Finally & Finally

Finally I have cast off my Alpine Lace Shawl & Finally I am able to post pictures ......

(the shawl before blocking)

Pattern : Victorian Lace Today

Yarn : 2 ply merino from The Knittery ( a special order for a semi-solid blues)

Needle : Addi Lace Circular 3.75mm

I cast on this shawl 6 months ago & at the mid-point, I lost interest & it had been sitting in my knitting basket for the last 3 months. Early this year, I picked it up again & decided to finish the shawl in 3 weeks so that I can give it to Helen for her birthday. I just concentrated on finishing the shawl & it was done in 2 weeks!

The most exciting moment was the blocking .....

..... but it didn't look right as the space was too narrow & I could not stretch out the sides of the shawl. So all the pins were taken out & the shawl went back for another bath & then it was re-blocked again ....

..... this time, I had to use a queen size mattress protector & pin out the shawl - it was hugh - 72 ins long & 36 ins wide & it was gorgeous. It was like a magical moment when the lace was spread out & I could see the pattern in full - I just sat there & admire the miracle ....

.... but the miracle did not last as I saw this ....

..... a loose stitch - I nearly had a heart attack & immediately went in search of a solution - I went thro' all the books that I had, check the internet but could not find any solution. So I posted the problem in Ravelry & I got an answer - thread the loose stitch through a length of yarn & then weave in the ends. I did it & it's as good as new ....

The shawl is now with Helen & you can see more pictures on her blog.