I’ve been trying to get this done quickly — it’s a smaller project that I will wear often, so I’m trying to stay focused all the way to the finish line.
I also want to weigh in on the Mermaid/soft yarn discussion. I found that my Mermaid softened up a bit when wet blocked, but I agree with Barb Outside Boston: garments can be TOO soft. I have used some great, soft yarns, but they don’t hold their shape and sometimes pill. That’s what I like about real shetland wool. It keeps its shape and wears like iron. I always wear something underneath so what difference does it make?  I love the feel of real wool. Now that’s not to say that I don’t like merino or Cascade 220. They are real wool and soft, so they are great to work with and wear. But I still love that shetland wool, my friends!!
I’ve read so many warnings about not using handpainted yarns for lace and textures but that looks lovely.
Comment by Marina — June 28, 2007 @ 11:18 pm
You are flying!!! Looks great.
xoxo!
Comment by Romi — June 28, 2007 @ 11:52 pm
That does look nice. I think handpainted yarns need texture to bring out their beauty — they often look odd in plain stockinette.
Comment by surly — June 28, 2007 @ 11:56 pm
Hand painted yarns look best in lace if the pattern is simple and regular. This is a good fit of yarn and pattern!
I don’t find Shetland wool all that terribly rough. Quebecoise, and Lopi are much worse.
Comment by LaurieM — June 29, 2007 @ 7:22 am
So pretty. What level would you consider this pattern? (Compared, say, to the Cap shawl I’m still working on!)
Comment by Wendy O'C — June 29, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Susan- I agree 100%. Goes without saying that Shetland is a fiber unto itself-
and it does have body. I’m not a floppy, squishy texture person at all.
But I do work with other fibers. Shetland makes up about 85% of my stash.
That’s a lotta sheep!
The shawl is yummy!
Comment by Lorraine — June 29, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Gorgeous! And so fast too
Comment by Carol — June 29, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
Diamond Fantasy is so pretty – I love how the colours in your yarn are working. That will be a wear-everywhere with everythingshawl.
Comment by Melanie — June 29, 2007 @ 4:55 pm