When I'm not training for my run, I'm working on my Swedish Heartwarmer Shawl. Hundreds of stitches of pretty colourwork knit in super lovely Bugga yarn.
I got the crazy idea a few weeks ago that this would be my Rhinebeck project. I started in May, but didn't do much of it over the summer (it's not a portable project).
Crazy.
Now I'm on a strict regimine of at least 4 rows a day to get this done with enough time to block it and crochet the edging. The i-cord ties may get knit in the car or not completed until I'm back from Rhinebeck, but I will be sporting this shawl as I frolic with friends and buy fibre.
I'm on the penultimate motif and it's a bit of a slog. When I say 4 rows a day, I should say that each row is over 500 sts long. I'm doing colourwork and I'm knitting the purl-side rows "backwards" or left handed--something I'm getting better at, but slow.
Not sure how to knit left handed? I made a little video
It's not so hard once you get used to it (being left handed doesn't hurt either!)
I just need to get past this part and it's smoother sailing (those blocks of 3 single coloured rows are heaven).
Here's where I'm at:
Pretty eh?
It's stunning. I can't wait to see it in person.
Posted by: bookishwendy | September 28, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Oh my. Absolutely gorgeous - it's going to shine at Rhinebeck!
Posted by: Therese | September 28, 2010 at 11:23 AM
It's completely gorgeous -- what a fantastic project!
Posted by: Stephanie | September 28, 2010 at 12:09 PM
Oh Steph!! That's amazing. Gotta get back to mine.
Posted by: Michelle B | September 28, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Beautiful shawl. I think the best part of any color work project is the single color rows in between the patterns.
Posted by: April | September 28, 2010 at 01:57 PM
That is gorgeous and it looks warm enough for even the chilliest of Rhinebeck trips.
Posted by: Seanna Lea | September 28, 2010 at 02:13 PM
Wow--crazy pretty! Thanks for the video of left-handed knitting. I'm a leftie, but have never made any hardcore forays into knitting left-handed. You make it look simple enough--if I ever find myself with a flat fair isle project, I'm going to give it a go!
Posted by: Wendolene | September 28, 2010 at 02:54 PM
It's beautiful!
Posted by: Emilee | September 28, 2010 at 07:32 PM
ooh, very very pretty!!!!
Posted by: StephCat | September 29, 2010 at 10:23 AM
MINE!
Posted by: Anonymous Smartass | September 29, 2010 at 04:35 PM
Absolutely gorgeous! I hope you complete it for Rhinebeck...Good Luck!
Posted by: Joanne | September 30, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Yes! It is incredible. I bought Handknit Holidays for the purpose of knitting that shawl, but I've been chicken to start it. I am going to follow your progress. I am already re-inspired!c
Posted by: Christina | September 30, 2010 at 06:03 PM
Fantastic colours! Looks beautiful, good colours for you, too.
Posted by: Beth | October 02, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Stunning shawl. I have the book and have often admired the pattern but know I wouldn't have the stamina to complete it. Kudos!
Posted by: Christy J | October 03, 2010 at 09:12 PM
That's a lovely shawl! Can't wait to see it finished. :)
Posted by: Lisa B. | October 03, 2010 at 11:48 PM
That is really incredible. Wow!
Posted by: Cassie | October 05, 2010 at 09:08 PM
This was a remarkable FO. Plus, wearing it over the Bohus? SCORE!
Posted by: Laurie | October 18, 2010 at 07:08 AM
Very pretty, just had to say.
Posted by: Silverilix | October 21, 2010 at 12:31 AM