theraineysisters knitting and so much more

I really like Japanese short rows!!  Like most knitters, I have never been fond of short rows.  I think they cause a tear in the space-time continuum that I like to think of as my lovely knitted fabric.  However, Japanese short rows do no such thing, when executed correctly.  They create a fabric with short row shaping and minimal short row ick (technical term!). 

We have posted this link before but it bears repeating: Nona Knits Japanese Short Rows.  Use it!  Good knitters do not let other good knitters do bad short rows ;).

Anyway, jump ahead a couple of days and the top is finshed:

The color in the top picture is much truer — why is it so hard to get good pictures?  Why does it look so BEIGE in these pictures? 

I am not thrilled with the top — it looks like you could buy it in a store for much less money and effort.  No one will think it’s silk, and I think the color should be prettier.  However, I do recommend the pattern if you are looking for a nice summer top.  It calls for 20 sts/4″ gauge which is very common, the pattern can be sized to any figure, and it is easy to do. 

Those of you who have been paying attention will notice the absence of bobbles (Mary M. will not be surprised!).  Yes, I have an active aversion to bobbles.  I had already decided to forego the bobbles on the back — I thought they would cause bumps that looked like tumors growing on my back in perfect alignment.  I got to the front and actually knitted the bobbles on the first section, but thought they were way too much effort for the result, so I did a bobblectomy.  I substituted some textured knitting instead.  Again, another reason to like this pattern for its adaptability.

The timing of this FO is great because I got an email today stating that my PEACOCK YARN IS IN THE MAIL AND WILL ARRIVE TOMORROW OR THE NEXT DAY.  Do you realize what this means!!??  I am mere hours away from starting the project of my [recent] dreams: many hours of aggravation and love to make a shawl I will never wear.  Heaven.

Bless me Father, for…….

Okay, I’m not Catholic, but I have a confession.  I have never knit a lace shawl before — not in laceweight anyway.  The Peacock Feathers Shawl will be my first foray into the mysterious and scary world of actual laceweight lace knitting!  Whew.  I feel better clearing my conscience.  I did not realize it was my first until I started swatching some lace in preparation for the Peacock’s arrival.  It felt unfamiliar.  I racked my brains for a memory of knitting a lace shawl.  Lots of examples in DK+ came to mind, as well as some failed attempts at laceweight.  But no shawl.  Ever. 

So, this should be fun!

I am also slowly knitting along on the Mitered Tote — which is PERFECT mindless take-along knitting.  I will be totally content: work on lace at home and tote on the road.  My world is in order.