10/11/2006

A Shawl for my Mom

The Specs: Pewter Lace Shawl from Interweave Knits Spring 2003 The Yarn: Naturally Kid et Soie (10 ply - Mohair/Silk/NZ Merino), Shade 306 The Story: After living together for 8 and 1/2 years, in late 2003 Ed (and my mother who gave the mother attitude) was finally able to convince me that we should get married (I love the man with my entire being but I tend to get sweaty palms around major commitment issues) and the wheels were set in motion. We originally planned to get married in October 2004 and I decided that I would knit a shawl for the Minister (female) who was going to marry us and started on it right then and there. In the later Spring of 2004 my niece Grace was diagnosed with leukemia and my best friend Julie, who had been in a short remission from Multiple Myeloma, had three surgeries on her brain and was informed that the cancer had spread to her spine (Julie died on December 28, 2004). We decided to call off the wedding in late August. We had the wedding license, good for 3 months, and on a cold day in November, two days before the license was to expire (and with some good natured ribbing from Ed that I had escaped the noose one more time) I called around and found a minister willing to marry us the next day (I shall always remember his slightly sarcastic tone - he didn't know the whole story - about "leaving it to the last minute aren't you?"). So the next day Ed and I basically eloped! With Nick of course. Nick was the ring bearer, the best man, maid of honour and photographer (his worst offense was not handing me back my bouquet because he liked it too much!). And despite the hyperventilating prior to the big moment I have been quite happy with my now legal status. Fast forward to this summer. I am earnestly trying to clear up all my unfinished objects (I promised Carole). So I saw the shawl, two thirds done and thought why not, I will give it to my mother (she had admired it when she saw me knitting it for the minister). So, picking it up and putting it back on the needles, I looked at the pattern and what was in front of me, and wondered what the f*$%# had I been knitting (or what pattern I thought I had been following); there was no similarity between the two (and this was the summer of my total physical breakdown so of course I wasn't necessarily trusting my eyes). I have no clue what the hell I was knitting. What else could I do? I ripped the sucker out and rewound 9 balls (Mohair is no walk in the park let me tell you). To make a long, long story that may be boring the crap out of you by now short, I knit it up in a week (the pattern was sooooooo easy and basic enough for my sorry summer brain) and then dealt with the trauma of casting on the edging. I had to do it twice (the first time 6 hours and a major headache later I decided I didn't like the bump on the back and pulled it out) but god it looks good. I can say that this is one of the most pleasurable finished knits I have made in a long while. I just love this so much. I think it turned out fabulously and, if I can ever arrange to see my mom she will be receiving it (and a nice little surprise it will be for her!).

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely!

Carole Knits said...

It's gorgeous - that last photo makes me want to reach out and pet it.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! And the story behind the shawl is very touching. Not one word of it was boring.

Anonymous said...

Lovely!

Anonymous said...

I have to agree on all counts. Not boring, beautiful and definitely petable ( is that a word?) Well done!

Anonymous said...

Very nice -- I can't believe you frogged all that mohair and then reknit it. you deserve a gold star (and a whole bunch of chocolate)

Samantha said...

What a lovely story -- and no you didn't bore me to death with it. :) The shawl is beautiful. I'm sure your mother will adore it. I know I sure would.

Miss Scarlett said...

That is so beautiful! I love that pattern and it looks so soft - your Mom is going to love it.
Thanks for the story that goes with it - it is always fun to get a little background.

Unknown said...

It was a wonderful story - I love the stories behind things! Your dedication to saving this yarn is worthy of nomination for something; and then not hating it ... and then knitting it into something new and beautiful without working swears in between the stitches. I think that we're coming close to sainthood C.! You're mother is going to love it !

Jeanne said...

Great story, and beautiful shawl!

Teyani said...

love the story - glad you got over your sweaty palms :-)
the shawl is wonderful !

Lucia said...

That's my favorite shade of blue, and also one of my favorite lace patterns. I too want to reach through the monitor and pet it, or maybe just grab it and run.

Cathy said...

I love absolutely EVERYTHING about that shawl, it is gorgeous!

Dorothy said...

So pretty! It looks really soft and warm too.

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Oh what a beautiful shawl for your Mom! ... and what a story behind it ... a mix of emotions went into it too. I can imagine the pleasure your Mom is going to get out of wearing it. Such a lovely blue... but saving mohair ... ah the patience it took is unimaginable.

Anonymous said...

Hey Girlfriend,

You sure rock, your mom will love the shawl. (I had the pleasure of seeing and feeling at Gone Stitchin)
My daughter is standing here looking at the picture (blue is her favourite colour) and saying mom, please.
Not sure if I have the magazine, will check. If not could you possibly mail me the pattern. (Samantha (no patience or time to knit) is now drooling.

Rhonda said...

That is one lovely shawl. Someday I hope to start mine. Too many projects, too little time. You know how it is.

Jackie said...

You knit that in a WEEK!!!????!!!
There is hope for me yet in my fear of lace. In my defence, I have been busier than a one armed paper hanger and will continue to be so until the new year, but maybe in January, I'll chose a new pattern and get over, once and for all, my fear of all those yo's.

Anonymous said...

Very nice story! Very nice shawl, too!

JustApril said...

Hi Cynthia! Your shawl is fantastic!