I stayed up until after one on Friday night (or Saturday morning if you prefer) to finish the Forest Canopy Shawl. This morning I soaked her in some SOAK (acquae--it's dee-vine) and blocked her on the mattress. The magic happened. The blob that left me unimpressed became delicate and wonderful.
I highly recommend this pattern for lace knitters of any skill. I used the first installment of Erin's Year of the Sock club yarn (Jewel) and size 8 needles. The pattern directions were so clear. If you look closely I imagine you'll find a few wonky places, but those are my fault; the directions are impeccable.
It feels great to have this WIP off the needles. Actually, I've been wanting the needles for another project, but that's going to have to wait just a bit longer. See, I've gone and entered Skeins Her Way's Finish a UFO 2008 contest. My goal is to finish the languishing Lady of the Lake jacket by the end of January. I have the sleeves and collar to knit, then I'll be wearing my first adult-sized sweater. How's that for a good start to the year?
I don't know about you, but I'll be planted in front of PBS for Sundays with Jane. I've been a little giddy at the prospect all day. Are you watching it, too?
Let me leave you with a Forest Canopy close-up shot:
It is so beautiful! What a great idea, I have some amazing ceyeberfiber that will look good in that pattern too!
Posted by: michelle | January 13, 2008 at 08:48 PM
That shawl is gorgeous! Happy New Year!
Oh... and I feel the same way as you do about Joyce Carol Oates.
Posted by: Janice | January 13, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Why Ms Bev... you did a beautiful job!
Posted by: Mama-E | January 13, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Very nice! Your hair is getting long, too. I like it. Happy 08!
Posted by: Anne | January 13, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Ohhhhhh....that turned out totally beautiful! You Rock!
Posted by: Sheila | January 13, 2008 at 09:49 PM
So beautiful! Great job.
Lace never ceases to amaze me in the blocking process!
Posted by: meg | January 13, 2008 at 10:57 PM
So, so pretty...makes me think about lace again after my last failed attempt!
Posted by: Kim, Blog Free | January 14, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Gorgeous!! :o)
Posted by: JessaLu | January 14, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Stayed uo late to watch last night. The shawl is beautiful and the snow is a perfect background.
Posted by: Ramona | January 14, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I swear it's all about the blocking.
She's beautiful, my Bev. Well done!
Posted by: Cookie | January 14, 2008 at 03:42 PM
I was looking of for a lace pattern to use with some very bright lace yarn that I have. Thank you for inspiring to go and pull out this pattern. I love yours!!!
Posted by: Mia | January 14, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Beautiful! What a wonderful job.
As a recovering English major, I have Jane Austen Phobia, but I still appreciate people who appreciate the classics.
Posted by: Nora | January 14, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Gorgeous Forest Canopy!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 15, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Yes, I am also glued to the couch on Sunday nights for Jane Austen. Persuasion is one of my favorite Austen novels and I feel that it does not get as much attention as it deserves, so I was happy they started off with that one. I also loved the Jane Eyre adaptation that played the two weeks before.
The lace turned out gorgeous!
Posted by: Frances | January 15, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Your forest canopy is GORGEOUS! It's delicate and bold at the same time. My only complaint about the Jane Austin series is that they don't start until 9:00 and I've just began working as a substitute teacher so I need to be up early. Good luck with your Lady of the Lake sweater.
Posted by: Heide | January 17, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Oh wow, the magic of blocking!!
Posted by: Heather | January 19, 2008 at 04:20 AM
Your Forest Canopy shawl is beautiful. Nice photo of you modeling it, too.
Posted by: Angie | January 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Oh Bev
I am so happy for you. The forest canopy is a work of art. So lovely against the winter backdrop.
Posted by: kathy b | January 23, 2008 at 06:10 PM