Project #3 Spring/Easter Break 2015

I saw this when it first came out in 2010, at that time I did not know how to knit shawls, only socks, hats, not lacey things. I actually do enjoy knitting lace, it may look like crap before, and small, just water, wool soak, I wash my super wash yarn on delicate and wool lite to rinse out the die residue. Putting it on delicate makes it damp enough to block, however I did use a water spray bottle to re-dampen. Blocking is will be your best friend in making lace shawls. I had made so many attempts to make this mini shawl. I do not like casting on such a huge amount of stitches. I finally decided after the 2 shawls I made in 6 days, to cast on for this shawl. No trick, I squared root 363 stitches, it is not a perfect square, it gave the answer that I needed, 19 stitches in each section and 2 of the sections need 20 stitches to make the count come out right. 19 stitches in 19 section add on 2 extra stitches and that will give you 363 stitches.

In this project:

1) Stitch markers will be your best friend. I section each lace chart, which made the this pattern so less complicated. I like to add bling when I am knitting. So do what you must to make your own stitch markers. I even purchase polymer clay from Wal-Mart and make stitch markers with polymer clay.(.89cents)

2) Simple Math, (dividing things up and keeping count of your stitches). When you 1st start you should have 19 Sections, each section should have 19 stitch, add 1 the very begining of the left, place a stitch marker and 1 to the right, place stitch marker before the end. This will give you a total of 363 (Math: my method for starting with so many stitches. If you ever want to find out how many stitches to a section to any large number in order to mark it off by using stitch markers to section off. Use an on line calculator, and google square root, I put in the number large number. It will not come out the exact # you may have to add in your stitches for each section, it sure does take out the guessing.)

3) Blocking, you can not skip on the blocking with this project, I used weed wacker wire, 100 ft from Wal-mart, Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon, 200ft for $10. vs. blocking wire. (a) Blocking foam. You can go to either WalMart, or Harbor Freights, Amazon. I can’t do the bed/floor, I have babies (kitties), block project will be there sleeping spot.

Cast on and Cast Off I-cord.
I cast on using the I-cord cast on. I cord bind off for the neckline, so it will be sturdy, and the neckline will not roll.

Only modification I have made was the cast/cast off I-Cord using a size US 11 knitting needle for cast on and cast off. I added no nudds or beads, on account I could not find the beads I purchased from Fire Mountain Gems for this shawl.

Socks that Rock 100% Superwash Merino-Lightweight, this yarn is thicker then is expected, the colors are beautiful, in there Socks yarn.