Darjeeling Shawl from Yarning for Ewe - Day 3

Switching gears...

I have to say, I am really liking the construction of this shawl.  So many times a knitter starts at one end of a shawl and slogs on through the pattern—either top to bottom or side to side—until they reach the other end.  It’s a linear process.  That’s not without its benefits, but it’s a long straight line even if the pattern stitches change.

Not so with the Darjeeling.  It is constructed in three distinct pieces that build one onto the other.  I hadn’t realized how refreshing I would find that until I finished the initial garter stitch triangle and found myself switching gears entirely for the next segment.  Great fun! This is the first time I can remember that the bind-off wasn’t the final step in a piece.

After I pulled out my new favorite tool, the stretchy bind off, I found myself picking up stitches all around those loops that bookended each row of the triangle.  Suddenly, I wasn’t working from the bottom up anymore, I was humming around the two sides.  Next thing I know, I’m turning the bottom corner in a straight line—which felt odd but actually worked.  Now, I have a lace chart to challenge me for the middle section, and then a I’ll change directions one last time for the final lace edging. 

While I’m sure this will be a stunning finished piece, the process has been the best part of the Darjeeling Shawl so far.

Darjeeling Shawl from Yarning for Ewe - Day 2

Cold weather knitting...

This is the thing about knitters:  we’re never bored.  

This week it has been ridiculously cold in Chicago…below zero.   The kind of weather where if there isn’t a compelling reason to go outside, it’s hard to make a case to leave your cozy home.  Some members of my family who are used to warmer climes are home for the holidays and going a bit—no, a lot—stir crazy.

Me, I’m happy as a clam.  I’m comfy, cozy, and finishing up the garter section of this shawl.  I have all I need right here, and am blissfully content to be sitting inside with some left over apple pie and a cup of coffee.

Readers are the same way.  As long as we have a book (or knitting), a wait doesn’t bother us—it’s just more time to sink ourselves into either kind of yarn.  Sure, this section isn’t the most exciting knitting I’ve done lately, but I’m happy with any kind of knitting.

If your family celebrates Christmas, I hope your holiday was warm and cozy and filled with great knitting.

Darjeeling Shawl from Yarning for Ewe -

What I like about Ewe...

As I start this Darjeeling Shawl from Yarning for Ewe, it has occurred to me how this piece reflects a variety of my knitting preferences.

I’ve made no secret of my displeasure with triangle shawls that start at the narrow end.  Those final rows feel insufferably long, and the bind off becomes a test of my all-too-lacking patience.  This has a bit of that, but not entirely.  The triangle you create is only the center of the shawl.  Further on in the pattern you get a fascinating lace trim that goes around the two sides of the triangle (called the “legs”—I looked it up).

Pondering my resistance to the “point-up” shawl (the opposite of a “top down” sweater, I suppose), I did come up with a silver lining.  With only a single stitch to cast on, you get underway right away. I’ve done shawls where step one was casting on hundreds of stitches, and that’s no fun, either.  At least this way you’re off and running from the very first minute you pick up the needles.

It’s a good thing this is a marvelous feeling fiber, because even the lovely loopy yarn overs at the end of each row can’t save me from the monotonous yards of garter stitch.  I’m desperately thankful for my continental skills here.  And just as grateful there’s no purling involved—I’d be no end of grumpy if I had to create this triangle in stockinette.

Still, I stitch on.  I’ll probably look back fondly on the simplicity of this first section while my brain is hurting from the lace pattern.

ATLANTA, GA - Day 3

A little bit of everywhere...

On our final day, we’re zipping to several different places to catch up on some tips and squeeze in a last adventure.

I love to go out for breakfast.  Your dollars always go far this early in the day, and I feel so productive for being up and out and on the move.  My local contact took me to:

OK Cafe

1284 West Paces Ferry Rd NW  

Atlanta, GA 30327

404-233-2888

www.okcafe.com

The atmosphere is a fun mix of southern hospitality and power breakfast.  Not surprisingly, the food is good, not especially healthy (although there were healthy options if you want to make your companions feel guilty), and plentiful.  Great coffee--refilled nearly instantly--rounds out the experience.  Dig in--we’re going all over the place today and you’ll need your energy.

Every yarn store is different.  I can visit six in the same city and each will have its own character, its own focus.  Some are sparse and sleek, others are cluttered and cozy.  The fun is that I learn something new from each one.  I learned some amazing things from our next fiber find on the far edge of the city:

Yarning for Ewe
3220 Cobb Parkway  
Suite 102
Atlanta, GA  30359
678-909-4963

www.yarningforewe.com

The star of this store is the exclusively imported silks from India.  Vijay Fibers was born of owner Betty Shah’s passion to bring the rich world of Indian silk to American knitters.  Betty and her daughter Maansi run the store straight from their own crafting hearts.  “I only sell what I use and what I like,” Betty says.  It’s a nice touch that each fiber has a musical name.

The woman knows her silk.  I got a fascinating, full-hour lesson on the different kind of silk worms and how the harvest of each species’ cocoon yields a fiber with distinct qualities.  Equally fascination was how the Shah’s Jain faith impacts their knitting.  The Jain faith values all living things--even silk worms--so Betty won’t knit with or wear silks created from harvesting methods that might harm the worm.  So often we only think of sheep or goats in knitting--I enjoyed expanding my knowledge of fiber sources.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more enthusiastic Addi needle advocate.  The store’s selection is massive.  When Betty likes something, she makes sure you know!

If you respond to a firm but patient teacher, this store is for you.  Betty will let customers start on anything they want, no matter how many tries it may take to master the project.  “It’s just knitting.  Nothing is hard, it just takes longer.  Rip it out and start over.”  That requires a whopping load of patience!  Somehow, though, Betty’s brisk approach makes you believe--I get the feeling nobody fails on her watch!

Here are some projects to catch your eye at this store:

Pebble Beach Tee

A great beginner project that goes beyond the standard scarf or hat, this design shines in the color and texture of Classic Elite Sprout.  You’ll not only master yards of stockinette, but a few other skills as well.  The ribbon trim ads a spiffy touch, don’t you think?

Malabrigo Uroboro Cowl
From the Malabrigo Book 4, this Stephen West pattern takes one skein of Malabrigo Rasta to create a truly distinct accessory.  Make sure you ask for the helpful pattern tweaks to make your knitting easier.

Molly’s Scarf
One of the store’s most popular patterns, this ruffly scarf uses Classic Elite Liberty Wool to craft something beyond the basic rectangle.  If you’re looking to learn short rows, this is a perfect project for you.

AK Traditions Dolls
I found these knit-able, dress-able dolls from Australia absolutely charming.  You won’t find these anywhere else in the area, and can’t you just see one hugged in the arms of some little girl you love?

Darjeeling Shawl
You may have seen this in the Interweave Knits Spring issue.  While I don’t have a picture to show off yet (don’t worry, it’s coming), this lacy shawl is a stunner, and the perfect way to show off Vijay’s Serenade yarn.  The drape promises to be fantastic.  I chose to knit mine up In a beautiful, slightly shiny china blue.  I’m certainly looking forward to this as our Knit Along.

Fiber finds in hand, it’s time for a treat.  Luckly, Maansi knew just where to send me:

Paolo’s Gelato
1025 Virginia Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA  30306
404-607-0055

www.paolosgelato.com

My 2011 trip to Italy sold me on the virtues of gelato (it wasn’t a hard sell, believe me).  With 1/3 the fat of ice cream and yummy flavors, this authentic Italian treat is the perfect segue from yarn-shoping to boutique-shopping here in the snazzy “Virginia Highlands” neighborhood.  Of course, I had the chocolate with a very nice cup of coffee to match.  You can also get crepes here, too.  Sounds like lunch to me!

Other Highlands stores I liked:

• Urban Cottage for creative, trendy housewares, accessories and gifts
• Moxy a small boutique with chic clothing and some nifty handbags
• Daokta J’s for a energetic mix of clothes
• Festivity chock full of loads of accessories

There’s a whole neighborhood of interesting, trendy places along Highland Avenue just perfect for an afternoon of browsing and window shopping.  Pick any of the area’s many restaurants to round out your day, and you’re all set.

There’s a lot more to the Atlanta fiber scene that I could manage in my short visit.  I’m already planning to come back as soon as possible so I can introduce you to more of the city’s yarn delights.

Stay tuned next as I cast on our first Knit Along--the Mapes Shawl from Lovin’ Knit.