I retire from the world
Leaving troubles behind in my wake
To create something of beauty
So calming and quiet
And marvel at what I can make
I love knitting lace because it makes me feel like an alchemist or a fairy or some other magical creature. I take a lumpen, shriveled pile of yarn and by dipping it in water I transform it into something beautiful.
The Peacock Feathers Shawl is finished. It is absolutely gorgeous. I’m in love and I can’t stop staring at the object of my affections. I love this shawl not only for its beauty and clever design, but for its personal history with me. I’ve been knitting for years. I’m pretty good at it, too. But when I started this shawl several years ago, it was the first lace knitting I’d ever done. Yes, I’m that reckless and ambitious. Anyway, it was slow going and I kept getting distracted. Eventually, it ended up in the (rather large) pile of unfinished projects I have. I truly never believed I’d actually pick it up again. Once something sits too long, it tends to sit forever.
The revelation was that when I did pick it up again — out of frustration with the red silk shawl I was working on — the pattern seemed so easy and obvious. I got that thrill of knowing I had learned things over the past few years. I’m a better knitter now than I was when I started this shawl. How exciting is that?
So here are some photographs of the finished shawl.
Wet, but not yet blocked. An ugly duckling waiting to be transformed into a peacock.
Partially blocked.
Blocked. Pinned down like Gulliver. (Yes, this shawl is enormous. Size matters, and not just to Clay Aiken fans.) It measures 88″ across the top and it is 43″ deep.
Draped casually over the window seat. This is more true to color than the blocking photos.
Finally, being modeled by Lucy.
PS From Susan (aka The Jolly Green Giant) — right now I am absolutely GREEN with envy. I have been waiting very impatiently for my yarn to arrive so I can start my very own Peacock Magic. I cannot wait! And seeing this finished is just about the last straw. Get it together, Mail Delivery Person! Can’t you see this is a knitting emergency!?!!?? And the color of my heart’s desire: Peacock! Zepher Wool and Silk in Peacock. Cross your fingers and toes that it arrives today!
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From Susan: 2 GORGEOUS 4 WORDS!!
Comment by lv2knit — April 6, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
Sally- the magic of lace in a sublime color- what could be better?
The Post Office should understand that yarn delivery takes priority over
all else.
Comment by Lorraine — April 6, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
Oh — so pretty! Breathtaking! OK, I give in, I will obviously have to make a lace shawl. Resistance is futile.
Comment by AuntieAnn — April 6, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
It is absolutely gorgeous, congratulations ! Seeing your beautiful Peacock Feathers makes me want to try and start mine…
Comment by Veronique — April 6, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
Go Sally go! I just finished plying the rest of the yarn that I needed (I hope) to complete my Peacock shawl. I can’t wait to unfurl mine, too. Yours is GORGEOUS!
Comment by June — April 6, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
Susan commented on my blog that you would be posting pictures, Sally, and it is every bit as *gorgeous* as she said! Oh, my. Susan, I think you have tipped the scale finally! Who wants to knit sleeves when there is a Peacock Feather shawl to be knitted?! *drool*
Comment by Romi — April 6, 2007 @ 4:09 pm
It’s stunningly beautiful. Congrat’s on finishing it.
Comment by Wendy O — April 6, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
Oh, that is so beautiful. I’ve got to finish my lace stole (my 3rd project that I started!) too, now that I know so much more about knitting! And after that, Peacock!?!
Comment by Kim — April 6, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
Susan, you are shameless! *g* Did your yarn come?
Comment by Romi — April 6, 2007 @ 10:49 pm
It’s already been said — but it’s beautiful! I love that dark red! But a peacock peacock should be terrific too!
Comment by Pam — April 7, 2007 @ 1:07 am
What a great piece of knitting, and how satisfying to know you’ve progressed with your skills.
Comment by Gale — April 7, 2007 @ 8:41 am
Simply stunning! Seeing your drive to finish such a beautiful item started long ago makes me want to do the same. Must go knit now :o)
Comment by Karen B. — April 7, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Your Peacock Feathers is just stunning! You’ve done such a beautiful job of it. Lace is magic.
Comment by Melanie — April 7, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
It is so wonderful. Great color. Wow!
Comment by Rosa — April 7, 2007 @ 10:23 pm
Gorgeous! enough to make any peacock green with jealousy!
Comment by Laura — April 8, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
Peacock is stunning, and I can’t wait to see Susan’s version in my favorite color of all time – Peacock!
Comment by Mary — April 9, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Congratulations, Sally! Beautifully done, great color and yarn choice. Enjoy!
Comment by Nessa Zimmerman — April 9, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
That is one drop dead gorgeous shawl!!! You must be so very, very proud!!
Comment by gail — April 9, 2007 @ 11:03 pm
Stunning! Love the color! Love the lacy look. Love the size of it! Love the knitter! 🙂
Comment by Jody — April 11, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
Gorgeous! I’m in love. Please tell where to find the pattern.
Comment by Irene Milshteyn — June 30, 2015 @ 6:16 am
Gosh, Sally, if You learned a few things over the past few years, imagine My journey. The shawl is so beautiful. The color is so apt. And the size is my favorite: extra large. I don’t know how you had the perseverance for such a large project. Susan, I love how you spur each other on. Can’t wait to see yours!
Comment by Chloe — October 7, 2021 @ 10:49 am