16 November 2013

Now I've officially finished my LOG - by guest blogger WillyG

Okay, here it is, off the blocking mats. (I'm trying hard not to be obnoxiously excited.)



Mel asked how this ranks among the things I've knit, and I think it's right up there at the top. It's certainly the most stunning thing I've managed to work up, thanks to the sheer size and a fortuitous combination of Jared's lovely pattern and Chris's excellent dyework. The yarn is Celebration by Briar Rose Fibers, and the 40% bamboo gives a sheen that makes the shawl light up when held at different angles. 




Photographing this was really fun for two reasons: taking pictures of newly blocked lace is always fun - playing with the angles and admiring the different sections - but there was the added "fun factor" of having two walls near my back door that worked like Velcro. I just slapped the blanket on the wall, tried to arrange it fairly neatly, and it just stuck there. First I tried this weathered shed, then a stucco wall, and both held this particular yarn with ease.

Against the stucco


Hanging on the shed


I love how the handdyed colors ripple like water on a lake
As you can probably see, I played with some of the photos to highlight different aspects of the lace that are hard to capture with a less-than-ideal camera. I know it's not purist, but I'm a bit addicted. The two photos immediately above are pretty close to the real thing, even though they are different; the appearance transforms when viewed from different angles. This shawl/blanket really catches light! I'm grateful that Jeff helped me decide on this yarn.

Thank you for your encouragement along the way, as well as your generous patience! This KAL thing is fun, since everyone can appreciate what went into it. Like many of you said, the border was a long one, but it really moves if you buckle down and concentrate on it. Thanks for motivating me to knit this from start to finish! I couldn't ask for lovelier companions along the journey!

11 comments:

  1. thank you thank you thank you, Will :)

    you brought your a-game to this one! I really love that last photo with the weathered wood underneath...

    so, are you up for another kal??? New Years Day is fast approaching and that's our main kal during the year...we've been chatting about what monumental project to kick 2014 off with (any ideas?!?!?!)

    I hope you knit with us again!

    Mel

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    1. This was worth it, but I'm gonna try to finish my Girasole, I think, instead of starting a new one. Then there's the Evenstar shawl I began, and have been considering ripping out...

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  2. and I hope you don't mind but I went in and blew up your photos ~ I do that everyonceinawhile when it strikes my fancy and this knit is so worthy of BIG pictures :))))

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  3. Your LOG is amazing Will! The yarn with all it's lovely blue shades is oerfect. And I live how you just " slapped" the blanket on the wall...lol. What a great finish!

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  4. Oh my, Will! What a treat for my eyes and heart, for I love the craft, blues, fibers, photos, lighting, background, and persistence this takes. You created a beautiful new addition to the world~

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  5. Oh I love it! I hope you have somewhere in your home you can look at it everyday. Yours looks like a piece of art work up on the wall. Wouldn't it be great if it stuck like Velcro onto your wall in your house! That would be a splendid thing.

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    1. Oh my. Sounds great until I imagine having velcro in the house; then I become very hateful. Velcro is the devil! says the knitter. :)

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  6. That is so gorgeous! I am speechless. I love love love that pattern. And the yarn was a perfect match!

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  7. Absolutely stunning!! Perfect yarn/pattern match! Maybe someday I will attempt one of these. I am awed by your persistence and dedication! Especially love the last photo!

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  8. So glad you posted more photos and like Melissa, I like that last one against the weathered wall. You did yourself proud, Willy. :)

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  9. Thanks, y'all. Hugs all around. :)

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