Chartwell Christmas Shawl

From Chartwell Shawl

From knitting

I reached my goal and completed the shawl for Christmas. It was quite a struggle but in the end it worked out OK. 
I only have to worry about completing all my other tasks now; that is going to be a bit of a struggle too.

Life Line

http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-tips

This link has really invaluable tips not least of which is the life line.  Such a simple idea and so helpful when knitting a really complex pattern which is really difficult to correct by dropping a stitch and working it back up again with a hook.

I have used it in my recent lace  shawl project but haven't made a serious error since I put the lifeline in.  The beauty of this is that you can reposition the lifeline as the work progresses.

Use a large darning needle or tapestry needle with a contrasting thread or string. I used soft string as it is white and smooth and consequently easy to see and pull out when required. I made some large loops of thread at both ends so that it wouldn't be pulled out inadvertently whilst working.

From Chartwell Shawl

From Chartwell Shawl

From Chartwell Shawl

So far I have gone past the half way mark and the shawl is taking shape nicely - at least I think so.

Cashmerino Scarf

This was made with left over Debbie Bliss, Cahsmerino superchunky yarn - very soft and very expensive!

From knitting

I  wanted to experiment with making knitted piped tucks so had a go on this very easy knit scarf of my own "design".  I used a variety of stitches and alternating colours carrying  the yarn over the back and front of the work to create a basket weave.

Here is a detail of the tucks, piped with triple thikness Cashmerino yarn.

From knitting

I am quite pleased with the result although I am not sure I will ever wear it. 

Shawl Chapter 3

At one point I really thought I wasn't going to be able to complete this project, but things could be worse.  I have now completed the first full pattern and now have started the repeat without making too many errors on the way and only needing to unpick now and again.  Yes still busy de-knitting when I lose track; this always seem to happen when, at the most crucial point in the pattern, the phone or the doorbell rings - do they know?

From knitting