There's a song that sings something about wishing for "Someone to Watch Over Me." Over the last 8 weeks, I've been trying to create a Shetland Triangle Shawl that is large enough to envelope and comfort my friend Margo and make her feel cherished while she continues to mourn for the loss of her oldest son.
I've knit on this thing all summer. Changed shawls once when I didn't like the way the first effort was turning out. And now, after finishing it yesterday and blocking it out tonight, I realize that a shawl really CAN be too large. I did 12 repeats on size 7 needles, which is 4 more repeats than the pattern calls for. But guess what? It's H-U-G-E. In fact, before blocking, it was 63" wingspan and AFTER blocking, it is a 110" wingspan. Before blocking, the spine was 31" long, after blocking, it is 40".
I hope it's not literally too large for her to even use. Argghh!!! Once it dries, I'll reassess the situation. Right now, I'm pretty irritated with myself for not stopping at least 2-3 repeats earlier.
5 comments:
Respectfully, I disagree. The excess is easily folded, making a nice staple base for a shawl pin. Or if she wants to be warmed all around the core (in a yarn hug) but still have her hands free that size is lovely for wrapping across the chest and tying behind the waist. The large size will be more sheltering, which I think was your goal, versus a smaller shawl which sometimes becomes "for show" "an accessory" or left in a drawer because "it's lovely, but doesn't cover enough to keep me warm", think of this as more of a socially acceptable blankie!
Nice work and congratulations on having it off the needles.
Oh my God, it's gorgeous!!!!!! I agree with E. I have had shawls that were more a pain than anything. A larger version is far more versitile and I am sure your friend will appreciate the love and time that was spent for such a lovely gift. She is very lucky to have such a thoughtful friend as you. Shelly in Omaha
Beautiful, simply beautiful.
And yes you are right George and Ira Gershwin..."Someone to Watch Over Me" (1920's) and a bazillion people have recorded it....great song.
Can there be a shawl that is too big? I say NO! It is really Beautiful.
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