Mapes Shawl from Lovin' Knit - Day 5

Call me a blockhead…

The more complex you get in knitting, the more important blocking becomes.  I’ve reached the point in my knitting career where I am not satisfied with unblocked finished products--especially when we’re talking about shawls.  I’m aware of how blocking can dramatically improve the drape and lay of a shawl, and now that I have spiffy blocking wires, I don’t consider a piece finished unless it is blocked.

True to my convictions (and the designer’s instructions as well), this piece isn’t much before blocking.  It doesn’t lay flat, and the nice arc we’ve all been waiting for is nowhere to be seen.  There’s no panache, no wow factor.

Now look at it laid out on the blocking mat (in my case a very large bulletin board that used to hang in my kitchen).  See how nicely the curves catch your eye?  See how the holes open up and look lacey?  Even the plain stockinette takes on a new texture.

I’ll admit, I’m known for skipping gauge swatches (mostly because what I prefer to knit rarely makes them essential), but I’ll NEVER skip blocking.

Mapes Shawl from Lovin' Knit - Day 4

Stitching switching...

Okay, now it’s not so much fun.  The rows are getting longer, and that band of stockinette--even with my zippy continental skills--takes forever.  I’m one of those people who cannot stop my knitting in the middle of a row, so let’s just say I’ve stayed up past my bedtime a few too many nights this week.  

And the rows just get lo-o-n-ger.

This really has been a humbling project.  The other night I got all excited (and a bit nervous) because the ball of yarn was almost done.  That meant I was almost done.  Excited Allie.  But, it was a really small ball and I couldn’t be sure I had enough to bind off that long arc of an edge.  Nervous Allie.  Plus, the thing was looking a lot smaller than I had imagined.  Increasingly nervous Allie.   Then, while digging through my “current knitting projects” drawers, I discovered the source of my, shall we say, humble-ment (I refuse to say humiliation).  

In order to keep this from getting too fat for my handbag (knitting projects must ALWAYS be able to fit in my handbag so I can whip them out at the slightest hint of downtime), I’d wound the yarn into two balls.  I’d only worked the first.

Happy Allie knew she’d have more than enough yarn to make a sizable shawl.  Allie of the Darker Side grumbled that the rows were going to get REALLY long now.

That’s knitting--at least in my world--never a dull moment.

Mapes Shawl from Lovin' Knit - Day 3

Before we get into my Mapes progress, let me just say how much fun it was to give away copies of THE FIREFIGHTER’S MATCH at VogueKnitting Live in Chicago this past weekend.  This is made possible not only by my publisher, but by the splendid DestiKNITion stores that host my appearances like this event’s MiaBella.  VKL is always a top-notch event, with quality vendors and the best garment-watching you can imagine.  I saw garment after garment that I adored, needing to gush to the wearer how astounding their handiwork was and getting the pleasure of watching their eyes light up at the compliment.  It’s always a delight to introduce knitters to the knitting characters in my books, and I’m grateful my publisher shares my view that knitters are passionate readers worth getting to know.  

The Mapes shawl is at my favorite point in a top down shawl--the middle.  By this point in a project, I can see how the stitch patterns come together and begin to appreciate the shape and texture of the finished piece.  I haven’t yet gotten to the end where the rows feel ten thousand miles long and I’m impatient to get the thing done.  Middles are the hardest part of novels, but they are the most pleasant part of shawls.  

One tip:  Make sure you photocopy the pattern because you’re going to write all over this thing.  You are forever doubling back on directions, (i.e. “For rows 35-38, repeat rows 33&34 twice, etc), and I had to write the new row numbers over the old ones to keep track.  A simple row counter won’t really get the job done here--you need the paper.

Mapes Shawl from Lovin' Knit - Day 2

The hot shot gets her comeuppance...

This section starts the patternwork.  You can knit the shawl up simply with the basic instructions, giving you a center of pure stockinette.  Or, if you’re feeling like a hot shot, Benson provides instructions to spiff things up by adding a series of textured bands.  You could insert any stitch pattern you like, actually, provided it doesn’t alter the number of stitches. She provides  several suggestions.  Moss or seed stitch would work nicely, or a YOK2TOG, but I don’t think ribbing would work because of how it changes the piece’s width.

Benson’s modifications create a highly textured stripe with holes that lend some loft to an otherwise cozy shawl.  Pay attention, however; I neglected to return my working yarn to the back after the “sl wyif” but before the “kfb,” and my first attempt at this row looked like a row of little tangles.  Yep, I had to rip it out and start over.  

Then I realized I was passing the wrong stitch over--passing over the first half of “kfb” instead of the slipped stitch behind it.  Sigh.  Rip it out and start over again.  All in all, it took me three attempts to get row 25--the first row of this stripe pattern--correct.  

If knitting teaches you nothing else, it teaches you to pay attention.  Most especially when you begin to convince yourself you’re a hot shot who doesn’t need to pay attention.

Mapes Shawl from Lovin' Knit - Day 1

Eight perfect stitches (and some other goodies!)

Nothing beats the joy of casting on a new project.  Especially in a hand-painted yarn like Shalimar’s Breathless, because you never quite know how the color changes will knit up.  Even the “top down” dynamic--one that ensures your long last rows will go much slower than your short first rows--couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm.

The directions called for the Twisted German cast-on, for which designer Barbara Benson offers a video tutorial on her blog.  For a minute or two my lazy brain argued “it’s just eight stitches, do I really have to try something new?”  After that brief temptation, my better sense prevailed and I decided learning a new cast-on method was worth the extra time.  Did it make a difference?  I’m not sure, but I’m still glad I added the Twisted German to my toolbox of cast-on stitches.

Theres a lot of putting on and removing of stitch markers in this pattern.  While it seems tiresome, it does eliminate the need for counting as you stitch the shawl’s garter edging.  It’s the little touches like this that make Barbara’s pattern such a pleasure to work.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!  If you're heading to Vogue Knitting LIVE Chicago this weekend, stop by the MiaBella booth in the marketplace Saturday at noon for a giveaway of my new novel, THE FIREFIGHTER'S MATCH.  Knitted prayer shawls feature prominently in the plot, so I know you'll enjoy the story.

ATLANTA, GA - Day One: East Cobb/Marietta

Delicious, delightful diversions...

Atlanta is a big place with lots of yarn stores.  It made me nuts that I only had a limited time in this city.  Lucky for me, I still managed to find some fiber treasures some nifty shops, and some scrumptious food.

Today we’ll visit one of Atlanta’s northwest suburbs, Marietta.  Locals call this part of Atlanta “East Cobb.”  If you’re coming from the city, make sure you take swervy, swanky Riverside Drive to get here.  It’s a road right out of a sports car commercial, and you can have fun imagining you live in some of the very upscale houses you’ll see along the way.

Our destination looks like a corporate park, but a closer look in off of the Village Parkway reveals Paper Mill Village--a quaint, highly walkable shopping area just the right size for an afternoon’s adventure.

Stop for lunch--or just have loads of dessert for lunch at: 

Sugar Benders
255 Village Pkwy Suite 240A
Marietta, Ga 30067
http://www.sugarbenderscakes.com
678-402-8588

The name comes from the outstanding fondant cakes you see displayed.  You can get breakfast here, too, if you choose to start your adventures earlier in the day.  I had a spectacular sandwich and an eclair to die for, but I could have eaten twice my weight in baked goods and still not have tried all the goodies.

Walk off some of those calories shopping the selection of Paper Mill Village boutiques. I liked the snazzy Straw Dog clothing shop.  I was also charmed by the clever Rescued Too resale shop that not only offers thrifty finds but supports a dog shelter--guilt-free shopping!

When you’re ready, head on in to: 

Lovin’ Knit Yarn Shop and Studio
255 Village Parkway N.E. 
Suite 610
Marietta, GA 30067
770-612-KNIT

http://www.lovinknitstudio.com

Some shops just feel warm and welcoming from the first glance, and Lovin’ Knit is one of them.  The chatter between customers and the friendly staff feels like a family gathering, complete with Addi the dog (named after the splendid needles--you know how I adore stores with mascots!).

Owner Pat Capistrant is a bundle of energy as warm as her store.  “I wanted customers to come in and feel welcome,” Pat explains.  “I try to keep customers at the right skill level so that they’re challenged but not frustrated.” 

You’ll find homey textures through out the store, right down to the repurposed barnwood fixtures.  Lovin’ Knit is known for outstanding crochet classes and projects, thanks to Janet Brani of “One Loop Shy” designs.  She has lots of company--this store has an engaged staff ready to help and encourage.  

I found her stock to be deep and inventive, just begging to be explored. It was a nice touch to see the patterns stocked right by the samples so customers can access it quickly. The rich selection of knitting bags had me drooling, too.

Some projects that caught my eye:

Beach Ball Squared Baby Blanket

Normally I don’t go for the crochet projects, but I loved the cheery colors and big, bold design of this baby blanket.  You could whip it up in pastels of your choice--it’s a highly adaptable pattern, but I really think the bright colors make this a stand-out.  Janet Brani of One Loop Shy designs is the genius behind this pattern.

Insouciant Simple Silk Tee
Julie Hoover’s classic design makes the most of Habu Textiles’ A-1 Tsumugi Silk.  The drape of this takes it beyond simple, but still lets the lines of the design do the talking without unnecessary frills.

Eve’s Rib Sweater

This stunning design by Carol Sunday takes Cascade Pure Alpaca and turns it to pure pizazz. The collar detail is delicious!  I like that it creates a warm sweater that still looks delicate and artful.  You’d want to make this in a lighter color to show off the stitch-work.

Our knit-along from Lovin’ Knit is
The Mapes Shawl

Atlanta designer Barbara Benson creates a “keep going until you’re done” pattern that is highly adaptable and works with a variety of skill levels.  I like that the written pattern offers a handy sidebar with places to check off your rows.  I’ll be knitting this up with Shalimar’s hand-dyed “Breathless,” but any yarn could serve here.

When you’re done shopping and ready for dinner, I’ve got a treat for you:

Seed

1311 Johnson Ferry Rd #504  

Marietta, GA 30068

(678) 214-6888

http://www.eatatseed.com

A short drive will land you in this unassuming storefront restaurant tucked next to a set of interesting boutiques.  You know a restaurant pays attention to detail when they hand you one of those nifty purse hooks to hang your handbag while you eat.  Not only that, but they ask your name, call you by name, and keep track of where you sat so they can learn your favorite tables--when’s the last time you had such personalized service?  

The enormous, inventive wine list complements serious locally sourced cuisine.  A focus on fresh seafood gets accented by their signature side dish, caramelized brussels sprouts and cauliflower in thai basil sauce.  Me, I went straight for the bliss with a heavenly chocolate and peanut butter parfait with banana ice cream and peanut brittle--one of the best sweets I’ve had this year.

Today’s adventures were textbook DestiKNITions--surprising, charming spots that you wouldn't find on any of the standard tourist routes.  Stay tuned for another day’s Atlanta adventures in my next post.