Friday, August 30, 2013

when handknit gifts go right

....it is a very. good. feeling.  But before we get into it:  it is only 1 week till Fiber College of Maine. Details at the bottom of this post. Whether you can  be there for 3 days, or just an afternoon, do it!
522_GZuckerFamVar_0813 Back in May I mentioned having my mom request a handknit shawl from me.  My mom is an ace knitter, and knits for everyone else, so this? A very special thing. Done in June,  delivered last weekend. Caliz, designed by Romi Hill
511_GZuckerFamVar_0813A fun knit, but even better? She loves it, proclaiming it exactly what she'd had in mind. Phew! I was guessing what to make, based on her wish for something crescent-y, not too old lady-ish (fussy) and a pink "that would go with everything". 528_GZuckerFamVar_0813She mostly wants it to cover her shoulders with dresses in the warmer weather, but said it'll go well worn frontwards, like this, in the winter.530_GZuckerFamVar_0813Also, we tested it:  a perfect shawl to go with snuggling a 19 month old Great Grand Daughter Zoe.
details: Caliz is a sweet knit, done in purl garter stitch. So, if you are someone who hates to purl my questions would be a) why? and b) can you transpose the whole pattern to knit garter? I have to admit I found the purl make 1's and yo's a little odd, but only for a few minutes and then it was totally enjoyable knitting.
541_GZuckerFamVar_0813Knit in Anzula Oasis. Really, really love this yarn-it is somehow both rustic and elegant at the same time. But that's Silk/camel for ya. This shade is named, not too aptly, Paprika. One skein, and I had enough to do an optional few rows extra on the border (included in the well written instructions). 

502_GZuckerFamVar_0813  Did you make it to the end? OK! Then read on and consider joining us at Fiber College! Mary Lou Egan and Kirsten Kapur/Through the Loops , my partners in crime and lobster, will be there, too, not to mention Ellen Mason and her mentored dye tent. Yeee-ha!

Fiber College of Maine deets:  I blabbed & raved about it here, here and here....and this year, I am looking forward to teaching Savvy Storytelling, an all day class on Friday with co-teacher, writer (and professor) (and knitter) Beverly Army Williams--and I am so offering One-on-One Photo Clinic sessions, on the weekend mornings. See you?

11 comments:

Ellen Bloom said...

Your Mom is adorable and has the MOST beautiful white hair! The shawl looks fantastic on her. Nice job! Just queued the pattern!

Mary Lou said...

Sweet Mom. Shawl, and Zoe, can't wait to see you

Jan Cooper said...

Bee-yoo-tiful shawl! And that woman is way too young to be a great grand mother. l so wish I could attend fiber college this year, but have courses of my own to teach. Sure am hoping you'll be there again next year when I have a leave and can make it in Sept.!

Jan Cooper said...
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andiknit2 said...

What a beautiful piece! It is stunning with your mother's silver hair. I now see where your beauty comes from. Beautiful shots, Gail!

Jodi said...

Oh, that shawl's just gorgeous! The though of all the purls, though... wowzer. That sounds like a labor of love.

Sue McLeod said...

Just wanted to rave about your workshop at Fiber College. I learned a lot and it was fun to run around the place with our cameras!

You've inspired me to create a photo collage of a "photo shoot" I did of some simple washcloths (see them on my Ravelry page - sue11ellen. I think they liked hanging out with the suds! And PicMonkey is great, too!

Thanks for all the info and encouragement!

craftivore said...
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craftivore said...

Oh my gosh, that shawl is fantastic and your mom is adorable. The great grand kid too, but that is obvious. Win!!

twinsetellen said...

Great shawl! It would be awesome to wear while drinking white wine.

Lori ann said...

i am baffled why i have been missing your posts! i am going backwards to catch up (i thought you'd taken a break and here are all these ones i'd missed!)

your shawl and mom are BEAUTIFUL! and such sweet sweet photos too.