Karen’s shawl July 28, 2008
The shawl for Karen is done. Blocked and everything. It’s huge. But then, I wanted it to be. It’s a full 88 inches across, and 43 inches high. Karen will look elegant dressed in black and wrapped in this shawl that glistens and twinkles when the light hits it; the beads will sparkle in candlelight.
Yarn: Yarn Place, Gentle, 883 yards, red.
Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm) circulars. Size 14 crochet hook for attaching beads. Crochet hook for provisional cast on.
Beads: Size 8/0 seed beads, 18 grams, silver lined, ruby.
Gauge: Each diamond motif is 2 inches square, blocked. Or, 5 sts and 8 rows per inch.
Finished size: 88w x 43h. 
Notes: I loved, loved, loved knitting this. I knit it—except at knit nights—to the exclusion of all else. The word “obsessed” comes to mind. So much so that as soon as it was off the needles I started another one, and it’s going like gangbusters. The only thing I have issue with is that the red color is nearly impossible to photograph accurately. The yarn was a delight to knit. I’m tickled pink that I have more of it to make something else out of. The cobweb weight yarn is ephemeral, light as air, weighed down by the negligible bulk of the beads. And soft! Oh my. Cashmere and silk. Need I say more?
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Nicky Epstein has a new book coming out in November. It looks promising, though as usual I’ll wait until I get my hands on it before I decide if I want to buy it or not. The full title of the book is a bit of a mouthful: Nicky Epstein’s Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design. In spite of the lengthy title, the book shows promise. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing this one when it’s released.
Cris Melo July 28
This is really pretty!! I saw you passing by on Flickr (everyone’s photos from Home page), clicked on it but didn’t know it had beads. Even better!
Nice work!!
~Kristie July 28
I can’t wait to see the shawl in person tonight. Even in the photos, it looks huge! Only 883 yards? I may have a skein left after all.
I agree that red is extremely difficult to photograph. I wonder what the trick is?
Danielle from SW MO July 29
It’s Beautiful!!!
I too havent figured out the “trick” to photographing Red. I have a pair of Red socks otn right now and need to take a good photo…could be interesting :-)
Cashmere and Silk cobweb weight yarn…must be so soft and yummy to work with.
Jenna July 29
Oh my goodness, it turned out absolutely gorgeous! Of course, I had no doubt that it would, but still. WOW. Maybe I could commission you to knit a shawl for me someday? ;)
amanda July 29
Beautiful! I love the red, even if it is difficult to photograph. It looks so delicate and lovely.
Jocelyn July 30
Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. What an amazing shawl — and what a lucky friend :) I can’t wait to see the next one!
DonnaC July 30
How gorgeous Karen’s shawl is. I can’t wait to hear about her reaction. Excellent, excellent work. Thank you for sharing this inspiration.
Robin August 2
I bet that shawl will be stunning with a black dress!! Beautiful work Laura.
Karen B. August 11
Superb! Little glints of light trapped in a gorgeous red spider web of lace. Well done!