I just returned from a few days in Ogunquit, Maine. (I’d gone up with a friend to catch Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Oguinquit Playhouse.) It’s been years since I’d had a chance to go up to the New England coast, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered, despite a bit of fog.
I brought with me my latest finished object: Havsfrun, a stole designed by Anna Dalvi. Havsfrun is based on a medieval Swedish ballad about a sea witch who loves a mortal. The shawl depicts the water of the sea witch’s realm, which part around her lands and fields.
I knit mine out of yarn that I had purchased at this spring’s Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Nona, from Spirit Trail Fiber works, is a heavy lace weight yarn that is 50% merino, 25% cashmere, and 25% silk. Yes, it’s a darn shame to knit with. My color — Woad — was a limited edition blue with little touches of dark and light and occasional glimpses of green. Perfect for a sea witch, but hard to capture in photographs. First, I took some artsy shots in Maine.
Here are some more “traditional” shots that show the pattern a little better.
The pattern was a fun, quick, and easy knit and I love the shawl and the yarn.
So that takes care of the Oceans and Witch portion of the post. Where are the Mountains and the King? As many of you know, my son-in-law, Matthew Cooke, is a pro cyclist. He rides for the Jamis Hagens Berman team. Yesterday was the first day of the USA Pro Challenge, aka the Tour of Colorado. This is one of the premier races in North America and includes all of the top riders from the Tour de France. Matt went out on a break and swept up all of the points for the King of the Mountain jersey. We couldn’t be more proud, and we are rooting for him to keep it. (Of course, I don’t know if that’s the team’s strategy for him!) Personally, I think he looks great in polka dots.
PS from Susan — We are thrilled for Matt as he got the ‘KOM hat trick’ for his 3rd King of the Mountain ride today!! Please help us cheer him on so he gets the overall King of the Mountain award for this thrilling race!!
WOOT WOOT! One for you and one for Matthew.
Comment by Suzan — August 20, 2013 @ 1:54 pm
Oh, so jealous. My husband and I celebrated our 50th birthdays up there last summer and it was one of our regular haunts while living in Boston. There’s lots of beautiful coastline towns out here near SF, but I have such fond memories of Ogunquit that it gives me a pang to think of how far away it is from me now. BTW, beautiful lacework!
Comment by Wool Free and Lovin' Knit — August 21, 2013 @ 12:01 am
Stunning shawl. And Ogunquit’s at my doorstep, practically.
Jean in Maine
Comment by Jean — August 21, 2013 @ 7:49 am
Your knitting is so beautiful, as is the eastern coastline!
AND, a huge Congratulation to your son-in-law and your family! that is truly awesome!!!
WOW!!!
Comment by Barb — August 21, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
And I see that Matt won the polka-dot shirt again today (Wednesday)! Congratulations!!
Comment by Jennifer — August 21, 2013 @ 6:53 pm
My husband and I watched the Tour of Colorado on TV today and saw the interview with your son-in-law. I’ve loved your blog for some time and found it interesting about the cycling link. I love your knitting and congrats to your daughter’s husband!! Three days with the King of the Mountain jersey is awesome!
Comment by Rita — August 21, 2013 @ 9:30 pm
Yeah, for Matt Cooke!. My husband and son went to Colorado to watch the race! They saw the polka-dot jersey speed by them.
Comment by Mary from suburb of Chicago — September 9, 2013 @ 3:15 pm