Spider Queen Trials
This lump of silk is headed for the frog pile. The Spider Queen is proving to be quite the challenge.
Sometimes you have a very clear vision of what you want. That was the case for me with this shawl. I knew I wanted it in silk and I knew I wanted a shade of grey. I ordered some silver grey 4/56 silk from ColourMart UK. When my yarn arrived I did something unusual for me. I swatched!
Since I wanted something very web-like, I used 3.00 mm needles. I liked the look so off I went. Only to discover that my cone was defective. I contacted Richard and he promptly sent me a replacement cone. Now, back on track, I started again, but halfway through the first repeat I really hated the look. I decided to go down to 2.75 mm needles.
Off I went again. It was looking really good but something was bothering me. Something just wasn’t right. I kept thinking, this is small; really small.
A third of the way through the first border, I dropped several stitches. At this point I gave in to my nagging doubts and concluded that the yarn/needle combination just wasn’t working. So the silver grey silk will be saved for something else.
I’ve cast on again. This time with Henry’s Attic 2/20 spun silk (from my stash) and 3.25 mm needles. Two repeats of the center pattern are done and I'm very happy with the resulting fabric. I may dye the finished shawl but for now I’m just glad to be finally knitting it.
For those who are curious, here is the new crown pattern. I like it a lot more than the original one.
Happy knitting
22 comments:
It looks lovely! You have more patience than I do...I couldn't knit the thing three times!
Very very pretty!
I have some Colourmart silk as well. It doesn't yet know what it wants to be.
That looks beautiful! I can only imagine the attention that must need while knitting. Even though I love lace, sometimes I find it nice to work on something mindless for a while. I think I'd have that urge even more after working such a complex pattern.
You ought to be able to knit that in your sleep now, right? :) I like that crown pattern, too!
Fleegle,
It's more stubborn determination than patience. I've invested so much in this project that there is not way I'm not going to knit it. Hopefully the lace gods have exacted their vengeance and I will now be allowed to work in peace!
Hi Romi,
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I love ColourMart and the smooth silk is just wonderful to work with. This would have been my second project with it, if things had worked out.
Hi Ria,
Thanks for commenting. I do keep a few simple things going on the side for those occasions when I just can’t concentrate.
However, this shawl is really not as difficult as it looks. The center pattern was surprisingly easy to memorize.
Missalicefaye,
I wish I could knit it in my sleep! Maybe then it would go faster. Knitting the center has become a bit boring but at least it’s almost done. I like the crown too. Hopefully the rest of the border works out.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. In answer to your question on why I would starch to block. It is because linen is too drapy and I don't think it would look crisp if left un-starched.....I starch all my doilies and tablecloths just to give them body.
I love your Spider Queen! I have to get that pattern now. Nice to know I'm not the only one being challenged by the gods. :)
love the pattern and your work as well as your stamina I think I would have left it to one side after the 2nd attempt..... I look forward to seeing more as it develops....
Love the look of white shawl! it's gorgeous. I envy your patience to start over three times...
Your the "BOMB" (that's a good thing, my 17 year old nephew told me so - LOL!). I don't know how I happened across your blog, I must have been looking at lace knitters, but I'm sure happy I found you. I'm so totally addicted to lace and your my hero! Keep the pictures coming.
Lace, lace, lace oh what a good thing!
Ceme
It's only through trial and error that we approach perfection. I think switching to the Henry's Attic was brilliant. It's going to be beautiful!
I think your Spider Queen looks wonderful and the alternate crown is much better than the origninal one in the pattern. You have the patience of a saint!
miyamojo,
This is a fun pattern to knit and sometimes a little challenge is good thing. It only increases the pleasure upon completion.
littleberry,
I was so tempted to put this pattern away but I’d already spent so much time working on the redesign that I just couldn’t. I’m glad I pushed on.
lillysmuul,
Thanks for checking out my blog. As I’ve said before, it’s more stubbornness than patience. The Henry’s Attic silk is the natural undyed colour. I guess on the monitor it looks white but it’s more of an ivory colour.
ceme,
Thanks for checking out my blog. I’ve never been told I was the “BOMB” before. ;) It’s very much appreciated!
Lace knitting really is addictive. There are so many wonderful people doing it and we all are inspiring each other to greater and greater things. Welcome and let’s just continue inspiring each other.
For me lace is the BOMB!
Bonnie,
You are so correct. There are so many yarn/needle/pattern choices out there that finding the right combination can be daunting and so frustration. You just have to keep plugging away until you find something that works.
Thanks Jane,
I really enjoyed recharting the border. The crown pattern is from The Art of Shetland Lace. I charted then modified it to fit with the other design elements. I’ve kept almost everything from the original border design.
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