Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Red Hot Lavalette

Yes, my love affair with shawls continues. I loved this pattern at first sight when Kirstin showed preview photos on her blog. She has graciously offered the pattern for free, but suggests that you make a voluntary donation to Alzheimer's and dementia research. Fair trade, right? Plus, it's a worthy cause. My grandfather in Hong Kong is suffering from Alzeimer's and Parkinson's Disease and we just got word last month that it is getting worse. Currently, my mother and my aunt are in Hong Kong visiting my grandfather.The pattern calls for a Lace Weight Yarn, but I was inspired to use a Worsted Weight by JulieFrick (Ravelry Link) when I saw her version of the shawl made with 1 skein of Brooks Farm Riata. I happen to have 1 skein of this yarn in my stash from my 1st trip to Rhinebeck 2 years ago. The yarn is made with Wool, Mohair and Silk, so you can imagine how soft it is. The color is amazing and I only wish that I could capture the color better with my camera.The pattern is super easy and it's easy to remember the repeating rows. Having said that, you may notice that one of my stockinette sections are shorter than the rest. I had put down the shawl for a couple of weeks and misread my notes when I picked it back up again. Whoops! Oh well, it's a just a design element that I added to the shawl. I really didn't want to rip back.As always, I feel that a shawl transforms itself when it's blocked. It's like magic. The beauty of the shawl does not reveal itself to me until it's dry and I take off the pins. I get so excited when the times comes to release the shawl. Stunning!

Pattern: Lavalette by Kirstin Kapur
Yarn: Brooks Farm Riata, 1 skein = 365.0 yards (333.8 m), color: MR89
Needles: US 8 / 5.0 mm
Size: 56 inches wide by 29 inches long from top to bottom tip

29 comments:

Kirsten said...

Your Lavalette is beautiful! I really do like the shawl in Worsted Weight yarn. I think I'll need to hit up the Brooks Farm booth early this year.

There is nothing quite like that moment when you unpin your newly blocked shawl.

CelticCastOn said...

looks great, I never would have known that anything was different about it had you not said.

Rima said...

It is a beauty! The color does look good in your pictures.

yahaira said...

gorgeous color! it looks great in worsted weight, definitely something to think about

tania said...

I love the colour, I may make one for myself in malabrigo.

Sam said...

Oooh it is beautiful. I do love a good bright red colour to brighten everything up :) Pretty pattern too.

knithound brooklyn said...

I love your Lavalette version! This is a fun and easy pattern that makes a lovely shawl!

Natalie said...

That's so inspiring...now I wanna knit a shawl too! I agree with everybody else, the colour is gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Wow! This is so gorgeous! Every time I'm on your blog I'm inspired to knit again even though I'm so distracted by way too many other hobbies.

kim said...

The color is gorgeous! I'd say more, but that covers it.

Judy said...

Wow-wee! that's a beautiful color! Great job....I'm still working on my niece's shawl.....it's going real slowwwwww.

LittleCanoe said...

That color is so perfect for this time of year. I love it!

Jeanne said...

Beautiful shawl - gorgeous color, and I love the pattern.

Jackie said...

BEAUTIFUL !!

Salihan said...

That IS red hot! Stunning as usual!

I also like the designer's idea of donating to charity, instead of paying her. Definitely fair trade!

Sue said...

Beautiful shawl and the perfect color - red! Sorry to hear about your grandfather too, my grandfather had that too.

Jennie said...

Beautiful shawl & such a lovely shade of red =)

Lisa Stepi said...

Love that shawl! The color is beautiful and I love that you made it with worsted weight yarn.

Christy T said...

This is really beautiful! I happen to like the short stockinette section... it's like you did it on purpose :)

Erin Joy said...

A lovely red for October, and such a nice design. I may have to add it to the list!!

claudine said...

Gorgeous shawl, Oiyi! I think I'm beginning a love affair with shawls too... :)

beki said...

That's very pretty! I've been looking for a good shawl pattern.

Hannah said...

You really make the most lovely shawls... I never wear them, but you're tempting me to start making them!

hetty said...

That colour is stunning! You do such lovely knitting!

Rebekah said...

What a gorgeous shawl! The red yarn is beautiful with that pattern.

Kirsten said...

What a wonderful, vibrant color - I love it!

Sayschnicklefritz said...

Love it! I thought I was done with shawls for a while, but I think you've inspired me. And what good planning to use up some Rhinebeck yarn right before Rhinebeck.

Ravenhill said...

Oh, this is one gorgeous shawl!!! The color and pattern are just striking. How fun to wear it!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oiyi, you just blow me away! That is so gorgeous. And if the color is prettier it must really be something. Your photos are getting more professional every post. You're growing in so many ways, it's just a joy to be a spectator! Keep up the good work.