An incredibly lovely lady that I work with was diagnosed with breast cancer and very quickly whisked into surgery. Just before Thanksgiving she had a double mastectomy. I just finished and sent off the shawl - so I'm quite tardy in knitting her hug - but I did and mailed it.
I bought the yarn in early December and then trolled Ravelry and thought about what I wanted to make. In my mind I saw a pale pink half circle shawl. While I nailed the pale pink by using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in Petal Pink - I did not get the shape I was going for - but I love the shape I ended up with.
It was after reading Karen's post on her Pop Spots Shawl that I found the lace pattern I ultimately used. Karen had 'pinned' the June Bunnies shawl pattern and I particularly liked the designers version where she staged the width of the lace. Because I'm a fan of things being odd - believing odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye - I made sure that whenever I started the lace - there were an odd number of repeats between each stitch marker. I worked 3 lace sections before finishing. (Mostly because 5 would have made it a blanket!)
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| close up of lace - clashing with the pattern on my dress |
I thought I spent more time working on this than I did. This was a quick knit once I got it started and sorted out.
I really enjoyed knitting this - all the while I was thinking positive, healthy thoughts. I am a process knitter. Most people don't understand that. I sew to fill my closet, to have unique and comfortable clothes to wear - I knit to keep my hands busy. I do not take commission work - because that stressed me and makes me 'resent' the knitting. The flip side of that is - I chose what to knit and when. My hands are busy and only once have I wanted to keep the finished product when it was never intended to be mine.
I hope the recipient feels all the love knit into this hug as she wraps it around herself.
Such a lovely knit - and all those positive thoughts you've thread through it will surely help your dear friend. Isn't the blog world amazing - all these links!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very pretty color, and I am sure your friend will indeed feel all of the love you put into it - just as I did when wearing your socks at night while in the hospital with my dearly beloved. Gifts from friends are a great comfort in trying times.
ReplyDeleteYour friend is going to feel the love you knit into this shawl!
ReplyDeleteGreat job of knitting. The pattern and yarn go well together.
Such a lovely gift - a knitted hug! it's beautiful and your friend will find great comfort in it I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous. She'll know how much thought and love went into this shawl.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely hug and a pretty pattern. I agree with you about the odd numbers and also especially about commission work causing resentment for the process. I love making things for friends but hate to be told what to make.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful gift and a thoughtful gift. Your friend will know how much you care and this shawl will bring her such comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the recipient will feel happy with their hug. I know I would. Very sweet of you.
ReplyDeleteThat shawl is absolutely beautiful, and I know she will feel the love with it. Gorgeous work, you are so talented.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, explaining a very thoughtful, beautiful gift. However you knit, whatever you knit, you do it with love and talent!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and I am sure she will feel all the love knit into each stitch.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove love LOVE the sentiment of this shawl... I would really love to knit for people in need, and be more gift oriented... (outside of the holidays)... but right now, we are just juggling too many objects. Soon things will settle, and maybe then I can reconsider my knitting goals.
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