Charlotte's Web is finished. This makes me happy.
I deserve the happiness of yarn. I've been on 100% 3-year-old duty since Friday morning and I'm tired. I stay up way too late and then don't sleep well when Brian and Rachel are on these camp-outs (Catalina Island this time) and Emily gets up at the same time anyway. And boy, threes beat the heck out of twos for trouble. Twos are learning emotional control, which yes, can be trying. But threes are creative and sneaky - their messes are grander. Good thing they just get more charming each day. Saving grace.
Not much writing for today - time for photos. All done with a timer, so please forgive focus issues. Emily helped, so yes, I do look tired and that Ray crease is in full force between my eyes. If you could see the chaos that surrounds these "calm" pics you'd laugh yourself silly. Nothing like the Pavlovian stress of an ever tightening beeper intervals while straightening the shawl and trying find some measure of poise.
I like it with this v-neck wrap t-shirt. Didn't get a good front shot standing in this shirt, but it ties nicely along the shirt's seam line that goes across where the wrap is joined and kind of gets that stylish bolero-tied look. Worn this way the entire shawl shows down the back.
Indoor and outdoor to show the effects of light. Yeah, gratuitous, but humor me - I'm excited.
The pattern revealed. I followed it except for the bind off, which I improvised as I knitted. Closed the pattern and created a row of yarn-overs like the top of the shawl. No fringe either. Total weight 150 grams exactly using five colors (sold in 50 g skeins). Will post exact weights used and color number in the photo gallery entry. I choose these five colors from the fewer than ten available at my LYS, so I just got lucky - the magic of Koigu indeed!
This is how I'm wearing it out today. Ever since Clapotis I'm into this idea of looking vaguely French in my English/Irish/Scottish way. Also like the look of the new Rowan line. Guess I'm "mature" as they say in the new Rowan Classic Cafe book. (Who the hell let that through editing???)
Have had this silk tank hanging in my closet for almost four years without being worn (very rare for me). It was waiting for its perfect match -Charlotte.
Now if only I could live in a town with some style so people won't ask "Why are you so dressed up?" when you're not wearing athletic clothes. Going to go out to the LYS's when Brian gets back - need to be among my people.
Beautiful,beautiful,beautiful ! The colours work so well.I like Charlotte without a fringe.Have fun visiting yarn !
Posted by: Emma. | April 17, 2005 at 04:22 PM
I love your Charlotte's Web! The colors are wonderful and I think it is much more 'wearable' without the fringe. It's been on my to-knit list for months, but I haven't come across an adequate selection of Koigu from which to put together the makings. Heading to MS&W in 3 weeks and making a beeline for the Koigu, especially now after seeing yours.
Posted by: Jan | April 17, 2005 at 04:24 PM
Oh, I love it! I agree, I really like it without the fringe. Nice job!
Posted by: Moni | April 17, 2005 at 04:41 PM
The blues in your charlotte looks so good on you, with that outfit - and it is totally Parisian chic. I like Classic Cafe too - yikes, mature me!
Posted by: erin | April 17, 2005 at 06:05 PM
I love it, and thanks for showing how you wear it! I was just commenting the other day on someone's blog that I love the shawls I've seen made, but wouldn't have a clue what to wear it with.
You do look vey chic!
I love your garden as well. I want one in my new house after we finish remodeling. I'll have to show your pic to hubby. When he thinks 'garden' he thinks 'farmers field plowed in rows'. When I think garden, I envision something like the background of your picture.
I'm making a sweater from Classic Cafe right now. I also noticed the 'mature' comment, which made me feel very middle aged ;-(
Posted by: Wendi | April 17, 2005 at 06:40 PM
It looks great! Congratulations! And congrats on surviving a mommy-ful weekend!
Posted by: Anne-Caroline | April 17, 2005 at 08:04 PM
Gorgeous! :)
Posted by: Abigail | April 17, 2005 at 08:22 PM
wow! Lovely lovely lovely shawl!
Posted by: Laura Y | April 17, 2005 at 09:46 PM
LOVE Charlottes Web!! Love the colours! Its gorgeous!
Katt
Posted by: Katt Walker | April 18, 2005 at 01:24 AM
BEAUTIFUL!! I can't believe how quickly you finished her! Have a great time wearing it today...lots of compliments are sure to come your way. Congrats on surviving the weekend...what do you mean 3 is worse?? OH man, only a month to go and I enter 3-yo h*ll.
Posted by: Jackie | April 18, 2005 at 04:21 AM
I love your Charlotte! I've always wanted to make one, but never did. Like you, I live in a town that you could say dresses "casual."
I am in absolute awe. Your gardens are GEORGEOUS! Please send your green thumb my way!
Posted by: heather | April 18, 2005 at 05:17 AM
LOVE. IT.
Posted by: Julia | April 18, 2005 at 06:05 AM
It's lovely. Hope Brian is back soon and that you get to escape to a land where all adults speak in the right language. Make sure to bring the shawl so you can hear the oohs and aahs live!
Posted by: Anmiryam | April 18, 2005 at 07:03 AM
charlotte looks fantastic. Definately very European chic!
Posted by: Christina | April 18, 2005 at 09:07 AM
Very nice Charlotte. You have some lovely shawls.
Posted by: Marie | April 18, 2005 at 11:08 AM
Absolutely beautiful! It looks lovely on you.
Posted by: Risa | April 18, 2005 at 11:50 AM
GASP! Your garden is green and flowering and gorgeous...everything here is still brown. :-( In fact we got about 6 inches of snow last week - melted the next day but was depressing nonetheless. C'mon Spring!! I love Charlotte and it looks great on too - the perfect Spring wrap/shawl. And the perfect match for your silk tank - gorgeous!! They are going to be all over you at the LYS - have fun!
Posted by: Vicki | April 18, 2005 at 11:52 AM
How exciting to finish. Gorgeous wrap, gorgeous garden! I love it every way you wear it. And I love the Rowan Classic Cafe book - I am in serious lust for the Broadway cardi.
Posted by: Julia | April 18, 2005 at 01:16 PM
You have to be in the mood for fringe to do it. I think this looks good without the fringe; it's more casual and not too dressy. Congrats on another great project!
Posted by: MJ | April 18, 2005 at 02:13 PM
wow....I just found your blog via Jacq's blog (my escape from the boys)...your things are just so lovely...the shawl is stunning. I'm really taken with the Berroco Plus blanket in process...you should frame that picture as it is in your blog...it's sooooo pretty and colorful. Take care. I look forward to checking in often. I feel a little inadequate looking at all you do, but it's lovely and your little girl is so sweet.
Posted by: michele | April 18, 2005 at 06:56 PM
I love it. Makes me want to cast on for one right now. I will have to wait until I am home from vacation though. Then the thinking knitting happens. Lovely job.
Posted by: Teresa C | April 18, 2005 at 07:11 PM
Goodness, the colors! Simply amazing, I wish I had time to start a project like that.
Posted by: Alexa | April 18, 2005 at 08:01 PM
It's just beautiful -- and so flattering! You're a natural scarf person, I can tell.
Posted by: Sara | April 19, 2005 at 04:59 PM
Oh, it turned out beautifully! Makes me rethink the fringe I added to mine . . .
Posted by: maggi | April 20, 2005 at 08:53 AM
what a gorgeous Charlotte! You look beautiful in that shawl! The colors you selected are perfect. You look so very romantic in your garden! My roses are just getting new leaves no budding yet. Bearded Irises are sending up buds wowhooo! Keep up the great work! I really enjoy your blog!
Posted by: marie | April 21, 2005 at 05:19 AM