Illusionist Shawl

The Illusionist Shawl
Pattern by Olga Pobedinskaya

Gorgeous, gorgeous yarn from Alchemy called Haiku. (40% silk/60% mohair) It's the only non-itchy mohair I have ever experienced. This is a sample for Urban Yarns in color 112c - Secret Agent Blue. I didn't realize at the time when I chose the color but it matches a dress I already own! I love it when things work out like that. Now if I only had somewhere to wear the dress....

Go on and be seduced by the delicious yarn, but I will warn you! This pattern is epic in the sense that it takes for freakin' ever. It's 1300yds (4 skeins) of slippery yarn (I knit these on Addi Turbos, do NOT do this. For sanity's sake, please use bamboo or Addi Lace needles!) and at times rows have up to 520sts. I have knit entire sweaters in half the time that this shawl took. The pattern for the Illusionist Shawl can be found in the book Destination Alchemy. You do end up using almost all of the yarn (I had maybe a 5th left from the last skein) but if you wanted you could easily halve the pattern to make a scarf, though I think the size of the shawl makes it more versatile.

Anyway, I LOVE the results, I recommend going with the Haiku and though I love the shawl now I'm never knitting it again. =)

More silk!

Tussah Silk - Handspun on my poplar drop spindle

One of the wonderful ladies I work with brought me a bagful of tussah silk roving. (She had no use for it and wanted it to go to some use.) I am a happy girl, let me tell you! This is the first time I've spun silk and it's easy, I really like it. And the color! Such a pretty color. *Sigh*

Tide Pool from C*EYE*BER Fiber's Cake of the Month Club

Here is some yarn I forgot I bought! That happens sometimes when I order things online. I forget about the order and then.... Surprise in the mail! I love getting mail. Especially in the form of yarn.

Hope everyone is having a good Canada Day weekend! I stayed at home to avoid the crowds... Aren't I exciting? Woo!