So, I'm sitting here all alone with a knitting decision. Help, please!
I'm working on the Spring Thing Shawl on the subway to and from work, and tonight (after another 12-hour-day, mind you) I just got to the point where I should switch to the next pattern repeat. But, I think it's too small but I don't really know. Maybe I'm just too tired right now. I surely don't want a kerchief, but I also don't want to go overboard and have a shawl that's too big.
I know the picture doesn't tell you much, but I'm about halfway through the first of the two Malabrigo lace skeins. The pattern calls for a mohair lace knitted with US #5. I'm using lace weight but on a US #6. Also, after blocking, the lace shawl should measure 30 inches down the center back. My shawl now measures about 15 inches down the center back without a lot of stretching. And I'm going to block the shawl for sure.
The lace pattern is very pretty and I keep thinking it would look good on a sock... No, no, no - DO NOT start another pair of socks!
So what do you think I should do? Follow the pattern directions and start the new chart with a new pattern or knit a few more repeats of the cute little lace pattern?
Comments (7)
Blocking can really increase the size of the shawl. But I'm a fairly aggressive blocker. I stretch mine within an inch of their lives.
Karabella lace mohair is a good bit finer than Malabrigo lace wool. When I look at the center back of the shawl in the pattern picture on Ravelry, it looks like the border section isn't quite as long as the main section of the shawl. So if you can get 15" down the back with what you have now, it looks like you'd add maybe 12" more with the border pattern. Add blocking to that, and you might well be ok as is.
Just MHO.
Posted by Janice in GA | June 3, 2008 6:25 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 18:25
I made that shawl, and if I had it to do over again, I would have done more repeats before the final section. As written, it makes a nice shoulder shawl, but for me at least, just barely. Yours is very pretty - the color is perfect for it.
Posted by Jane | June 3, 2008 8:51 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 20:51
If it ends up too short you can always pass it on to your short friend ....Hhmm - wonder who that might be?
Posted by Jacquie | June 3, 2008 9:28 PM
Posted on June 3, 2008 21:28
A shawl can never be too big. I like them very roomy. PLUS I added several repeats to the Forest Canopy Shawl by the same young lady.
Posted by KellyD | June 4, 2008 12:52 AM
Posted on June 4, 2008 00:52
I vote a couple more repeats. I LOVE the color of that yarn!
Posted by Knit Witch | June 4, 2008 9:14 AM
Posted on June 4, 2008 09:14
I vote for more repeats too. If you have enough yarn, go for it. I don't think it could be 'too' big.
Sure have been missing you!
Posted by Doug | June 4, 2008 4:18 PM
Posted on June 4, 2008 16:18
I would also go with a few more repeats. I used Malabrigo on a neck shawl a while ago and wished I'd made it a little big bigger. Better to be a little big than small.
By the way, do you have a recipe for zweibelkuchen? I haven't had it since I was in Germany and would love to make one!
Thanks,
Joanne
Denver
Posted by Joanne | June 5, 2008 3:05 PM
Posted on June 5, 2008 15:05