Ever start a project with a goal in mind only to have it change on you midway through the knitting? Please say yes. I'd hate to think I'm the only one.
I cast on with the plan of knitting a throw for my elderly cat. Winter is coming and I thought a soft warm throw to nap on might be nice for her. However, while knitting, she did not seem all that impressed or interested. In fact, she avoided the project when confronted with it. She gets that from me, btw.
So I reworked my plan and got this...
It is hanging between two posts of the fence that are six feet apart.
Shut up.
This is Swallowtail Worsted. Although, I actually used Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool because of how large the skeins are. This shawl took about a skein and a half. There is only one spit splice and that makes me very happy.
I used my Options needles with a 60 inch cord and US 10.5 tips.
Yes, I made nupps in worsted weight and it was easier than doing them with lace weight. How weird is that?!
The shawl measures 82 inches across and 38 inches long... give or take... more or less. The cat and I used it last night for some forced snuggle time and we both like it. Although, she still does not love it. Good thing I didn't make two, stitch them together and call it a throw, huh?
Click to embiggen the photos as usual. Although, these photos are much bigger than my usual.
I may need professional help.
Shut up.
Color me impressed, Miss Cookie! I do so wish I were your cat right now!
:D
xo
That knitting is exquisite! (and I don't throw that word out willy nilly!)
Posted by: sandy | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 02:14 PM
holy shite woman. your knitting amazes me
Posted by: scout | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 02:16 PM
That's the ultimate in comfort, I bet!
Posted by: beverly | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 02:16 PM
That is excellent re-working of a plan. I usually do not get such great results. I like the idea of knitting a lace shawl with worsted weight yarn and using it as a throw of sorts. I may have to copy you. My swallowtail is done and ready for blocking, but it is way tiny compared to yours.
Posted by: Sarah | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Count me in for being a copycat as well. Kudos, girl!
By the way...cats aren't allowed to show appreciation. It's in the union rules. Keep a webcam going throughout the night and see if she adores it once the lights are out.
Posted by: Kathy W | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:17 PM
How do you do it? I haven't even finished the pair of socks I started in August (OK, I did start and finish another pair in between, but still).
Beautiful knitting, again. And you have one lucky but ungrateful cat.
Posted by: AuntieAnn | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:18 PM
wow! that is spectacular. snuggly and pretty!
Posted by: Frances | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:20 PM
That is stupendous! I'd like to snuggle under that!!! Kudos to you on that finish!
Posted by: Sue H | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:25 PM
How exactly did you block that??? Giant bed? Enormous, empty, extra room in the house? Trampoline? :)
Posted by: Beth | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Oh Cookie, it's just gorgeous. And two really would make a wonderful throw.
Posted by: Susan | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Yeah... you're abso-freakin-lutely rockin' the shawl skilz. :D
It sounds comfy and cozy. Hmmmm... I have a ton and a half of pink dave yarn. I wonder.....
Posted by: Stacey | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 06:47 PM
I think your worsted swallowtail shawl will be a wonderfully cozy, yummy shawl/half-throw. Great idea!
Posted by: Angie | Friday, November 02, 2007 at 07:37 PM
Wow! What an elegant idea. You definitely love your cat!
Posted by: Devorah | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 03:40 AM
I ask this question in the most loving way: ARE YOU NUTS???
But all I can think is WOW, izzat gorgeous! I feel like such a slacker. (and isn't Lion Fisherman's Wool a hidden treasure?)
(wonder why the cat doesn't love it???)
Posted by: norma | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 05:51 AM
oohhhh! I have made two swallowtails in laceweight and they are both a bit on the small side. I think there may be a third in my future...
Posted by: janine | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 06:58 AM
I'm thinking it's a magic fence, you just throw a bunch of yarn at it and then... That explains the cat, they know things we don't.
You could make this one a square throw by starting with a circular caston and working around. No purling back. Now you've got me wondering if I have enough of anything to do this.
Posted by: joan | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 07:29 AM
Really really great! I love worsted weight lace (and fishermans wool is an amazing yarn, such a DEAL)
enjoy!
Posted by: gale (she shoots sheep shots) | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 09:23 AM
Gorgeous.Is the worsted the only mod you made?I would love to do that for my Grandmother.She is 6 ft tall so it would be awesome for her.Or me.or anyone who like to snuggle really.
Posted by: LaVerna | Saturday, November 03, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Ooh, I just want to curl up with that shawl right now. I don't care that it's eighty degrees here. That shawl just screams, "Snuggle with me!" Absolutely gorgeous.
Posted by: Lauren | Sunday, November 04, 2007 at 12:05 PM
I think it's lurvely. That is excellent snuggle-on-the-couch-during-a-rainstorm knitting.
Posted by: Carrie | Monday, November 05, 2007 at 11:09 AM
I love the way that came out! What a great idea to bump up the yarn size.
Posted by: Opal | Monday, November 05, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Holy crap - that is way cool.
Posted by: JessaLu | Wednesday, November 07, 2007 at 07:13 PM