Sunday, November 04, 2018

TexturetimeMKAL


(First of all, thank you for your comments. And thank you for coming for a visit. As some of you might know, if you follow my Instagram, I have a new little puppy (monster) in the house and she has kept me busy for a couple of weeks.  Hence the absence from the blog.)
Most of my knitting October was spent following Stephen West’s Mystery KAL Texture Time. It was a LOT of knitting, concentrated knitting, but … so worth of every single hour.
Although I had my doubts while doing the final edging, these little pebbles took forever to make, and I was almost too tired of knitting yet another row of 600 stitches but managed to steam through to the last stitch. I love the outcome. It is graphic, it is interesting, it is brave, it is balanced and huge. I get to enjoy it for one more day and then it travels away with my daughter… I showed it to her and in an instant, she said: it is for me, isn’t it!

I showed you all the yarns earlier, it is Tosh Merino Light and I will put all the information to my Ravelry page soon.
I loved this MKAL and here are the reasons:

I trusted the designer. I believed through the whole process that in the end everything will fit together, and all the ends, elements and choices will work. I kept telling myself, when there were more than 30 ends hanging in there, not to worry, but just let go and enjoy and see what will become of them in the end. 
I knew that this was Stephen’s 9th MKAL, so I knew he knew what he was doing.

I struggled with the brioche part little bit because it is something, I have not done in 30 years and even then, in one color only. I did not mind all the braids, they looked so beautiful from the very beginning, and one of the clues felt like a vacation.
I loved the yarn. It did feel little bit expensive to buy the yarn at first, because I was not sure if my choices were right, if I would end up not loving the texture in the end, but I loved it from the first stitch. The softness and the colors.
I loved the colors. Of course, I could have been braver when choosing the colors, but I know me and know that in the end, I will seek for harmony and just followed my instinct. I was tempted to pick rose instead of white mohair, but am I glad I picked the white.
The design itself was interesting. Every clue brought something new and just when I got tired of knitting the previous clue, there was a new one and something new to learn. The shawl is symmetrical, both wings are the same and I was worried of getting tired when making the second wing, but… the second time around, I could enjoy the process and I already knew what I was doing.
I learned new things.
First: Stephen showed me a whole new way to look at yarns. They don’t have to match, you can work with almost anything, pair different yarns and just knit away. No need to stress, just enjoy the creative process and trust the process. If there is a question, there is an answer.
Second: New techniques. I have never done 9 stitch yarn holes. Nor Brioche with four colors. The shape of the shawl is all new.
Third: Ends don’t always have to be woven in, you can let them hang loose or braid them. Make them a design feature!
All in all, this KAL felt like an adventure holiday. I feel so brave and refreshed and rested from my rut and way of thinking. I loved the process and I do love the result. Best knit for a long, long time.

Wool with you,
Lene 

(And I have to go and let this go out now... and see what the puppy is getting into... she is Piisku, such a lovely little monster!)

17 comments:

  1. Anonymous14:41

    I can hardly find the words... I absolutely love it. Wow. The colors, braids, stitches, everything. Bravo!

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  2. Oh my! Lovely...absolutely lovely!!

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  3. Anonymous15:08

    I love your shawl. Its stunning :-) deborah

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  4. Anonymous21:30

    The shawl is stunning and your daughter is beautiful even from the back! Wow, what a testament to your knitting and Stephen's designing. A knockout!

    annie in California

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  5. The shawl is fabulous!!!

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  6. Just gorgeous! Love the colors you chose.

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  7. I just love your shawl, it´s something I don´t have words for. It´s a killer, a stunner and pure perfection.

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  8. Cheryl14:17

    It.Is.Gorgeous!

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  9. Your shawl is stunning, no matter how much I love my daughters (and I do!!!) I'm not sure I would let them have it!!!

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  10. This shawl looks absolutely cozy! Glad you enjoyed both the process and outcome.

    By the way, I can't find you on Instagram and I can't find a link in your sidebar. I want to see your new puppy! Could you share your IG link please? Thank you!

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  11. The shawl is gorgeous and the colors perfect together. I still like a muted or subdued palette and grays and blues are my favorites. The model is also beautiful.

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  12. Thanks for your photos and comments. The shawl is stunning. It makes me want to take a Stephen West KAL. It makes me think I missed a wonderful opportunity in this particular shawl. Congratulations.

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  13. Stunning! I understand why your daughter immediately wanted it.

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  14. Voi ihan älyttömän kaunis! Ja nuo kuvat on niin ihanat!

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  15. Anonymous22:16

    I'm wondering...the length of the shawl is perfect for your daughter. Did you adjust that at all? How tall is she?

    annie in California

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  16. Millie02:15

    LOVE YOUR SHAWL!! Next post, can we see the new puppy?

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