I finally dug out the bin of laceweight yarn to start Lyra (Ravel it!). I originally planned on using cashmere, but I was way short on yardage. Instead, I settled on Jaggerspun Zephyr in black.
Although I’ve never finished a square or circular shawl, I’ve started a few of them. They’re very fiddly to begin wit, having only two stitches on each double-pointed needle. I found the easiest way for me to go about it is to use the Bellybutton Circular Start.
It’s not pretty. In fact it looks a little obscene. But it gets the job done.
I tried to get a better picture of my progress, but the stitches are dangerously close to falling off the needles.
I’m anxiously waiting on some 16″ circulars to arrive. I could have sworn I had a pair, but I can’t find them. I might try forging ahead with two or three circulars if the 16″ doesn’t soon. I’m just not a patient person.
One thing I tried and couldn’t get the hang of is Magic Loop. I think I just need more practice with that technique and I’d rather not risk messing up this project with something so new to me.
Look what came in the mail for me last week.
After blogging about Ed’s gorgeous spindles, I couldn’t resist snagging one for myself. This is Petula from Tilt-A-Whorl Spindles.
To fully appreciate the gorgeous 3-D effect of his talent you have to see it from the side.
Not only does this spindle look fabulous, it spins like a dream. It’s heavier then what I’m used to in a spindle, but I’m really looking forward to using it. For now, I’m content to just gaze upon it.
Happy Tuesday, people! Can you believe May is nearly here?
April 28th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Nope, can’t believe it! Hehe..that’s a cool start for lace. But that spindle….that is gorgeous!!!!
April 28th, 2009 at 11:19 am
That cast on intrigues me especially since a Hemlock Ring blanket is in my near future.
Good luck with your shawl and the new spindle.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:26 am
That’s one interesting cast on you’ve got there, Miss Opal.
Love the spindle!
Can you believe it’s still April?!
April 28th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Opal, the shawl is gorgeous. I have to check out that Bellybutton cast on.
The spindle is beautiful. There’s no snagging or anything on the petals? It’s beautiful.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:43 am
The spindle is beautiful! I’m looking forward to seeing the shawl progress!
April 28th, 2009 at 11:46 am
Oh holy cow that is a gorgeous spindle.
Can you feel me coveting it from here?
April 28th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Beautiful spindle! I lurves your shawl too.
How’s that new store thingy working out for you?
April 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
LOVE the spindle, can’t wait to see what you spin on it!
April 28th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I am SO glad you showed the second photo of the lace, cuz DAMN, that was an ugly start! ;-)
April 28th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
That spindle is the bomb! I am going to be such a stalker on that blog!!
You are my hero with that lace – the chart alone makes me sweat.
April 28th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
God bless you for posting that link! I love circular shawls, but always dreaded the cast on and the first few rows. You have just made my life so much easier! Thank you!
The spindle is gorgeous, too!
April 28th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Belly button start…that’s a new one for me!!
The spindle looks like jewelry…gorgeous :)
April 28th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
That is a very interesting cast on. I adore that spindle. When you blogged about him before I went a drooled over those spindles, so I am glad that one found a great home with you!
April 28th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Oh man, that is one glitzy spindle! Use it in good health.
And I hope you do finish Lyra. It’s a lovely knit.
April 28th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
That is going to be such lovely lace.
I adore your new spindle. I was curious what your thoughts would be on its spindlability, and am glad to hear it passes the test.
I cannot figure the day of the week, let alone the month of the year. Also, I keep forgetting which year this is.
Enjoy Lyra.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
I love your shawl’s umbilical cord!
April 29th, 2009 at 2:15 am
Wow! What an ambitious project! It is just gorgeous! I will try that circular cast on because I just hate using the Emily Ocher cast on. Just can’t seem to get the hang of it. Do give Magic Loop another try. I finally got it, and I love it. Can’t wait to watch that beauty progress.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:55 am
That spindle is gorgeous. Of course, you KNOW what caught my eye … the beads. LOL
April 29th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Oh, black — you’re brave!!
I’ve got one of Ed’s too — good stuff, and Petula appears particularly pleasing. :-)
April 29th, 2009 at 4:26 am
My goodness Opal, you’ve cast on an heirloom! The chart made my eyes go dizzy. It’s going to be gorgeous with that yarn!
Also, the spindle is lovely. All pinky like Hello Kitty! No wonder you like it so much. :)
April 29th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Oooh, brave soul! I picked up Lyra and a skein at Stitches West (black too, I think) but haven’t the nerve to start. I hope you get your circs soon!
That spindle is princess-gorgeous! Want!
April 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Wait. Does that mean you’ve finished Caricia?
April 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I have never been able to start a shawl in the middle – my needles always fall out. I’ll have to try your method!
The spindle is gorgeous!
April 29th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
It sure is a great way to start!
Lyra is such a stunningly beautiful pattern … can’t wait to see yours finished.
April 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
hmmm…i like the sound of that – bellybutton circular start….oh, and that spindle is too gorgeous – is it really pink?
April 30th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I really do think that is the most beautiful spindle I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to see your shawl progressing.
May 1st, 2009 at 1:36 am
So, are you an outie or an innie?
For Magic loop, a pair of socks is a great way to learn, I think.
The shawl and the spindle are beautiful!
May 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
At first I was like, why is she knitting a nipple cozy? ;op
That is such a cool looking spindle!
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Learn something new everyday. I’ve never heard of the Belly Button Cast on, but if it eliminates the fiddliness of one stitch on 4 dpns, I’m all for it!
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I hope your 16″ circ comes soon!! Pretty lace.
And that spindle is you: pretty and sparkly and fun!
(((Hugs)))