Yes, this little race is moving along! OK, OK, I picked the low hanging fruit first, but I thought I could use the kick-start thrill of a FO.
I cast on this Colinette & Classic Elite wrap in April of '04 (pre-blog), knit a bit, then tucked it away. Don't know why really - it just wasn't speaking to me. Then I was looking at my new skirt last week and knew why I'd been attracted to the colors. And this five year old sweater matches the skirt perfectly and there's even a touch of the blue in the wrap. I wish I could say I had it all planned, but it wasn't. Feeling the good vibes around here.
I look so happy because when I came down the stairs my oldest (almost 8) said "WOW!" and just sat there with a big smile on her face, then added "That's the fanciest thing you own, you'd better change clothes after we take the photo." Bless her practical heart - I've taught her well. Add to that the little one napping, which will make her much more cheerful for the afternoon, and you have a happy Wench.
I'm so posed because Rachel really wanted to do the photo, but the camera's a bit heavy and awkward for her. I had to hold still and smile (issuing instructions through gritted teeth) a looong time. This wrap also looks good just draped, but we couldn't get that photo. Maybe I'll post vacation shots of my knitting having a good time in Oregon.
Details:
- Colinette Enigma and Giotto, colorway Caramel 148 (one each) and Classic Elite Avignon Cotton/Silk, color 8189 (three balls)
- 15" x 58" of knitted fabric with 6" of fringe at each end. May block it a tad longer, but this works for me (I'm 5'2"). To see how I cut my fringe, click on the little photo.
- Garter stitch, changed colors every row with the Classic Elite between the Colinettes. No pattern. Not really sure how many I cast on (hey, it was pre-blog remember). Think I followed the recipe from Sally Melville's Knit Stitch book.
- Addi Turbo 6 mm, BO with 10 mm.
One more gratuitous shot of its pink/caramel goodness:
Knew I would be casting off the wrap so I started the Koigu shawl two nights ago ... Sitting here thinking ... this sounds so much like the woman who makes sure she has her next boyfriend (or husband) lined up before she leaves the current one. Yet another knitting as a metaphor for life moment. Fiber really can be therapy in that you can get all your relationship ya yas out while remaining a loving, faithful, dependable spouse -- with honkin' big stash.
Sorry for the bit of blur in the photo - the breeze is gusting today. This is the Shaped Triangle pattern from A Gathering of Lace, but I'm using Koigu on 4 mm's rather than Zephyr on 3.5 mm's. Will stop very short of the finished pattern as I'm only wanting a shoulder wrap. I've got about three balls total weight of Koigu. Two colors here are left over from Charlotte - the pink colorway will be added soon. I like this pattern because it makes long ties and curves over the shoulders. Looked at Yarn Harlot's blog today and from the small bit she's done so far it looks like she's making the same pattern in the Zephyr - we'll see. I'm sure she'll finish the entire shawl before I get halfway!
I'll close with garden shots. Click to enlarge if you choose. Many of the orchids have retreated to their new summer home next to the fountain under the Tipu tree. We're watching, but this seems to make them happy so far. 
This pink fushia was a bargin buy at Target ($2.50) because it was out of bloom. Not anymore. 
Finally, my baskets are growing in and making me as happy as is possible when I'm standing at the kitchen sink.
Thanks for all the great comments in support of my little race. One down!
What a way to start off! It is really lovely. And to have the Koigu around the corner, well, what could be better. One down.......
Posted by: Teresa C | June 24, 2005 at 06:27 PM
I just have to say, the shawl is fantastic! Love it love it love it..:)
Posted by: lauray | June 24, 2005 at 07:11 PM
Oooh, that's a lovely wrap.
Posted by: Alexa | June 24, 2005 at 07:19 PM
Love the wrap!
Posted by: Abigail | June 24, 2005 at 08:02 PM
gorgeous wrap! i will email you the rest of my comment as it is just too silly to put here!
Posted by: Jo | June 24, 2005 at 08:15 PM
The wrap is gorgeous! I've been eyeing that colorway for a long while. It looks great with that outfit!
As always, loving the flowers.
Posted by: heather | June 25, 2005 at 06:00 AM
Fancy, indeed! I love it!
Posted by: Moni | June 25, 2005 at 11:26 AM
So, so pretty - it looks great on you!
Posted by: Sara | June 25, 2005 at 11:50 AM
Actually, that's a very nice photo! I'm very impressed with it (I've worked in the photo industry for many moons and have seen some professional photos that don't even look this good)
Posted by: rayleen | June 25, 2005 at 12:10 PM
Wow, that Colinette wrap is gorgeous! I can see why you're so thrilled!
Posted by: Amy | June 25, 2005 at 12:50 PM
yay! I found you again! I don't know how I lost your site but I did! I google'd 'summer tweed cozy' and here you are.
Posted by: Liz | June 25, 2005 at 08:41 PM
One down. Nicely done too! Beautiful and it looks gorgeous on you. Thanks once again for the lovely eye candy of pretty knitting and beautiful flowers.
Posted by: Risa | June 26, 2005 at 08:06 AM
Such beauty! I love the colors in both the wrap and the Koigu.
Posted by: Jackie | June 26, 2005 at 04:44 PM
That wrap is just gorgeous on you! What a lovely drape it has. I think I'll go see if I spy any low hanging fruit at my house.
Posted by: Julia | June 27, 2005 at 12:25 PM
Lovely! (Of course, loving the fountain and the hanging baskets!)
Posted by: la chica alta | June 27, 2005 at 03:13 PM
The wrap is gorgeous...the colors couldn't be better. Isn't it great how that outfit came together, too?!
Posted by: Norma | June 28, 2005 at 06:06 AM
That is quite a sweet wrap.
Posted by: Colleen | June 28, 2005 at 06:52 AM
That's a lovely one, Nancy! And i think the Koigu will be spectacular. I almost bought _A Gathering of Lace_ in my last KnitPicks order, but resisted and now I'm sorry!
Posted by: maggi | June 28, 2005 at 11:08 AM
stunning! and the colors are so flattering on you!
Posted by: amanda | June 29, 2005 at 10:41 AM
Muito bonito, maravilhoso seu xale!! achei fantástico, pena que não entendo o inglês para poder fazer um igual, aqui no Brasil adoramos tricô. Beijos, Solange
Posted by: solange cristiny | June 29, 2005 at 11:30 AM
The Colinette wrap looks very lovely and complimenting. Hmm, I might make a variation of it... if I may. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Posted by: Emma | July 01, 2005 at 01:48 AM
The wrap is fantastic! You have totally inspired me today!
Posted by: Emily | July 01, 2005 at 06:06 AM
The colinette wrap is gorgeous - you really know how to pull off a wrap/scarf. Some people look very elegant wearing a wrap and you are definitely one of them. Nice job...
Posted by: Vicki | July 04, 2005 at 12:56 PM
Absolutely fabulous! This caramel colourway just sets off your skin tone so well, perfect match!
Posted by: erin | July 04, 2005 at 06:05 PM
Your wrap is just lovely and looks fabulous on you!
Posted by: Donna | July 05, 2005 at 07:09 AM