My Post-Workshop Project

As I mentioned, I'm determined to knit an Orenburg shawl, or as close as I can come to knitting one.  Where I decided to start probably isn't terribly close to the traditonal shawls, but it will help me to fine tune the techniques and skills needed to make the more traditional style.  I chose the Triangular Orenburg Shawl published in the Summer 2000 Interweave Knits.  Galena explains in the pattern that it isn't the most traditional of styles, but I deliberately chose it because the pattern motifs are simple, and I wanted to concentrate on construction technique rather than motif perfection. 

I purchased some cashmere and silk lace yarn from Galena at the workshop, and I'm loving knitting with it.  It is extremely soft, and isn't taxing on my hands.  The photos don't do the color justice; it's something between a champagne and soft rose color.  I'll try to take some photos next time in natural light and see if it doesn't improve the color.  First, I knitted 27 "teeth" for the lower edging:

When I'd completed the twenty-seven, I turned the corner according to the pattern, and it worked just right:

Then, I picked up along the top edge as instructed and began the pattern for the body:

The corner still looks right.

And the slanted edge is coming along well, too.

I'm about half done with the first body motif.  I like the idea of decreasing as I go, so that each row takes slightly less time than the row before it took.  This is a fun, and not-very-stressful shawl to knit for a starter.  I'm enjoying it, and looking forward to knitting a large square one soon (after the first of the year?).  I really should finish at least one Rosebud, first.  All those centers -- so little time. 

More about the workshop, soon.

I wish you all a Blessed Easter.
MEM

Comments

[alice]

Such clever people, those Orenburg shawl knitters. :) I love that corner technique. But I especially love working the edging at the same time as the main body of the shawl--genius!

[Nancy J]

So glad to see you back. Beautiful work, of course (I would expecy nothing less!)

[Jean]

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- it's great to have you back blogging, Mary.

An Orenburg design is a permanent fixture on my HALFPINT list -- maybe you'll finally inspire me to move it over to the WIPs.

Glorious Easter wishes to you, yoo.

[Aarlene]

wowee that is sure moving right along.
How much will the fabric open up? I was knitting a fiddlesticks shawl that seemed awfully dense. Partly for that and partly for putting away and forgetting where I was on it I ripped it. Now I'm afraid it might have looked looser in the blocking. oops.
Happy Easter to you too.