Done!
Seen here, in an unconventional blocking arrangement. Despite Amy's book advice, I did wet-block it. And then realised two vital things - a) it's way too big for the bed, my usual blocking "board" and b) silk takes an absolute age to dry indoors. It turns out that pegged on the washing line was a great alternative. Of course, being 100% DK silk, it did practically block itself - don't try this with wool, people.
I used all three skeins of the colourway from Dee - even the last one which had a couple of black patches (luckily right at the end). You can't even see those areas unless you look really, really, really hard. There's like, 2 stitches spread out along the top somewhere, which are darker than all the rest and that's it.
And it's big. And smells like the wonderful, gorgeous silk that it is. (Prepare yourself for a brazen, close up shot):
And I miss knitting it so much. It's completely irrational, I know. I held off on starting on the Fir Cone shawl*, in an effort to stick to my principles. I was determined not to start another lace project until Tuscany was complete. But it was all for naught.
She has ruined me for all other lace. My heart belongs in the Cornfield.
* Well okay, I started it, yes. But I'm calling that my swatch. It was preparation, and nothing more. And besides, I totally screwed up said swatch while watching Bring It On (All or Nothing)** so I've ripped it back and shall have to start again. I mean start properly. For real this time. When I get my lace-mojo back.
** And what exactly is it about Cheerleader movies*** that has me so captivated, that I can't count? What am I, twelve? There's must be some strange pom-pom fascination going on there.
*** Robynn, I think you and I are 3/4 twins. Buffy, Weeds, Firefly. Heroes, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. Bring. It. On. Girlfriend. (I said, Brrr, it's cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere. I said ...)
Brrr! It's cold in here! There must be some Tuscany...
No, doesn't work. Damn. ;-) It looks beautiful!
Posted by: Robynn | Monday, June 11, 2007 at 09:05 PM
WOW! That is the most beautiful color. The pattern makes it look like wheat fields or barley just dancing in the Tuscan sun. You know what? Cashmere is nice but there is nothing like silk. The sheen is incredible. Dee should put that on her site, like she needs help selling her yarn..... Beautiful work though. Can't wait to see what's next.
Posted by: Jerry | Monday, June 11, 2007 at 11:59 PM
What a beauty!
Posted by: Dee | Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Beautiful work and the blocking looks good too. I love the close up and want to say congratulations on the lovely finish
Posted by: Claire | Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Beautiful shawl - you couldn't have picked a more perfect pattern for the yarn.
Posted by: Gill | Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 06:40 PM
that is just gorgeous!
Posted by: kerrie | Friday, June 15, 2007 at 09:18 AM