01-01-2020

I am LOVING this yarn. Seriously, I think that Julie Asselin yarn is amongst the best I’ve ever knit with - and I’m proud to know it’s Canadian.

09-02-2020

Making this pattern hasn’t been particularly enjoyable. Not sure if it’s the combo of the yarn with needle size/material issues I’ve had, plus cabling or if it’s that the cabling without a needle is quite hard on the hands, but this hasn’t been an enjoyable knit so far. I do hope that’ll change but I’ve got 2.5 more leaf repeats to go. At this point I kind of wish I’d made the Dohne with this yarn but it likely wasn’t as optimal a pair.

I really hope the yarn relaxes and the cables bloom once this is blocked.

22-02-2020

So I’ve gone up to a US 6 (recommended needle size), even though I’m a loose knitter, because cables do impact gauge for me. It’s taken 2.5 hours to knit 13R. I am really looking forward to being finished with this.

18-03-2020

I have 2 balls left - one is in the basket (weigh before using). the other is 57g (in the knitting bag with the project). It’ll be easy to subtract remainders than to weigh the finished (big) scarf.

21-03-2020

I did 7 or 8 repeats of the twisted rib section (I think it was 8). This did block more or less to size (it’s drying now so I can’t yet confirm but it’s pinned to shape).

It’s probably going to look very lovely but I am extremely pleased to be finished with this knit. It’s reminded me that I don’t love 1x1 cabling because it’s tedious with or without a cable needle. It’s hard on the hands. I’m also not nuts about miles of twisted rib knitting (it gets old and it’s also hard on the hands). But if you like those, this shawl may be your jam. It’s an extremely well presented and clear pattern, but I wouldn’t call it easy. This is best for an intermediate knitter. Without reading the chart, the instructions would be seriously challenging to follow, IMO - though both chart and regular instructions are offered.

22-03-2020

The blocked object is very lovely - it drapes well and hangs securely, despite the fact that, once the pins were removed, it reverted to its desired dimensions - 23” at depth (vs 25.5”) and 65” length of longest, curved edge (vs 85.5”). I did use more or less the amount of yarn called for to achieve the larger dimensions. But I used a smaller needle in the garter section (US5 vs US6, which I needn’t have done, even if I am a relaxed knitter). Also, this yarn is amongst the springiest I’ve ever worked with. If I’d gone with an alpaca silk blend, I would have probably achieved the longer dimensions more easily. Not that they are necessary to have the shawl appear robust and secure on the neck.

If I had more options - I’d give this pattern a 2 out of 5 in terms of knitting enjoyment to counterbalance the “very happy” face (I do really love the finished object), 5/5 for clarity (because the pattern is decidedly clear), moderate difficulty rating and 4/5 for overall rating. Mind you, seems most people enjoyed this knit, based on what they’ve written, so perhaps I’m an outlier.

To close the loop on the yarn, which doesn’t yet have a lot of reviews: It’s gorgeously dyed (like all Julie Asselin yarn). It feels lovely but in a very sproingy way - not like Fino which has a perfect combo of spring and drape. I feel it’s a robust sport (vs one that veers toward fingering). I’d recommend it for garments that require a sort of structure - like a hat or mits or certain sweater patterns. Don’t think it’s optimal for a shawl - though this one will be worn happily.