Monday, July 25, 2011

Knitting Noro and Other Plans...


The frenzy of shawl knitting continues.  I made three trips to Rose Path last week for yarns to satisfy my itch for shawl production.  This is a Noro Silk Garden yarn #325, worked in a double strand for the color variation,  with a Manos del Uruguay silk/merino blend for the edging/ruffle in color #3043.


The pattern is a modified version of Noro's Sursa shawl.  I was a little disappointed my alterations on the ruffle in that, the gauge was so small, the ruffle was not as gathered as I would have preferred.  It would have looked better worked with a double strand, like the body of the shawl.  I don't dislike it enough to take it out and do again.  


This is my second version of the Sursa and, if I enjoy it half as much as I have the first (which I can say for sure I still like the colorways best), it will be a good investment of time (two afternoons) and yarn.


This is the beginnings of another shawl in Noro Shirakaba color #3. Shirakaba is a silk  42%, cotton  40% and 18% lambs wool combination.  It is working up as light as air!   More to be revealed.

Why the shawl frenzy?  Well...
  1. It's HOT! Too hot to play outside.  ;)
  2. I'm trying to lose a few pounds, knitting keeps me busy in a gentle way that soothes me.
  3. We are taking a trip soon... to places that require your shoulders be covered.
  4. When its this hot and I go into an air conditioned building, I NEED them!
  5. I love them.

So, the above project makes shawl number three in the past few weeks.  And, I've been to the yarn store three times (purchases each time) over the past week.  Then... we go to Dallas Saturday to visit with Evan's family.  There is a sale going on at the Woolie Ewe.  Evan's sister needed a project for an upcoming trip.  His mom was looking for a pattern for an afghan.  I tell them I am full up on yarn and projects, but I'm happy to tag along  (I never turn down a chance to see skeins of beauty).  You can see where this is going...


Yep, I have more yarn and maybe the most ambitious project I've attempted to date.  I'll know more about that as I get into it.  I am sooooo enchanted by this pattern and yarn.  It just blew me away!  The pattern is Kaw Valley Wrap and the yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca silk.  My senses were on overload.  I do hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.  Best case scenario:  one day you will see a beautiful wrap in place of these balls of yarn!  Wish me luck! 

Hope you are all staying cool and finding joy in each day.

Blessings ~ Tanna

48 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

just the idea of having yard touching my lap in this heat makes me uncomfortable! but you go with your bad knitting self! :)

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

The only great disappointment in my life is that I do not live next door to you and could learn so much from you about knitting. You are so "gutsy" to try the biggy stuff. Love it!! Glad you have a shawl or two for your trip. You'll look outstanding. Susan

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Love that new pattern and the color! FRESH! Can't wait to see the finished project!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I love that icy blue color~ it will cool you down for sure!
I am starting a new blog hop on Tuesdays... Travel Tuesday's. It'll give us a chance to show off those travel photos and never leave our airconditioning :-)

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Oh that last wrap is lovely but does look like a challenge. I'm quite sure you are up to it. I think shawls are a wonderful thing...just something to take the chill off. Happy knitting!

Debbie said...

That pale blue is going to be gorgeous! Actually, I love everything that you show. I even like the ruffle that you say you don't like as much.

I need some talent. Wonder where I could buy some.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Beautiful work, Tanna. The color of the new yarn is wonderful. Can't wait to see that one.

Julie Harward said...

Good luck that is really gorgeous! Love the one you did too..your work is so beautiful! :D

Terra said...

The colors in the first shawl are very soft and beautifully coordinated.

From the Kitchen said...

I wish I lived close. We could make beautiful shawls together--maybe! I know what you mean about needing something to toss around one's shoulders in many venues. I'm still contemplating whether I can make the shawl you did a few posts ago and now I see that lovely long shawl. We do have a nice knitting store nearby. It's called "Sheep's Clothing". I may present myself there and ask for assistance.

Best,
Bonnie

It's Just Dottie said...

How very lovely it must be to surround yourself with so many colors as you keep cool.
I am still working on getting it right. I guess it will alitte time!!!
Smiles, Dottie

Christine said...

Ooh Wee! That is one good looking shawl with ruffles.
One thing I know for sure, you will be the fittest and best looking, woman around!

Sandi said...

Ohhh, the light aqua color is beautiful! I have tried to teach myself to knit more than once. It has been frustrating since I've always been able to pick up any type of handwork easily. Looking at your projects...I so want to learn how to knit!!! You do beautiful work.

bekahjane said...

ok, HOW do I learn to knit. For real, for a beginner. I'm so in love with this shawl. I need to start with something easy but cool looking.

Deb said...

I am in such awe of your knitting....it is hard to believe you could get cold in this weather...but you sure can...

Susan McClaskey said...

Yummmmmmmy! I think Noro has some of the most gorgeous yarns available these days and love the shawls you're making. We used to carry Blue Skies yarns when I had the yarn shop. Good for you for supporting your local yarn shop (and your habit). Knit on...
Best,
Susan

Amanda said...

Oh. My. Goodness. LOVELOVELOVE the most ambitious project and the color! It's going to look beautiful with your eyes! Sounds like this project will be a good way to pass the time on your upcoming adventures (which I get more and more excited about for you with each passing day!). Love you! SO BIG! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Oh, and I should add that I think your most recent shawl projects are quite beautiful, too. But I'm REALLY diggin' the up and coming one. =)

podso said...

I still am amazed how much you knit in the hot weather, But knitting a cool color like that gray/green or whatever that beauty color is, could be feeling cool. That wrap is just simply gorgeous and I know you will do a wonderful job creating it. I admire all your knitting energy and understand how good it is to keep the hands busy in the evening. Enjoy your time away as well!

Emily {Frilly Details} said...

That is beautiful! I'm always amazed by your projects. I could never tackle something like that! I like to knit and crochet very simple dish clothes but that's as adventurous as I get.

Wanda said...

That ruffle just makes that shawl. How pretty and dainty is that.

Love that last picture in the light blue...what a gorgeous design. I love that what you do ends up so practical. You are a walking advertisement for knitting!!!

Have a great week.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Having seen everything else you have whipped up, I have no doubt you will be successful with that last pattern. Love the shawl with the ruffly edge. You can try a tighter ruffle on the second shawl you are working on. Great thing about crochet is if you don't like how something is working out, you just start pulling -- I've been told that knitting isn't quite as easy to undo. I have way too much yarn and yet yesterday I went out and bought more because it was on sale. :) Have a great day! Tammy

Mary Bergfeld said...

You are never bored or boring :-). I'm amazed at how quickly you move through your projects. I'm also amazed at how lovely they all are. That long shawl is truly a thing of beauty. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

nanny said...

So delicate and beautiful! You are going to have to open a boutique!!!!!

I remember seeing your knockoff roses last spring....I just got some and they are blooming wonderfully. Do you deadhead them? I've never had any kind of rose and want to treat them well..ha

nanny said...

Ok...how about knockout? oh me!

Debbie said...

I love the color and the shawl is beautiful. GOod reasons to knit in the summer. I wish I could. Tried to learn. Those who can, do. Those who can't come to terms with their disability!
I'm determined to try again, though, and my sweet MIL is gentle and kind to try and teach me!
:D

Cindy said...

The small shawl with the ruffle is so pretty! I love it. The one in the photo is really nice, it's large and so elegant! I love it.
Cindy

Vickie said...

I can't wait to see that last shawl all done up! It's gorgeous and drapey and silky. I love your other one, too, and it will go with just about anything! Great job!

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

I love having busy hands - and see your's have been busy! I love the colors in this one - you'll find a lot of uses for this. Very, very pretty. Traveling to cooler climates, lucky duck!

tracie c. said...

Oh Tanna the colors!!! Sooooooo very beautiful!

Shug said...

Again, I must say how talented you are...the colors are amazing and the work is just as amazing...Good job...

Hugs to ya

Tara said...

Amazing! Such talent. Beautiful. Love the colors. It is really hot this summer. Still praying for rain.
hugs,
tara

Tara said...

Amazing! Such talent. Beautiful. Love the colors. It is really hot this summer. Still praying for rain.
hugs,
tara

Tara said...

Amazing! Such talent. Beautiful. Love the colors. It is really hot this summer. Still praying for rain.
hugs,
tara

Tara said...

Amazing! Such talent. Beautiful. Love the colors. It is really hot this summer. Still praying for rain.
hugs,
tara

Travel With Lulu said...

Love Noro yarn - and loving the ruffle at the bottom of the shawl. Adorable :)

no spring chicken said...

I have every faith in you. I've seen what you can accomplish!! Your shawls are gorgeous...

Blessings, Debbie

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Well I can so say...no way with the heat...but I can also say, you and a few other bloggers are starting to inspire me. Today I saw lessons at the library on knitting...maybe in October.

These are just wonderful...you are very talented.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Wow! All of these shawls are gorgeous! You will be the envy of all that see you wearing them, Tanna, as they are not something that one can easily buy. I hate the summer heat but I always get cold with AC, so I know what you mean about needing a shawl in summer. Enjoy your knitting!

Carol............. said...

The blue order is beautiful on the shawl....very unique!

Velva said...

So, so very pretty. Wow. What a wonderful way to relax.

Velva

Barbara F. said...

I am visiting from Debbie's blog, No Spring Chicken. You are a wonderful knitter! I love the yarns you use. I never did get the hang of it. But I used to crochet quite a bit many years ago. I am thinking of taking it up again in the fall. xo,

Anonymous said...

Once again, WOW! If you ever have a big knitting sale, let me know. I, too, love shawls! One of my favorite things to wear year 'round, except in this 100 degree heat. And you will look ever so chic! Stay cool, friend.

Catherine said...

Dear Tanna, I am so behind with visiting my dear friends. I just don't seem to be able to keep up these days. I must try though. I love the shawl and think it is elegant. Blessings to my friend. Catherine xo

Ana said...

Boy Tanna, you are an awesome knitter...and a fast one too. The shawl turned out beautifully, like all your work. Can't wait to see the new one all done. Have a wonderful day.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

Robin Norgren, M.A, R-YT, Spiritual Director said...

I absolutely ADORE shawl #2! I can honestly say I did not think I was a shawl person but that one is FAB!

Diana Ferguson said...

They are beautiful. Great job!!

Stacey said...

You are so talented - knitting, painting, and having an eye for the beauty waiting to be uncovered in the 'old girls.' It's been a while since I have 'visited' but want to make sure and say congratulations on the newest and littlest man.

trump said...

Just to share with you folks, i have a new post today on Amish Stories from the Terre Hill days even that was just held in Lancaster Pennsylvania. It was a very hot day but i was able to get i think a few good images from this event. The town is populated with a mix of Amish and old order Mennonites which only adds to its charm. They even have what has become famous in Terre Hill their "outhouse race". The town sits on a hill so it overlooks Lancaster farmland in almost all directions. This is one of my favorite towns to visit because its free from commercialism, so if you are looking for a really all American kind of town with the added bonus of seeing its Amish and Mennonite residents at work and play, then this town is for you. Thanks folks. Richard from Amish Stories.

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