02 October 2013

a change of heart & a giveaway ~ posted by Melissa

 
I've changed my mind about the yarn I'm using for my Rachel's Shawl.  Instead of the aran weight version I originally planned , I'm going to use the above yarn ~ Ella Rae Lace Merino held double.  As much as I love Rowan Felted Tweed, I think it's going to be too scratchy around my neck and the Ella Rae fingering weight is super soft and squishy...and autumn colors to boot!  Mmmmmm ~ much better.  I'm casting on again this evening and think I'll be much happier with the finished result.
 
And since it is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rachel has decided to try, with all her super mighty rock star powers, to get another surge of pattern sales while the proceeds are going towards her charity.  She is hosting a giveaway on her blog, Twist Your Stitches.  Pop on over and take a peek ~ and if you have the time, included in the giveaway post is an interview she did with yours truly (I dislike talking about myself but this was kind of fun!).
 
Don't forget, all proceeds from the Rachel's Shawl pattern are still going to Rachel's charity through the end of October, and the pattern is available for purchase to Ravelry & non-Ravelry members alike at this link
 
Thanks to everyone who supported the cause in September ~ we sold 113 patterns last month ~ that's $452 raised so far!  The ripple effect has been amazing and the stories and messages both Rachel & I have heard and received have been beyond imagination.  I know I can speak for her when I say we're both overwhelmed by the encouragement and kindness and the wonderful womanly camaraderie that we're experiencing tackling an issue that at some point or another affects us all.
 
YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!!!!  Thank you :)
Melissa

15 comments:

  1. That is wonderful news Melissa, congratulations. I can't wait to cast mine on, hurry up 12th!
    Oh, and I love the yarn you are going to use for yours, beautiful!

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    1. I was hoping to raise a million (hehe) but I agree that what there is so far is wonderful :)

      thanks, Tracey ~ if I keep starting my shawl over and over, I may be casting on again October 12th with you!

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  2. Your yarn is beautiful, Melissa. Not as beautiful as your sweet heart. The ripples are amazing. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. thanks for the ripples you provided, Tanna ~ I know they are there :))

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  3. Beautiful yarn for a great shawl!
    I will be knitting one in memory of my sister when I find just the right yarn.

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    1. I hope you find many fond memories of your sister as you're knitting, Dixie
      thank you :)

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    1. I made you a cowl with this yarn and then went and bought myself some so it's been sitting waiting for just the right project :)

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    2. Oh I remember... it'll be gorgeous, great colorway. It looks lighter in this pic.

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    3. mine's a different colorway (pretty sure...it's been a long time!)

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  5. Beautiful yarn. Look forward to seeing it finished. I like that you gave yourself permission to change your mind. I feel liberated when I do that. :)

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    1. I've changed (for the better) ~ just 'cause I cast on doesn't mean it's set in stone that it must be finished

      there were times that I wasted hours of knitting finishing things I disliked just because of the time I had already put into them ~ NOT ANYMORE!!

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    2. Dave is always stunned when I take out something I've spent days and days on, only to change my mind. My comment, "It's the knitting part I like."

      Of course, the outcome too, but if I didn't love the process then I would never be doing this. In fact, do you recall the sweater I kept redoing? I hate it. I'm yanking it out and it's not going to be a sweater. I have no idea what it will be, but I feel like a fat cow in it. Done deal.

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  6. So Melissa -- how's that Rachel Shawl coming along? It's so quiet here lately. I have two more pattern rotations and I'm ready to block. I REALLY have to get back to those hats. No more KAL's for me until I'm back on track. I make these personal goals and if I don't succeed it eats at me. I just put pressure on myself. Kind of silly. Carolyn is on row 17 I think, but because she knits tight and she dropped to a size 6 needle, she's going to do more than the 21 rows. I think she said 23 or 24.

    K... looking forward to seeing some photos up here soon.

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