I’m still in my “blue period.” After not finishing my Ravelympics project on time (more on that another day), I turned to a quick gift for my neighbor. She’s in her eighties, and one of her presents was a tennis racket. She wanted it and she will definitely use it. I want to be Natalie when I grow up.
Anyway, I decided to make her a Damson shawl — just something to throw over her shoulders or wear almost as a large scarf. I dug around in my stash and found some lovely silk I’d bought at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival a few years ago: Cascade Silk Worsted from Tess Designer Yarns. In blue.
It’s a simple project and it worked up relatively quickly. The yarn was lovely to work with (although it’s fairly soft and I worry it will pill). But I’m not completely pleased with the project. Natalie is very petite, and because I chose a heavier yarn this Damson is a bit larger than it should be. I’m a little worried that the size will be awkward — not quite big enough to be a full shawl, not quite small enough to wear easily as a scarf. I will still probably go ahead and give it to her, but I have doubts.
To answer a question: the last photograph is probably the most accurate in terms of color.
From Susan — I think it looks great! Which picture is the closest to the actual color?
Comment by lv2knit — March 7, 2010 @ 3:44 pm
I like the drape of the shawl on the model! Looks lovely. Hope it works well for your neighbor!
Comment by Kym — March 7, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
I think it looks great! Love the color. I hope your neighbor likes it!
Comment by Kelly — March 7, 2010 @ 4:47 pm
From the look on the model, I’d say the size is just right, and the shawl is lovely. You are soooo talented.
Comment by Astrid — March 7, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
I have these types of issues myself, without the exquisite workmanship to justify it (my poor recipients tend to wear my creations only because they know it was “made with love.”. Go ahead and give it to her. She will love it. The blue (either photo) seems quite youthful as your neighbor seems to be and I have a feeling she will wear it on a cool day with great panache.
Comment by Chloe — March 7, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
It is beautiful – and this coming from someone who really doesn’t like blue. This is not a gift you should have second thoughts about.
Comment by nestra — March 7, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
It is more than a scarf and less than a shawl, just as you say. That makes it perfect for those in between places – a room with too much air conditioning, a spring evening, a chilly basement – when you don’t want to bundle up but a little neck scarf just doesn’t cut it. She will be thrilled, I am sure.
Comment by twinsetellen — March 7, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
The shawl is beautiful. You could always give it with the offer to make something smaller if the size really is overwhelming. But I suspect she’ll love it and not give it back 😉
Comment by Pam — March 7, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
I agree with all of the above comments yet if you are still worried about the “largeness” and think you might re-work it go with Susan’s version–the airiness of the mesh at the bottom tends to lighten things up a bit. But seriously, I think she’ll love it just as is!
Cheers, Barbie O.
Comment by Barbie O. in Montreal — March 7, 2010 @ 8:50 pm
I’m sure she will love it. May she wear it for another 80 years.
Comment by Lorraine — March 8, 2010 @ 9:59 am
Beautiful! Go ahead and give it to Natalie. If she’s half the woman, in her 80s, that you claim, she’ll find creative ways to wear the scarf/shawl.
Comment by Tressa in NC — March 8, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
It’s a beautiful scarf/shawl. She will love it.
Comment by Marie — March 8, 2010 @ 11:28 pm
Interesting angles and textures that the shading changes help to emphasize. Great choices. She will love it. This shawl is growing on me!
Comment by Kate/Bocomo/K8 — March 9, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
I never, ever comment but I just had to – it is beautiful! She will love it! Keep us posted on just how much she did love it 🙂
Comment by Heather — March 9, 2010 @ 9:11 pm
Looks perfect. . . just the right color for SUPERWOMAN!
Comment by Mary Lee — March 10, 2010 @ 11:19 pm
Lovely shawl – very unique and clever design, beautifully executed and I love the shade of blue that you chose. Excellent work.
Comment by Anne Westbrook — May 27, 2012 @ 1:17 pm