As already mentioned, Susan and I attended Meg Swansen’s Knitting Camp earlier this month. On our way to the wilds of Wisconsin, we stopped at Amazing Threads, one of the yarn stores that Susan frequents. They had a store sample of a shawl that we both had considered making: Imagine When designed by Joji Locatelli. It’s a simple but elegant shawl, made by combining garter stitch, short rows, and eyelets. The shape lets it sit nicely on the shoulders.
I started it on the way to camp, and finished it right after I got home. After experimenting with some lovely Madelinetosh, I decided to knit it from the same yarn the shop had used: Anzula Dreamy, soft and drapey blend of merino, cashmere, and silk. The store had a proprietary color — Neptune. I hate to be a blind follower, but sometimes it’s the way to go.
In other words, I used the exact same yarn and the same needle size (a U.S. 6, 4.0 mm) as the person who knit the shop sample. Even though I generally knit a little loosely, my shawl didn’t block out to be as large as the sample. It would have been easy to make a larger size by adding stitches and rows in a few key places, and I had plenty of yarn left over. Unfortunately, I didn’t know it was going to be smaller until it was finished. The pattern called for two skeins and I barely dipped into the second one. It’s still a nice size, but I do wish it were a little larger. The shawl still has a fair amount of spring to it, so I might try blocking it again. Le sigh. I might even make a second one in a different yarn.
Below are some not great photos. It’s hard to photograph the shape.
From Susan – I love it! In fact, this is a shawl I want to make! ;^)
Comment by lv2knit — July 31, 2013 @ 4:54 pm
Really pretty pattern and color!
Comment by Quinn — July 31, 2013 @ 5:17 pm
I made this shawl using Madelinetosh Merino Light in Earl Grey. I haven’t blocked mine yet, but it looks even smaller than your shawl. I used a size six needle and started a second skein, too. I loved the color of my yarn before starting, but it was a bad choice for this pattern. I may knit it again in a solid color and larger needle. I want to knit Autumn Blush by Joji Locatelli. I have the pattern and yarn and it’s in queue.
Comment by Mary Jo — July 31, 2013 @ 6:20 pm
I can see why you were intrigued by this pattern. And it looks beautiful. Sorry about the size. Would you try making it again?
Comment by Chloe — July 31, 2013 @ 7:22 pm
Great color! Sometimes blind following gets a bad rap. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the size and adaptability.
Comment by Robby — August 1, 2013 @ 11:15 pm
It turned out wonderfully! I gotta make that.
Comment by Penny — August 2, 2013 @ 12:00 am
How about an added on edging that builds on the current edging? You could add 3-4 inches that way.
Julie
Comment by Julie in San Diego — August 3, 2013 @ 1:46 am
It’s beautiful Sally. I really love the asymmetrical pattern on this shawl.
Comment by Susanne — August 3, 2013 @ 6:22 pm
I got my yarn today for this Sally. I bought two skeins of Madelinetosh Sock in a great red. Since I am a loose knitter , I thought I’d better overbuy than underbuy. Thanks for the tip!
Comment by Penny — August 30, 2013 @ 8:08 pm