Shetland Triangle: Done!
I do really truly have a finished project to show. It's the Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style:
I finished this one in record time. For me, anyways.
Photos by my husband, because he rocks.
I love this shawl. I decided (at the last minute) to make a shawl to wear to my dear friend Taylor's wedding, and I needed something that would knit up pretty quickly. I started several different shawls: River (in Kidsilk Haze and Jaggerspun), Bellini Shawl (in Morehouse Merino), Flower Basket Shawl, and a random lace stole that I found by googling around. I started and ripped all of these out in a span of two days.
Finally, at the suggestion of my friend Lynnea and Used-to-be-Kniterati Anne, I cast on for the Shetland Triangle using some Socks That Rock that I had in my stash. And it just felt right. The pattern is beautiful and easy to memorize - after a few repeats, I was able to stop looking at the chart and just knit knit knit. I really needed a pattern like that, because I was finishing the damn thing while we were traveling in Boston and all up the coast of Maine.
In Boston, I realized that I would probably run out of Socks that Rock before I made the shawl long enough, so Frecklegirl Jess took me to Newbury Yarns to see what we could find. I ended up getting some GGH Taj Mahal in a dark purple for the edging. (Taj Mahal is yummy yarn, and I got four balls because each ball only has 89 yards. Of course I only used ONE BALL, but dude, I need to find something out of this yarn - it is soft and drapey and just lovely.)
The edging worked out perfectly.
I finished the shawl in the car on the way to Portland, Maine. I was super excited and ready to block it as soon as we got to our hotel in Portland, but I didn't have wool wash OR blocking pins. Ooops. Luckily, there were three yarn stores within walking distance of our hotel. and we hit up all three (much to Jacob's delight. HAR.) The first one, Central Yarn, didn't have wool wash OR blocking pins (but they were really nice). The second stop, Tess's Designer Yarns, also didn't have wool wash or blocking pins, but they did have some pretty lame customer service, so I didn't even get yarn there.
The third store was the winner - KnitWit! The woman there was totally awesome - not only did she have T-pins for blocking, but she gave me two samples of Soak so I didn't have to buy a full bottle of wool wash. YAY for KnitWit - I was so happy and relieved to finally find what I was looking for, and of course I bought some yarn, too.
The wingspan shot.
I blocked the shawl overnight in our hotel room, and then brought it along for the wedding in Lincolnville, Maine. and it was perfect! It was just a little windy that night, and the shawl gave me just the right amount of warmth. I am so making another one of these - maybe in some Dream in Color Smooshy that I just got in the mail. If you're looking for a good first lace project, or a fast lace project, I highly recommend this pattern.
I am so serious in this picture.
I hope you don't mind the multiple self-indulgent photos, but when the husband does a photo shoot, I have to take advantage.
So, in summary, Shetland Triangle FOR THE WIN. wooo-hoooooooooo.
Comments (52)
Stunning Carrie!
I will definitely hop over to ravelry to queue this one up, and the next wedding invite I get.. I'll start knitting it!
Posted by Colleen | August 11, 2008 3:42 PM
Looks great! The colors look really nice with the trees in the background.
Posted by Daniel Robertson Reynolds | August 1, 2008 12:21 PM
Wow--lookit you, beautiful thang! You look incredible, and your ST is gorgeous!
Posted by Jen | August 1, 2008 12:07 PM
Wow! That shawl is amazing and kudos to your photographer hubby -- beautiful pictures and you look absolutely gorgeous. Nice job!
Posted by Jane | July 31, 2008 9:28 PM
Completely unrelated to your lovely shawl, I'm just checking in because of an odd abundance Schmoo. Yesterday, I saw a "Schmoo" license plate (I tried to get a pic; I have a great photo of my car's windshield wiper); this morning, I watched "Lucky Number Slevin", which has an entire explanation of Schmoo.
Hope everything's OK, and that the universe isn't sending me secret Schmoo messages for diabolical reasons!
Posted by CraftyGryphon | July 30, 2008 4:03 PM
Great photos and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this pattern versus others. I've had Flower Basket Shawl and Leaf Lace Shawl patterns for years and still don't feel ready to make a triangular shawl. Your photos are inspiring though. Congratulations.
Posted by Beatriz | July 29, 2008 2:04 PM
That is beautiful! Makes me want to make one.
Posted by KnittingKel | July 28, 2008 1:23 PM
Look at you, hot stuff!!! Beautiful work, and it looks great on you!
Posted by amanda | July 28, 2008 12:58 PM
So, so pretty! I love the different colored edging!
(And what is up with yarn stores not carrying blocking supplies? I got a dirty look -- like a "y'all insane" look -- when I asked if the one in my town had blocking wires. The woman at the counter looked at me over her glasses and said "Honey, I have never heard of those." Like I'm making them up. Jeez.)
Posted by Specs | July 28, 2008 11:24 AM
Gorgeous! I love the colors.
Posted by Jillian | July 24, 2008 6:37 PM
That sure is pretty. Nice color!
Posted by Jeanine | July 24, 2008 1:26 PM
You look absolutely beautiful in that gorgeous shawl. I have had this on my list for some time now...maybe I should go ahead and give it a go.
PS: Lucky you in Maine. It has been over 100 degrees here for days!
Posted by Kathy | July 24, 2008 11:50 AM
Just gorgeous! The shawl looked fab with the black dress.
Posted by RachelH | July 24, 2008 2:46 AM
Wow, Carrie, you look gorgeous! The shawl is so pretty. I've never seen one with two colors before and it looks so lovely. I'm glad you had a great time.
Posted by Jen (Friender) | July 23, 2008 2:48 PM
You look great!!!! Love the colors of the shawl-so pretty! I've never knit lace....but I'm thinking I may need a shawl-cue up! I'm so glad you enjoyed KnitWit. I live in Portland, and it is my go to LYS!!!!
Posted by Benny | July 22, 2008 6:16 PM
very nice, carrie! good thing you were able to find yarn before the wedding to make the shawl big enough. fabs color, too! i don't remember seeing the shawl in your photos on flickr, but i love your hair!
Posted by mai | July 22, 2008 2:25 PM
Fabulous! I don't usually like 2-colour shawls, but I do love this one with the dark edging. And I love it when a project comes together in a race against the clock! Way to go!
Posted by alison | July 22, 2008 11:36 AM
so so pretty!
Posted by carolyn | July 22, 2008 9:46 AM
You have done such a beautiful job and the colour change looks amazing - I am very inspired! Thanks for a lovely post :).
Posted by Rebecca | July 21, 2008 9:18 PM
Beautiful. I haven't made that one yet but I love the two colors.
Posted by Suzanne | July 21, 2008 7:17 PM
Look how pretty you are! I love the shawl colors.
And happy birthday to a fellow Cancerian! My birthday was yesterday, and I also turned 30. Yay 30!
Posted by Woolslinger | July 21, 2008 6:22 PM
Beautiful work and a great choice of color mix. It looks stunning on you.
Posted by Jane Prater | July 21, 2008 5:21 PM
You look gorgeous! The shawl is beautiful too!
Posted by Shannon | July 21, 2008 5:09 PM
lookin' awesome! I love that pattern. And I'm really lovin' your hair-do in these pictures, too. Fancy!
Posted by maya | July 21, 2008 4:33 PM
wow, that shawl is gorgeous! great job. but not nearly as stunning as you, tho. ;) srsly, hot mama.
Posted by Sandra | July 21, 2008 4:13 PM
You look so pretty!!! The shawl is nice, too! ;)
Posted by sarah b. | July 21, 2008 3:24 PM
It's just beautiful -- maybe I'll attempt a go at knitting some lace. Hope you had fun in Maine.
Posted by Kathode Ray Tube | July 21, 2008 2:51 PM
GORGEOUS. You and the shawl. :)
Posted by Sarah | July 21, 2008 1:49 PM
Lovely shawl! I made a Shetland Triangle as well, and enjoyed knitting it as much as you did :)
Also, I am going to Portland on vacation, so I'm glad to hear that there are 3 knitting stores.
Posted by Veronique | July 21, 2008 1:19 PM
HOW PRETTY ARE YOU??!?!?! Also, the shawl is lovely :)
Posted by Lara | July 21, 2008 1:03 PM
Its gorgeous!!!!!!!! YEAH for Knit Witts coming thru - love good customer service!
Posted by nichole | July 21, 2008 12:37 PM
You look lovely! Such a great shawl, and such great pics. : )
Posted by Julie | July 21, 2008 11:21 AM
very very nice carrie! and the multiple photos are just gorgeous as well :)
Posted by gleek | July 21, 2008 11:19 AM
Oh wow the colors are fabulous on you. I may have to put that in my queue for sure. I love it!
Posted by Sharon | July 21, 2008 11:11 AM
You look amazing. Fab job on your shawl!
Posted by Knitters Delight | July 21, 2008 10:58 AM
that color is perfect on you! i bet you were the best dressed guest at the wedding.
Posted by rebecca | July 21, 2008 10:09 AM
OOOOoooOOOO lovely lovely lovely!!! I want one!
ps. come over in September!
Posted by chelsea | July 21, 2008 10:09 AM
Gorgeous!!!!!!
I may to make this one now!
Posted by Michelle | July 21, 2008 9:50 AM
It came out beautifully. And you look gorgeous in those photos!
Posted by Elizabeth | July 21, 2008 9:45 AM
What great pictures! I love your choice of color for the trim - so pretty! Lovely dress too, by the way. :)
Posted by jessica~ | July 21, 2008 9:06 AM
Ha, I can't believe I just spellt shawl wrong! I'm not fit to be let loose on other people's comments pages.
Posted by Boffcat | July 21, 2008 8:17 AM
Great shall, and what gorgeous pictures! (I was relieved when I read on and realised they were wedding-related though; I was getting intimidated imagining other people went round looking that beautifully groomed all the time...)
Posted by Boffcat | July 21, 2008 8:16 AM
The shawl looks great! The colors are really awesome!
Posted by kim | July 21, 2008 8:04 AM
Beautiful Shetland Triangle - and I am so glad you went to Newbury Yarns - I used to work there! It is a little gem of a shop.
Congrats on your fast & furious shawl!
Posted by meg | July 21, 2008 8:02 AM
Very very pretty! That turned out so super! And very nice pics! Thanks for posting!
Posted by Kelly | July 21, 2008 6:54 AM
*whistle* You look gorgeous! (eggplant/purple is a great colour on you)
This just confirms that I NEED to make a shetland triangle.
Posted by Terra | July 21, 2008 6:49 AM
The shawl looks so pretty -- and so do you!
Posted by Melissa | July 21, 2008 6:44 AM
Wow, so so lovely, and you look stunning too. No need to apologize for posting your FO "in the wild," and done by the super fabby hubby. They are great shots. They deserve some love :)
Posted by Marnie | July 21, 2008 1:21 AM
Helloooooo, gorgeous!! You look great - and the shawl is super pretty. :) Yay!!
Posted by Mary-Heather | July 21, 2008 12:37 AM
Absolutely beautiful. The shawl,the photos,everything... great job!
Posted by Lisa | July 20, 2008 11:24 PM
KnitWit FTW! It looks gorgeous - I finished mine ages ago, but I haven't blocked it yet, I'm slightly worried it'll come out too small, but I'm out of yarn, so here's hoping! I'd definitely make another, though, it's an awesome pattern.
(the blog moved, by the way.)
Posted by anne | July 20, 2008 10:46 PM
So pretty! The colors go so well with your dress. I'm working on a Shetland Triangle right now that I wish was moving a little faster. Seeing yours inspires me to keep on keepin' on!
Posted by Lisa | July 20, 2008 10:44 PM