Recently some of you have asked for updates of, made comments on, or just in general wished you could maybe start one of your own. I thought I’d share the whole history and a few gratuitous pictures…
Last year, I did myself a real favor. I did not realize it at the time, but it has turned out wonderful. I was trying to be thrifty and received more than a bargain on yarn.
It is my Evening Shawl from Knitter’s Stash.
I must have considered it some years earlier when I first purchased the book in 2001. There was a note inserted in the book that calculated a cost of around $400. Now, don’t get me wrong. When it comes to knitting for myself, money is not a factor. Except when it requires an outlay of cash greater than my car payment.
Fast forward to August of last year. The cost of the yarn had gone up (now totaling over $475) and the pattern had not miraculously reduced the quantity of yarn required changed. But I really, really, really …. really, really wanted to knit this shawl. The yarn is named what it is for a reason.
I decided to take the plunge. The twenty different colors were confirmed as still available and I purchased the first four. My plan was to wait for sales and buy the colors as I needed them. Thus, reducing and spreading the financial commitment across a long period of time.
I began knitting the shawl while visiting my parents. My mother’s sticker shock was even greater than my own until she touched it. She jokingly said she’d buy a ball or two if I let her wear it when I was done. Even non-knitters are pulled in by this yarn.
It took a few more months for the wisdom of her joke to hit me. You see, the pattern calls for no more than one or two of any color. Requesting that amount for Christmas or birthday gifts is not unreasonable. So, last Christmas I did just that. Nearly everyone who was willing to indulge my obsession passion for knitting obliged.
Lest you think this was purely a materialistic move on my part, you would not be entirely wrong. However, I gained some wonderful intangible benefits as well. The colors required for the middle segment have been supplied by my parents. The last segment by my in-laws. Friends and other relatives are scattered throughout.
Almost all the colors now represent someone in my life. Just like them, the colors are alternated among their neighbors. No single color stands out on it’s own, but is blended with the others. I always knew it would one of the most luxurious items I ever knit. It is now guaranteed to be one of the most loved.
14 responses so far ↓
knittinbrit_in_wi // Dec 16, 2006 at 12:58 pm
It looks beautiful. I’m so glad that you decided to knit something that you’re passionate about. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished project. What is the estimated time of completion?
LaurieM // Dec 16, 2006 at 3:01 pm
I love that story. It’s very romantic. What is the yarn and why is it so expensive?
I’ve never seen that shawl or a picture of it, but your pictures seem colorful and cushy.
knitabulous // Dec 16, 2006 at 7:37 pm
Jeepers, a whole shawl in Muench Touch Me! I used to say I’d sell my kids for a single ball of that stuff, and ye the godesses of online knitting friends chipped in and got me 5 balls for my birthday.
You’re totally right, it’s a decadant experience from the purchase to the feel to the knitting. Don’t you feel like you have to knit slow to make it last? Like a mouthful of beluga or perhaps a scrape of foie de gras or even a shaving of real truffle(the one the pigs get out of the ground not the chocolate of course) - this stuff is a luxury to be savoured.
And I love the way the family are woven in there too, beautiful sentiment.
Doesn’t it feel like you’re knitting a skinny strip of rabbit pelt?
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE NEEDLE CASE - I don’t have one of those and I love it. xx
Allyson // Dec 16, 2006 at 10:06 pm
I am gifting the Vintage Velvet scarf to my mom this Christmas. I almost can’t let go of it’s soft, cuddly goodness. I can’t wait to see your wonderful shawl…I wish to touch it to be sure!
2paw // Dec 17, 2006 at 5:41 am
What a lovely story!! That makes your shawl so special, and you’ll think of everyone everytime you wear it.
AR // Dec 17, 2006 at 12:18 pm
I love that story! I love that such a special project has such a neat story attatched to it. I just wish I could feel that gorgeous shawl, though! :)
Dyann // Dec 17, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Once again you’ve shared a such a nice story! It’s going to be a beautiful shawl in more ways than one. And congrats on your new auntitude!
Brenda // Dec 17, 2006 at 11:06 pm
What a great story! I’ve been given yarn for a sweater as a gift, and I do think of the giver when I wear it. It’s great you have so many people contributing to your shawl. The colors are beautiful, and it certainly looks soft.
Beth // Dec 19, 2006 at 8:27 am
I have had this shawl on my list for some time. I love touch me and so I have been collecting it one or two balls at a time. I actually got to try on the model shawl from the book and I was really hooked.
Besides, if I’m knitting from my stash it’s free, right?
Annie // Dec 20, 2006 at 6:03 am
Have a wonderful week with your boys, and I hope you and your family have a wonderful, joyful and happy Christmas.
Annie // Dec 20, 2006 at 6:12 am
How did that happen this comment was for another persons blog.WTF.
Anyway Jae have a lovely Christmas and thanks so much for my gift you sent me it was a lovely thought.
Marji // Dec 26, 2006 at 8:24 pm
That is fabulous and will be all the more special for the way the yarn was collected for it.
Juls // Dec 29, 2006 at 1:11 pm
And to think that I felt the Colinette sweater in the Knitter’s Stash had to be the most expensive item…
Amy Artisan // Jan 2, 2007 at 5:58 pm
What a great story about the shawl. As you wear it for years to come I’m sure you’ll be reminded by all of the love from those near to you - always available for hug to keep you warm. :)