Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Finally... a Lace Shrug!!



I am pleased to FINALLY present a Lace Shrug in its completed form. We have had the worst winter weather the past few days and I am beginning to wonder if we will have school at all in February. I just got the call that there will be no school for the third day in a row tomorrow. So today I sat down and made myself finish the seaming and the end weaving. Here is the result!



Details:
Pattern: Lace Shrug by Kristin Sparkland (Shubuiknits)
Yarn: Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace
Needles: Size 4 and size 2 for cuffs
Colorway: Night
Size: Small/Medium
Started: March 27, 2010
Finished: February 2, 2011
Notes: If I were to make this pattern again, I would not knit double stranded. The shrug is a little thicker than I imagined it would be, giving it a sweater-ish quality. Single stranded would have been lighter and more sheer, which would make an interesting contrast to this version. It also took a lot longer to make than I expected. There were many points where I didn't work on it at all, but when I was knitting, it took much longer to make progress than I expected. I am humbled that even an easily memorized lace pattern demands attention from an experienced knitter. I might choose projects more carefully next time!

Close-up of cuff and sleeve:


I planned to wear this item to many events already, but I think it really WILL make its debut appearance on a recital this Sunday. Initially it was slated to cover up my arms at my sister-in-law's wedding on Memorial Day weekend. The shrug would have been ideal as a summer accessory in the freezing cold air-conditioned concert hall at the Viola d'amore Congress in June. Then, I wanted to perform in it in this Fall's Symphony concerts... And it would have been so nice to show off at the holidays, since my in-laws gave me the generous gift card that allowed for the purchase of the lovely yarn and pattern. Alas, now it is February and I am thrilled that I have an event to wear it. In spite of its relatively diminished size, the shrug is toasty warm and should keep any chill in the church off my arms.



Stay warm in your woolies!