Like lemmings plunging off a cliff, we both joined the latest Ravelry craze: Color Affection.
Susan’s Color Affection
I understand the appeal of the shawl, but not the magnitude of the appeal. In any case, I still purchased yarn for the project at Yarnover. I got caught up in the beauty of the Grinning Gargoyle’s wares and the joy of pairing three colors together (can you pair three things?). I used Grinning Gargoyle’s Seda Sock in light gray, darker gray, and a soft, “cedar” green.
The knitting is simple garter, with some short rows thrown in. I opted for the “k1, YO, k1” option that most knitters have used to mitigate the very tight edge that occurs.
I decided to do a 2-stitch i-cord bind off (after seeing a project on Ravelry) and it turned out quite nice. The blocking helped get rid of the shawl’s inevitable hump…hope it’s gone for good!
Sally’s Color Affection
My son attends Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and when I’m in Portland I always stop at Knit Purl, a lovely shop with an interesting selection of yarns. (They are the home of Shibui.) Unfortunately for my wallet, I am on their email list and periodically receive offers I just can’t refuse. They emailed that they had a new shipment of Madelinetosh Pashmina, and that’s when I took the plunge off the Color Affection cliff. I used Silver Fox, Logwood, and Charcoal. My colors look somewhat similar to Susan’s, but the difference is the lavender that glides into purple. The color reminded me of two of my favorite flowers: lilacs (which I can’t get to grow in DC) and wisteria (which I have in abundance right now).
PS from Susan — Pat asked how we blocked our shawls. I can’t speak for Sally, but I did not use any wires or guide thread to block mine — just a pin on each end to make the points pointy! My shawl was quite damp and I just shaped it to the desired shape. It was kind of difficult because the garter ridges were very moveable (like an accordian). I just made sure the stripes ran parallel to each other. Plus, I made sure the hump (at the cast on area) was flattened out. This additional blocking photo may show it better.
PS2: Pat asked if my Color Affection was blocked on a piece of styrofoam — indeed it is! I show the process in this post…but glossed over my ridiculous trip to the car when the styrofoam had me nearly airborne!!
Sally, next time you’re in Portland you should also try Twisted, around 22nd and Broadway NE. A whole wall of sock yarn, and many other goodies. There’s a bead shop a couple blocks further west and across the street, if you’re interested. On lilacs – we have lots in Chevy Chase!
Comment by Naomi — May 16, 2012 @ 6:03 pm
I like Color Affection and the myriad color variations. What I don’t get is why so many people have knitted Clapotis, but then it’s always to each his own.
Comment by Beverly — May 16, 2012 @ 6:20 pm
ooooooooh I was so trying to resist. apparently it is futile 🙂
Comment by bethh — May 16, 2012 @ 6:36 pm
I just started Color Affection AND my son is a Reedie (class of 96). Tomorrow we fly up to visit him and also of couse visit Knit Purl. Real reason for going is to attend the Northwest Animation Festival this week-end that my son organized.
Comment by Ann Liebert — May 16, 2012 @ 7:44 pm
Very beautiful! Now I have to o look at ‘clapotis’ – I’m curious -what is it?
Comment by Barb — May 16, 2012 @ 8:24 pm
I am just about off the bandwagon (after vowing not to do so). Had two colours of Domy Heather, and just got the third from the Yarnery. I need a fairly mindless knit for a trip to the cabin this weekend, and I’m having a lot of trouble with a sweater I’m knitting that is currently in a time-out. Thunk I went! Must add that DH came home tonight all excited because on his way to work this morning, he saw a license plate that said “lv2knit.” (he thought he was telling me something I didn’t know) He followed you onto 694 this morning, 7:30 amish. BTW, both Colour Affections are lovely.
Comment by Susan — May 16, 2012 @ 9:49 pm
Those are just beautiful and I second the Twisted nomination.
Comment by Rebecca — May 16, 2012 @ 10:56 pm
They are both lovely!
Susan, I was just looking at your project on Ravelry over the last couple of days. How funny that you posted this today, because I was planning to message you about it. (Actually, I still will, as I have a request.)
Comment by Cheryl S. — May 17, 2012 @ 12:54 am
very pretty, both of them!
Comment by Wool Free and Lovin Knit — May 17, 2012 @ 10:06 am
Girls: How did you block these shawls? I mean, did you use wires, pins, or just block them out flat? Thanks for the information! I’m feeling like a lemming, also…gorgeous shawls!
Comment by Pat Mofjeld — May 17, 2012 @ 11:53 am
The Lyra makes such a great backdrop for the photos. 🙂 The CA shawls are both lovely. Please tell, what is that lovely blue glass object in the center of Lyra?
Comment by Ruth — May 17, 2012 @ 2:44 pm
I’ve got lilacs in Arlington. You’re welcome to come cut off bits to grow your own (if that works on lilacs). They must be especially hardy since I don’t do anything to them and they still bloom every year. The shawl will look lovely a lot longer than the lilac flowers, though!
Comment by Tracey — May 17, 2012 @ 3:59 pm
You’re not alone in your lemming-ness. After attending Maryland Sheep and Wool and seeing several completed versions, I came home and cast on. I opted not to do the K1 YO K1 and hope I’m not sorry. I do wish I knit the wraps, even though the instructions said you didn’t have to.
Both of yours are so pretty!!
Comment by Beth — May 17, 2012 @ 8:49 pm
Me again. 🙂 I just had a brainstorm. If you liked Color Affection, you might also like Coralette. Another multi-color shawlette–but this one is more scarf-like and only 2 colors. So far, it’s definitely NOT a lemming project; but, it sure looks like a fun knit. It’s my next one to cast on.
Comment by Ruth — May 17, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
However you came up with the title the Lemming Sisters doesn’t matter. What does matter is the amount of joy and giggles that title continues to bring me!!! I will suddenly start spontaneously giggling whenever it comes to mind. I’m sure people think I have lost it.
And the Color Affections are exquisite! Thanks for the inspiration and joy.
Comment by loveinamist — May 20, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
Thanks for the blocking info. but now I have another question: Are those sheets of styrofoam or what that you have the shawl blocked on? Thanks, again!
Comment by Pat Mofjeld — May 20, 2012 @ 9:10 pm
THANK YOU for the fabulous tip about the bind off – I enjoyed the project but was unhappy with the tightness of the edge until someone suggested the K1 YO K1 solution and was worried about the final bind off until your marvelous suggestion! Love how knitters share tips! THANKS again —
Comment by knittingkitty — May 21, 2012 @ 10:10 am
Love both of them and have been heading for that cliff my own self. It’s just a question of colors for me. Yours are beautiful
Comment by rebecca — May 21, 2012 @ 10:19 am
Once again, I’m speechless. Absolutely beautiful.(both of them) 🙂
Comment by Love To Crochet — May 22, 2012 @ 10:22 pm
Sally…….your shawl (and Susan’s) are B-E-A-U-T-I-FULL!!!
Ask your son if he knows Emily Due from Mpls……she’s a soph/junior this year at Reed. Our daughter nannied for her many years ago….she was a surrogate granddaughter until I got one of my own. Cathy Rootness…..in Susan’s Thursday knitting group.
Comment by Cathy Rootness — May 23, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
Too many other projects in the works….MUST RESIST COLOR AFFECTION…and you guys are NOT helping! Both are gorgeous. And I’m very impressed at how quickly you got them off the needles!
Comment by twinsetjan — May 27, 2012 @ 9:54 am