The amount of time it takes to complete a project varies on the yarn and needles you use. With the initial yarn I was going to use, it would have taken forever to complete it (and probably not have come out the same). Even though it came out shorter than what a shawl should be, I am actually very pleased with the final result. It makes for a nice neck wrap. The next time I knit a shawl it will be a "full length" one, but I am counting this one as well.
One of the biggest lessons I learned while knitting this shawl: ALWAYS USE PLACE MARKERS. They are a life saver and save a ton of time.
Here is the shawl fresh off the needles! This project also taught me a new skill: blocking. What was really nifty about the pattern I used was that it highlighted the areas that would look best pointed out.
I was really nervous, terrified even, of blocking my shawl because it would involve WATER and the yarn I was using felts so very, very easily. But I went in for the plunge (and so did my shawl).
I used the water blocking method; basically soaking the knitted piece in lukewarm water, letting it sit for a moment, carefully squeezing the water out and pinning it to a board, foam or some other surface for a couple of hours (I let mine sit overnight).
I used the water blocking method; basically soaking the knitted piece in lukewarm water, letting it sit for a moment, carefully squeezing the water out and pinning it to a board, foam or some other surface for a couple of hours (I let mine sit overnight).
The only complaint I have with my shawl is that the cast-off looks a bit too heavy. I used the lace cast-off method which prevented the edging from being too tight but it looks a *little* off to me. Oh well. I have another skein of mini-mochi yarn so I could knit another shawl (maybe in the right size) up rather quickly.
Also, quite a few people have remarked that it looks like a bat. Maybe I should make a batgirl shawl sometime in the future?
Also, quite a few people have remarked that it looks like a bat. Maybe I should make a batgirl shawl sometime in the future?