be over $1 million. Frankly, I think we should stretch to make it $1.25 million. I’m doubling my monthly contribution.
How about a reasonable goal for the end of 2007–could we reach $500,000 in the next 28 days? How about a crazy goal for the end of 2008–could we reach $1million. How about you dare us and see what happens 🙂
be still my heart! the shawl, the shaaaawwl! mmmmmmmmmmm! “a thing of beauty is a joy forever”, ergo knitting is eternal joy! keep it comin’ steph!
PS: i second the motion that cath makes above re:goals for MSF
Wow–the swallowtail has just caught my breath! (Sometimes pink really does it for me… there is no rational explanation for that.) And as for Tracy? Okay–my faith in humanity is restored!
That is so beautiful! … Now where is my Interweave mag.
Stephanie, have you taken a minute to think about how much you’re going to owe Sam by the time she’s done? Just asking ( sorry Sam!). I’ve said the same thing to my son only to find out the pocket isn’t that deep 😉 However maybe she’ll buy you some nice yarn in return.
Beautiful shawl, and I love the bead variety. Wish I could knit that fast.
I followed the link you had for Lisa at White Birch Fiber Arts on your last post. She had a link to etsy.com, which I also followed. Honestly, I was just going to look, I wasn’t going to buy anything! Only there was this red tussah silk lace weight, and, well…
Darn you for indirectly showing me another place to buy yarn on the web!
(Not that I’m complaining too hard, mind you.)
Your swallowtail shawl is beautiful. I just acquired that back issue and was thinking about it. And I love the beads.
That shawl is stunning! I’ve stalled on my lace projects because they just aren’t as portable as my other knitting. I should rectify that as soon as finals are over.
You coming unglued doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be unhappy, does it? Because it is kinda fun to watch…
Sorry I missed all the Joe drama – I’ve been away and am just surfacing, sort of. Hope all is getting better.
Now if someone asks Hillary to hold a sock, and she refuses, that might make my voting decision a bit easier!
Love what you did with Swallowtail. I think I might be willing to deal with the trickiness that is beads if it means avoiding the trickiness that is nupps.
Yet again you’ve inspired me to try a pattern I probalby never would have looked twice at. For some reason, Swallowtail never caught my eye. Until now. And I might be obsessed with beads. Keep up the good knitting!!
Fantastical shawl!!! Pink is one of my favourite colours next to blue so LOVE it to pieces. That pattern, and all those beautiful beads looks a bit much for a beginner lace knitter tho so I will have to keep searching for an easy one–too bad . By the way what are nupps ? Goodluck with the rest of the Christmas knitting .
Wow, I really need to try lace knitting. The magical blocking trick is amazing.
OH MY GOD. That shawl is gorgeous. I just started the border on my swallowtail and was debating beads instead of nupps…and you just made my mind up for me.
Should I comment now that coming unglued is a regular event when it comes to holiday knitting? Or is it better not to panic you (and by extension, all us knitters) with the idea that it’s only 21 days to That Day?
Barack Obama held a sock. Wow. The man doesn’t get fazed by anything, does he?
I now expect sometime before the end of the campaign to see a major news source do a story on a candidate holding sock photo op.
Either that or the Secret Service will put knitting on its list of things not allowed near a candidate.
The color of the swallowtail is poetry, even if the name isn’t. Have any tips on blocking lace that has beads? I assume they inhibit the spread some.
My sister and I of course disagree: is your friend’s name pronouced Leh-nee (emphasis?) or Lean? Or is it something else? Is it a nickname? I got totally burned with Hermione (Her-me-own), so we would both like to get it straight. Thanks!
Lovely shawl. when Lene is done organizing you, can I borrow her? I could use some help. Actually I could use LOTS of help!
That shawl is unbelievable…even for you!! Just gorgeous. If you haven’t assigned a lucky recipient yet, just want you to know I am available!! You never cease to amaze…
While I have no doubt that Sam’s labour is worth 10c an email, have you done the arithmetic on that one? You do realize that is an out and out invitation to the Blog to bankrupt you within a week? And teenagers make ugly loan sharks. They have an unattractive tendency to remember every time you ever told them to clean their room/ be home early/ wear something suitable and then wreak their revenge in compound interest.
Love the shawl, on my monitor it is the colour of watermelon juice. Yum. So pretty!
Spousal Unit’s response to the Obama with Sock story – ‘If we have to start taking our socks off at airports now, we’ll know who to blame.’
Your shawl is so pretty. Isn’t it nice to feel like you are right on schedule? I have most of my presents finished, but am still working on a V-Neck Cardigan for my mom. Knit on!!!
Steph, hon, I LOVE what you write and especially what you knit…but please remember to double check that you use the correct one when you use the words “loose” or “lose”; it’s only one “o” but it makes a difference! 😉
You have 9,915 Blogline subscribers to your blog feed, not to mention those who simply have you bookmarked or use feeds other than Bloglines. If each subscriber donated $25, which is not that much when you come to think about it, enough yarn for a pair of socks, right? So, if everyone donated $25 x 9,153 = $228,825 from Bloglines fans ALONE. Someone else out there in commentland help me here, anyone know how many subscribers to other feeds, or how many hits this blog gets a day. Let’s just multiply that number by $25 and see how much the Yarn Harlot can raise for a good cause shall we. Knitters of the world unite…
My eight year old son saw the shawl and called it “Stunning.” He also said that if you could do that in Legos, that would be truly spectacular.
I concur!
Beautiful shawl (LOL about the colour comment!!)
I hope Sam makes LOTS of money because she is entering LOTS of names.
Was Obama holding a left sock??
I am *so* afraid to try and knit lace, but you make it look easy. And gorgeous.
Obama isn’t my candidate, but I’ll tell you what… I have a lot more respect for the man, for sure.
The Swallowtail is gorgeous and I think the beads just make it sing. I am a big fan of all things pink so the color is beautiful, and I agree, the name of the color is absolute poetry. 🙂
I am new to your blog (about 1 month) so Knitters without Borders is new to me as well but the amount ya’ll were able to raise this year was awesome and I’m looking forward to helping next years total be even better!
I absolutely love the shawl. Your work is beautiful and I can only aspire to knit like you one day. I read your blog all the time and along with your books you keep me laughing. Keep on blogging, knitting, writing….
May I suggest it is just a bit crazy to do gifties in the month of December. I mean, we’ve gone this long… what’s another month?
PS Sarah – I’m with you – which is trickier: beads or nupps? I certainly think the beads are about as pretty as can be.
Didn’t you just start that shawl?? Wow! It’s beautiful 😉
The shawl is beautiful, and I’m already coveting those socks. As for your schedule – d’you suppose Lene would be gracious enough to share her managerial skills with some of us lowly Americans? Goodness knows I could use it!
I’m fascinated with this database that Lene makes for you. Do we get to see what it looks like? (obviously with names changed or omitted so as to not give away the surprise for the recipient).
Apparently Barack Obama knows the awesome power of knitters. Together, he and Lene could rule the world. (Hmm… can a Canadian Danish expatriate be US secretary of state? As best I recall 11th-grade history, OK, yes, it was a really long time ago, but I don’t think so. Pity.)
Please explain why there is a “but” in your last sentence.
Beatful swallowtailscarf! And thanks for the link to the Obama sock photos. I’ve been on the fence between him and Clinton, and that may have just put me over to his side (seems wrong to be influenced by sock photos, but hey, knitting is important). I sent the link to his campaign, and mentioned that it influenced me. Wonder what they’ll think of that? 🙂
Anyone can hold a sock. I am much more impressed by knitters than posers.
Gonna keep it up this year, same as what I raised it to last year for your eloquent plea: straight out of checking. I’d raise it, but took a voluntary 20% paycut this year (the day off is wonderful), so am waiting to see how it all comes out.
Got myself a baby blog, http://www.newrambler.net/judithio
on homelessness, tries not to be over the top religious, though that’s my foundation. They’re human beings, whatever your basis for believing that they’re humans and have worth. One of these days I’m going to ask my local knitting group to knit for the guys (and women, and children) here.
And hi to Sam, hope this beats some of the vacation jobs I tried foisting on my daughter.
Judith
At Camp Obama, they taught us that we shouldn’t just support Barack Obama – we should *be* Barack Obama. They meant that we should follow in his footsteps as a community organizer, and bring the efforts of lots of people together to accomplish great thing.
You, my Canadian heroine, are Barack Obama. KWB clearly proves that – it’s amazing what a grass-roots effort can do! So if you want to try to sneak into the US Presidential election, you may steal my vote from Obama
And thanks so much for the link. I like him more, now, too 🙂
Oooh Harlot!! Another beautiful shawl!!! I’m making the same socks and now am feeling sooo jealous since yours are in a more done state then mine. (hehe)Beautiful sock, looks great!!
Congrats on the Knitters Without Borders! Go knitters, we rock!! Great job everyone!
Your swallowtail is absolutely beautiful! Beads with knitting is really exhilarating, and I love the style they add to the piece! I’ve only used beads twice on little mini squares, but I definitely want to do it again!
I’m really impressed with how much knitters have raised for Doctors without Borders, YAY! I’m proud to be a knitter 🙂
Happy Christmas Knitting!
No one wants your unhappiness. Thank you for inspiring us to be better people than we might otherwise be! One million seems absurdly high and completely achievable all at once. Thank you.
That Aplaca is so beautiful. the color is perfect and the knitting is so delicate
even DH was overwhelmed by the shawl! gorgeous
Barack Obama holding yarn. I am attempting to find words that are sufficiently respectful and yet also express the complete and total glee that is Barack Obama and yarn together.
Well, the first thing Ben could do is get the DWB phone solicitors to not be so damn pushy (email me for a transcript…).
Shawl gorgeous, socks pretty. Can Lene come to my house? I need a manager that doesn’t also expect me to cook.
The shawl is beautiful. I love the beads too. I printed the information on how to place beads in knitting. I just will have to try it AFTER my Christmas gifts are done.
Obama just went up 10 percentage points on my candidate meter.
I am amazed that you whipped up that shawl so quick. I failed miserably with the MS3, and so doing a simpler lace project with fingering weight will be my 2008 resolution. My 2007 resolution was to knit more and I definitely have, but feel like a slacker compared to you.
I knew I liked Obama before – now I *really* like him.
Couldn’t help thinking that there was some quasi-Kinnearing of Obama holding the sock, too, which is really weird Yarn Harlot blog mojo…
Dude, if Barack Obama willingly holds socks for photo-ops, that surely makes him a front-runner 😉 (there might be other things too, though).
I’m so impressed how fast you knitted that shawl! It is gorgeous, so sparkly with the beads.
I knew you could do it, but still, color me impressed! Love the idea with the beads. Fantastic.
PS – I genuinely believe that if you said, “let’s get $1 million for MSF before New Year’s Day,” knitters would make it happen without breaking a sweat.
Holding babies doesn’t sway me, but dude, he held a sock. Willingly.
My mum volunteers for Obama’s campaign. I’ve sent her that link. Thanks, Steph 🙂
I’m confused. Who/what is Lene? Is this a name I should recognize, having been a reader for a year or more?
That shawl is gorgeous! And the MSF work is so great. You’re inspiring!
OHHHHHHHHH Lucky Tracy!!!!!!! He so now has my vote that he actually stopped and held her sock. I am envious.
That shawl is gorgeous! How do you knit lace that fast?!
You’ve got Sam doing the emails? So the sweatshop continues I see. 😉
Hey Steph, take a look at this lady – I bet if you could knit socks like her you wouldn’t have scheduling problems at x-mas. http://www.flickr.com/photos/55077915@N00/1470134075/
cool huh?
what a gorgeous swallowtail… you know, now we’re all going to have to make one with beads… it’s really lovely.
Obama held the sock. rock my world.
you know that this is now going to be the truth telling moment for all candidates…. did they hold the sock? if not, no vote (heh heh ) would that the world could be so simple.
Oh my! That shawl is too gorgeous!
Gorgeous lace. I’m sure the socks will rock, too. I need a scheduler… but also somebody who’ll do laundry, vacuum and shop/wrap. I’ll read, sleep, knit and bake.
The shawl is absolutely beautiful! I love lace knitting and am feeling impatient to get to the level you’re at (if I ever!).
Nice colour on the socks too.
The beads on your shawl make it just that much more beautiful!! I used Misti Alpaca for the Leaf Lace Shawl, and it blocked like a dream, and was so soft and silky. I wish I had thought to add beads, though. Maybe I need to get out my Helen’s Lace, that my husband strung the beads on for me, and run through my patterns? Hmmmmmm…Not that I don’t have anything else to finish, or I could start one of those cute little Dream in Color baby sweaters that I saw on your blog, and had to have. I am, indeed, easily led, 🙂
OK, I guess I now have to vote for Obama. Hilary and I are the same age, from the same Chicago area, and the same United Methodist background. I do like her, but she should be a knitter to earn my undying support. I guess I’m a single issue voter. YARN TO THE PEOPLE! Or something like that.
I’m wondering when you will bite the bullet and announce that you want $1 million….but even I think you should go for 1/2 million in the next 4 days, just to get to the round number, then go for $750,000
This is cool, isn’t it?
I love the hydroponic socks. I have a few skeins of Lotus Knits’ work and love it. She rocks and her yarn is beautiful!
Stunning shawl. I hope your gift knitting continues to go smoothly.
Love the colorway of the socks. My 15 year old daughter is knitting a hat (Xmas gift) in a colorway that is very similar (the recipient likes green) which was handpainted by an eBay seller. Does Lotus Knits dye worsted??
I love that you beaded the whole piece. I remember the first time I met you I was working on a beaded shawl and you told me that beads weren’t really your thing. Looks like you’ve changed your mind a bit and become a “magpie”. Fun, huh?
Beautiful shawl!! Makes me want to start one…but, wait, there’s 8 other knitting projects started here…trying to recover from making cane syrup Saturday – it’s amazing how sticky you can get and keep finding more sticky spots…
I LOVE the sock yarn!!! I would love to buy some, but the spending ban continues…..rats.
Gorgeous shawl. I’d love to see some of your schedule… I need a Lene.
Isn’t it a little frightening that something you started may end up helping to elect a president of a powerful country? Keep your phone lines open. You may get a call.
Nice work on the randomness with the beads; the shawl is beautiful.
I love, love, LOVE that shawl. LOVE it. I just wish I had a place to wear shawls! I am also proud of myself – I have one sock and one felted clog left to knit (their mates are already finished) and I’ll be done my Christmas list. Phew!
I beaded my Swallowtail, too, but not the main section, just did beads instead of the nupps. I have the last chart to do and I love the way you beaded the lines, so I would like to copy that, if I may. I love that pattern, and I think I may have to make several more.
How do you set up to give monthly to MSF? It’s a great idea.
Beads instead of nupps=brilliant! I’ll bet that’s a big time-saver.
I’m going to take that advise myself!
Holey smokes, that shawl is a *thing of beauty*! Adore the beads.
Personally, I’d shoot for $1 million. And it’s achievable, so it’s a short term goal.
I haven’t donated yet because I had some health issues this year that (thank heavens) cleared up. I’ve decided that every time I use a free pattern from the internet, I am donating $5, $10 or $15 dollars to DWB – depending on the pattern.
Who’s with me!?!
I think the shawl is beautiful. Your beads make it much more tempting than I found it otherwise. I must add it to the list to consider.
I think there’s no reason not to shoot for $1 million. Unless it’s supposed to be some sort of short term goal. I love Lisa’s idea of donating everytime she uses a free pattern. I’m going to copy that I think.
Congrats on both the shawl (gorgeous color and lovely w/ beads) and the KWB totals. I think you might have missed a few emails (mine included), so you might have a larger total than you think.
Keep up the great work!!
Martha
I enjoyed the link to Traci’s post about Barak Obama and the knitting-photo. Hilarious! What a tradition you’ve started!