This was a test/tech knit for Todwick Studios/Handmaiden/Fleece Artist. Here are the details from Todwick Studios Ravelry pattern page…

“The Mariana’ s Shawl is knit using Hand Maiden’s Mini Maiden and Hand Maiden’s Angel Hair. With a combination of Fan and Feather, Garter Stitch and Bobbles, you will always hove something fun around the corner.
Inspired by the dynamic textures on the sea floor in the area surrounding the Marianas Trench. The shifting swirls of earth and sea coupled with a mystery yet to be solved instantly captured my attention.
I used the Fan and Feather lace to reflect the continuous curving shape of the under water mountain ranges, with the pops of higher elevations that are visibly reflected in the raised bobble stitch. The neutral spaces in between chasms are rendered using garter stitch and easily balances the pattern making it more visually compelling.

For more information, see: http://handmaiden.ca“

This pattern is knit with beautifully hand dyed yarns from Handmaiden. I love working with the Mini Maiden, a smooth 50% wool 50% silk one ply. Its pairing with the Angel Hair mohair works well for the contrast of the pattern sections.

I recommend being very careful when knitting the mohair sections. If you drop a stitch or make an error it is tricky to unravel and re-knit. I’d recommend using a lifeline after each mohair section, just to give yourself some insurance. A good practice to get into when knitting large lace projects.

The paired yarn kit gives plenty of yarn to complete the project whether you are tight or loose knitter.

Be conscious of your edges on the mohair sections as it does not have the elasticity of the Mini Maiden. You will see the difference prior to blocking, but as you can see it blocks out beautifully. I know there are some of you out there who are scared of blocking, but trust me, it’s easy, and will make your finished project look gorgeous.

I finished the shawl with the Angel Hair for the picot bind off. After seeing Ruth’s original sample with the Mini Maiden for the bind off, if I were to knit this again I’d make that final switch and bind off with the smoother Mini Maiden.

I’ll add more notes as I have time, and can decipher my own handwriting :)