A Shawl Well Traveled

How many countries do you think this garment has traveled to? Well, it was concieved in Australia, spent its teenage years in India, reached maturity in New Zealand and will soon emigrate to America to be rehomed at a fund raising auction for the Mastocytosis Society during its 2010 conference in October.

The shawl's pattern is a variation on a theme from a pattern on Knitty:

Lace Ribbon Scarf

I doubled the width so the scarf is around 62 cm wide and 2m long after blocking. It is knitted on 4mm needles and took 5.5 balls of yarn. I altered the gauge a little from the original 21st/ 34 rows to 24 st/ 32 rows.

The yarn I choose is deliciously soft and lovely to work with:

Eki Riva Supreme 100% Baby Alpaca # 2299 Lavender

I choose to use this particular yarn because alpaca is often tolerated better than wool as it is softer so is less likely to cause irritation. This was an important factor in my decision because many folk who suffer from Mastocytosis have issues with skin sensitivities and itching.

The edging was knitted separately and sewn on prior to blocking. The pattern is called Willow Leaf and is from one of my books:

150 Knitted Trims

As with all lace, the edging looked horribly lumpy prior to blocking and there was plenty of guestimation going on whilst I knitted it and tried to figure out long it should be, but it shaped up nicely once it had had a taste of the 'wires'!  Blocking really is akin to putting your precious work on the rack for a torture session.

I hope that whomever takes the shawl home with them at the conclusion of the conference enjoys wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it.