FO: Orchid Thief

• Pattern by Ysolda Teague, in "Brave New Knits"
• Yarn: Stricken Smitten Shimmer Glimmer, blackberry diamond, 420 yds
• Needles/Gauge: 5 spi in Stockinette on US 6's
• Time to knit: About 10 days in July 11

Here's my first project for the current SKC KAL, where we're knitting patterns by Ysolda Teague and/or Cecily Glowik MacDonald.  Color is off in the pic above, but at least you can see the whole lace design.

I loved this pattern when I first saw the previews for "Brave New Knits" and I found the absolutely perfect yarn for it from indie dyer Stricken Smitten (more on that later).   As for the pattern, it is easy enough but the lace charts in the book have some errata.  Ysolda has corrected charts on her website, but even those demand a certain level of engagement from the knitter.  You must be comfortable with charts and the concept of adding repeats as the shawl grows.  The actual knitting is easy (no nupps, beads, p4tog, or anything like that), but the pattern is somewhat challenging because it is so brief, presumably since space was limited in the book.

The yarn, Stricken Smitten Shimmer Glimmer is a light fingering weight half wool/half silk.  It feels like heaven running through your fingers, and is easy to knit by touch alone (every other row on this pattern is an easy "purl back".  The silk content allows for glorious saturated, luminous color, and a subtle sheen, while the wool lends a decent amount of elasticity.  If I could only knit with one yarn for the rest of my life, this one would be a serious contender.  The yardage was just enough for this project; I used all but 3g of the 100g skein.  When I first saw the "Blackberry Diamond" colorway on the Stricken Smitten site, I thought the deep blackberry purple would be perfect for the pattern, but it sold out quickly.  Thankfully Désireé was able to do a custom order a few weeks later.

I'm very happy with this project, after blocking it's wonderfully silky and slinky, just perfect for a summer evening with a cool breeze.  I'm trying to work though my stash, but Stricken Glimmer may be my fave indie dyer and I hope to acquire some more of her yarn soon.

Comments

[Christine S]

It's beautiful, congrats!!!

[Deby]

Wow -- that is gorgeous! I love the purple color you've chosen. Do you get a lot of wear out of your shawls? I'm looking for more creative ways to wear mine.