On Thursday night I started the shawl Spring Things with Super Kydd. I absolutely adore this yarn. It’s fluffy as a cloud and soft as a baby’s… cheek. As I was nearing the 10th repeat though, I noticed how little my fluff resembled the pattern. It must be gauge. That’s why my fluff looks so loosey goosey. (Yes, that’s a technical term.)
So I went down two needle sizes, from a size 5US/3.75mm to a size 3US/3.00mm. With hope in my heart, I knit on. As I did, I didn’t see the structure in my stitches that the pattern model had. Take a look for yourself.
By then I was getting really frustrated, so I turned to my trusty guru Jenny K. for advice. She basically told me what I already knew. This yarn with this pattern was not working. For the second time in so many days I had to frog mohair, which you all know is a delightful experience. Ha!
Being a stubborn person, I decided to persevere with this pattern and give it another shot with my tried and true Jaggerspun Zephyr. The Zephyr is considerably thicker then the Super Kydd, so I allowed myself a glimmer of hope once again as I started the shawl for the third time. Here it is.
There’s definitely more structure and you can definitely see more of the pattern. The only problem I have is the colour. I really wanted to make a pink shawl for a friend. Do I want to buy some Zephyr in pink or do I just continue on in Sage? Do I want to just use the Super Kydd with another design? In my typically indecisive manner, I’ve just put the project and the yarn on a temporary shelf and picked up the Forest Path Stole again.
Susan Johnson on 16 Apr 2007 at 12:22 pm #
I love the sage color, Opal. But if you want a good deal on Zephyr, try Sarah’s yarns.com. She sells a whole cone of zephyr for $35.00. I know what you mean about frogging mohair. Ugh!!!! No thank you. When in doubt, Forest Path Stole is the way to go.
Susie
Christine on 16 Apr 2007 at 12:32 pm #
How did I not see your Monkey post (previous post) before? I think they’re beautiful!
I’ve never used Jaggerspun Zephyr, but I am going to order some soon. I’m glad you recommend it. I’ve never seen it in person. Oh, I had a bit of a froggy weekend, too, so I now it can be a little frustrating. But frogging mohair is a big pain!
I really love the sage color.
Christine on 16 Apr 2007 at 12:37 pm #
That was supposed to be “know it can be frustrating” not “now it can be…”. My least favorite type :-)
Lisa on 16 Apr 2007 at 5:41 pm #
You are such a trooper, ugh, frogging mohair. I really like the sage and you know how much I love pink. I would just continue on in the sage, it looks beautiful.
Barb on 16 Apr 2007 at 6:45 pm #
You have a way with lace, I know it will work out.
Jeanne on 16 Apr 2007 at 10:53 pm #
I don’t know - I think the sage is beautiful! But I love green and if you are making it for a friend who doesn’t like green…..I’d go buy another color! Beautiful though - thanks for the link for the pattern!
Roseann on 17 Apr 2007 at 1:51 am #
Frogging mohair, that is no fun! It looks so pretty in Zephyr and sage is a beautiful, go with everything color. If she already has lots of pink, sage will compliment her wardrobe nicely. Keep us posted!
Jess on 17 Apr 2007 at 2:39 am #
I admire your preseverence, Opal!
Being a pink girl myself, I agree with Roseann (unless your friend dislikes green) I would certainly wear that Zephyr sage with all my pink. Heck, iIf you wanted to include pink for her, you could make even more work for yourself! You could knit a lacy pink flower, stick it on a 4″ sock needle or on a safety pin, and use it as her shawl pin….
That said, you heart will tell you what’s best, of course.
Peggy on 17 Apr 2007 at 6:51 am #
Changing the yarn was an excellent decision. Why do all the pattern work when it is getting lost in the yarn! Why not try to dye the mohair and then do a real simple garter stitch shawl and let the yarn do the work.
Jenny Raye on 17 Apr 2007 at 7:10 am #
I bet Kiri would work for the mohair.
Peggy on 17 Apr 2007 at 3:11 pm #
Opal,
Have you seen Knitter’s magazine. I got mine today. Check out Loden Mist. Your mohair would work for this. http://knittinguniverse.com/flash/knitters.php
Dee on 17 Apr 2007 at 5:28 pm #
The sage is lovely!
Jane on 18 Apr 2007 at 2:52 am #
Dear Opal,
I like the color of the shawl myself and the pattern looks like fun to knit. I think you were right to change yarns!
Meredith on 18 Apr 2007 at 4:49 am #
Once again, dear Opal, you are an inspiration and enabler…I ordered the pattern for Spring Things yesterday. If your friend is a pink girl, I think maybe you need some pink Zephyr. The sage would be beautiful and would blend with pink things…but if she really, really loves pink a pink yarn might be the better choice.
hugggggggggsssssss
limedragon :-: Harriet on 19 Apr 2007 at 1:24 pm #
Third time’s the charm! It looks very pretty already. : )