12.16.06
Finished Object: Swallowtail Shawl
Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl from Interweave Knits Fall 2006
Yarn: Belisa Cashmere in pink (100% cashmere, 500 yards/ball), less than one ball
Needles: US size 4, 3.5 mm
Finished dimensions: 57 inches wide, 25.5 inches tall
Notes, short version: I’ll just give some abbreviated notes here and give some extended comments below, which most of you, being very busy people with very busy lives, will probably want to skip. Yep, at the end of this paragraph, you’ll just want to click on to your next web site or even shut down your computer all together. That’s what I highly recommend. Anyway, given my recent awful track record with my knitting (see my previous blog entry), this sure is a gorgeous finished object, isn’t it? Delicate, airy, and not a mistake in it. The yarn is soft (cashmere!) but feels strong, and it’s a shade of pink that falls within my very narrow range of acceptable pinks. And honestly, it took me no time at all to knit! It’s a little on the small side, but so what? It is a lovely, sweet, flawless piece of knitting. Something I haven’t seen much of in a while.
Notes, extended version: Fine, if you want to stick around and hear all the details, I supposed I should begin by telling you that I did not make this shawl. Laura made this shawl. 1800 miles away from me. Without my help. Without even having me in mind. This shawl had literally nothing to do with me.
But when Laura posted it on her blog, declaring it too small and indicating she would be frogging the whole thing to reuse the yarn, I knew that such an affront to hand-knitted artistry could not be borne. Drastic steps had to be taken. Always the quick thinker, I offered to send Laura the replacement yarn if she’d send me the finished shawl. I mean, think about it, a handmade cashmere lace shawl for the price of a ball of yarn that I knew I could purchase with a 20 percent off coupon?? Merry Christmas to ME!
She readily agreed to the trade (in fact, she called it “the best trade ever” in the cute Hello Kitty card that arrived in the package with the shawl, which is a nice bonus because making Laura happy is not something I’ve done a lot of this past year, what with my betrayal of the Sacred Order of Apathetic Sock Knitters). While it’s true that it’s a little on the small side, there are so many possible uses for a small shawl! How about a dressy scarf, as above? Wouldn’t you say it gives me a touch of elegance? Maybe even a giant heaping truckload of elegance? And I bet I’d blend right in at any 19th century ladies tea party, should I ever fall into a time machine by accident. Which could totally happen. Don’t you people watch Doctor Who?
Of course, the lace isn’t entirely practical as a scarf in this climate, and if you were to press me on it I’d be forced to admit that the time machine scenario is not altogether likely. I’d hate to let it just collect dust in the closet, though, so it’s a good thing there are so many other possible uses for a diminutive shawl! Let’s see, what else, what else…. Oh, here we go! Have you ever seen a prettier, more feminine kerchief? GREAT for keeping the hair off my face while doing housework. As soon as Laura sees this photo she’s going to be so mad she ever let that lace bandana out of her clutches.
While taking these pictures for the blog yesterday, I was just getting ready to demonstrate how the shawl makes a wonderful pocket hanky when from behind (and below) me I heard a familiar “ahem,” and I knew in a moment that my hopes of ever using this shawl for myself were lost. I turned around to see my dear old friend the penguin, standing with his wing outstretched, foot tapping in impatience, eyes on the shawl. Reluctant but resigned, I handed it over.
I am forced to admit that the shawl suits him, and he wears it well. I also think his stint on America’s Next Top Model did good things for his camera presence, although not such good things for his ego (while I drew the line at two pictures on the blog, he demanded in a tone bordering on hysteria that I post several more photos from the shoot on Flickr, because he is convinced that modeling agencies troll the site for fresh talent). Anyway, while I shall miss having use of the shawl myself, it is worth it to keep one of the more high-maintenance members of my household happy, relatively quiet, and out of my way, at least for a while. And isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?
Ashley said,
December 17, 2006 at 10:38 am
THE RETURN OF THE PENGUIN! Woo! Penguin! (Not to swell his head any farther or anything.)
I actually think that the small-side shawl is handy–you can tuck it under your coat without lots of weird bumps.
Kristen said,
December 17, 2006 at 10:47 am
How pretty! It does make a classy looking little scarf/shawlette, or even kerchief. Go ahead and wear it! I’m going to have to troll the blogs and shamelessly request other knitters’ rejects for trade – I should be so lucky as you.
Liz K. said,
December 17, 2006 at 10:50 am
I think you are brilliant to suggest such a trade! And I think the delicate size echoes the delicate nature of the Swallowtail. Gorgeous!
--Deb said,
December 17, 2006 at 11:52 am
Gotta love a shawl that’s that versatile!
hpny knits said,
December 17, 2006 at 12:37 pm
nice touch there, on the floor! you did a great swap!
knitnana said,
December 17, 2006 at 1:39 pm
Oh Cinderella! That shawlette is perfect for the ball! Congrats on a great score…
(((hugs)))
Katy said,
December 17, 2006 at 1:43 pm
And maybe it could be a halter top in the summer? lol
Carry said,
December 17, 2006 at 3:03 pm
Great job on the trade! I might even find that within an acceptable shade of pink. ;) Though I still am just not a “shawl” girl I’m afraid…
Hope your other knitting is going well.
laura said,
December 17, 2006 at 3:31 pm
that is a great trade. it would be a crying shame to frog something that lovely! great pictures too! maybe i would be motivated to scrub my floors if i were tying my hair back with my alpaca and silk shetland triangle. it’s a thought.
earthchick said,
December 17, 2006 at 4:31 pm
OMG, I’m so happy to see the little penguin again – he wears the scarf with such panache! Though I must admit that my favorite shot is of you scrubbing the floor in it.
Brava on a brilliant trade.
Shelley said,
December 17, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Umm…you do know that at least having a bucket by you in the second “floor scrubbing” photo would have made it look more authentic ;o) lol.
I think it’s very lovely, and even looks great as a dressy scarf, like you said it wouldn’t keep you warm, but at least it would look pretty on the outside of your coat.
Shelagh said,
December 17, 2006 at 9:56 pm
Brilliant trade! Beautiful shawl.
Erika said,
December 17, 2006 at 10:03 pm
Nice shawl! And I agree, it certainly works well on the penguin…has he proposed renaming it a penguintail shawl?
Dave said,
December 17, 2006 at 11:36 pm
Great trade! And I’m very relieved to know that the penguin is happy. Grouchy penguins can be so …. grouchy.
Rain said,
December 18, 2006 at 9:16 am
It’s really pretty and looks great as a scarf. What a great swap.
Emily said,
December 18, 2006 at 10:49 am
I always wear a tiara when I scrub the kitchen floor. Which isn’t often. But it makes me feel more elegant about my lot in life. You should totally get your bandana back from that penguin. America’s Next Top Model did wonders for his posture…
yecatsml said,
December 18, 2006 at 11:02 am
How pretty! Perfect Penguin size! :)
32Fletch said,
December 18, 2006 at 11:36 am
You DID notice that one of your pots had crept out of the cabinet and was sidling menacingly up to you and the beautiful scarf in that second photo, right?
I think the pot was in cahoots with the penguin (who doesn’t appear to have missed too many Thursday nights at the all-you-can-eat smelt bar, if you catch my drift).
Allegra said,
December 18, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Gorgeous!!! Really beautiful! I must break down and knit one! I also love how you’re wearing it like a babooshka on your head. Great idea!
Deborah said,
December 18, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Yes, you have found the perfect phrase, “the sacred order of the apathetic sock knitter”!! Thank you for so poetically defining my sock disaster!
Sonya said,
December 18, 2006 at 2:56 pm
What a great trade! And a small price to pay to keep a high maintenance penguin happy. I had to ask Kevin what you were doing in the picture on the floor. He tells me that some people do this in order to have a clean kitchen floor. I just count on the dogs to lick up any droppings.
Debby said,
December 18, 2006 at 5:22 pm
The shawl looks great against your dark coat! (Yours, not the penguin’s). Glad that you rescued it!
I’m joining the apathetic sock knitters group…please tell the penguin to pass that baton my way. :)
Areli said,
December 18, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Beautiful shawl, it looks lovely with your jacket. Looks good on the penguin, too, but I don’t know if I could share such lacy goodness with someone so conceited :-)
Pat K said,
December 18, 2006 at 10:44 pm
I bet the shawl-on-the-head would look pretty classy taking the trash out as well! ;-) Seriously, it’s a beautiful little knit and will make an excellent accent piece for you.
Theresa said,
December 19, 2006 at 9:11 pm
That is just about the best trade ever – for both of you. Go ahead and wear it as a kercheif – better than wasting all that knitting!
Mintyfresh said,
December 19, 2006 at 10:03 pm
I think a pale pink shawl is the perfect accessory–whether for a wedding or scrubbing the floors! Very cute.
Allison said,
December 20, 2006 at 12:43 pm
The shawl is just lovely! And cashmere, yum. I don’t care if it’s the size of a pocket square, ripping out a cashmere lace shawl is WRONG and you were very noble to save it from that fate.
By the way, I think it’s tacky that Penguin keeps upstaging you, but I have to admit he looks quite dashing in the shawl.
I hope the knitting is going better :)
Nonnahs said,
December 20, 2006 at 12:59 pm
Pretty shawl – congratulations! Not to mention, it’s very becoming on the penguin! :)
Gina said,
December 20, 2006 at 11:17 pm
Gorgeous shawl, and the penguin sure wears it well.
Tag, you’re it (check my blog for details)
MiniLaura said,
December 21, 2006 at 11:37 am
So I’ve resisted commenting until now…
I see that the penguin got some cashmere lace after all and you didn’t need my scraps to make him something.
I’m amused by the resemblance of your pose and the penguin’s pose. Are you sure YOU aren’t the one with the attitude and that you’re just trying to foist your personality on to a sweet innocent little penguin?
Also, I’m slightly peeved that you got more comments about the shawl that I knit and I did. Oh well. I have more cashmere than you! *neener neener neener*
Kat with a K said,
December 21, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Oooh, looks great… I’m planning to start one soon. I love it on the penguin!
kristin said,
December 22, 2006 at 12:59 pm
The penguin DOES have a certain presence about him, but he’s no Miss J. Lovely, lovely shawl! I especially like it as a kerchief. It’s oh-so-Annie.
Wonderland Knitter said,
December 23, 2006 at 7:11 pm
THE PENGUIN’S BACK!!!
What a super swap and the shawl looks lovely on the penguin…
(whispering so you-know-who doesn’t hear) – and against your black coat too!
Have a holly jolly Christmas!
Isabelle said,
December 30, 2006 at 1:03 pm
I knew I saw that shawl somewhere! LOL
It certainly would have been too bad to ripp off such a work of Art. Saving that shawl from destruction was a noble and brilliant idea!
It looks lovely on Pinguin but I prefer the Cinderella-in-Lace look! ;-D