Saturday, August 1, 2009

My Princess

"Dreams don't matter, unless you make them come true..."

Look!

Can you believe it?!

Oh My GOD!

I knit this?! Me?! Really?!

Look! I can wear it!

I can fly!

Center feather detail

I'm in love!

Really smitten!

Can't stop smiling!

I can't believe I finished this!

Breathe. Okay. Now the details.

Princess Shawl - Sharon Miller
Heirloom Knitting Gossamer Merino - 220grams
2mm US 0 Knit Pick Circular Needles

70.5" X 109" point to point
140" around upper edge
134" around bottom edge
26" from edge through Border to Center edge
24.5" from edge through border's center feather to Center edge pt
4" edge points

Started 1/1/2008
I took Laritza's advice & knit 72 edge points, picked up 12 sts per point + 1 in the middle = 865 sts.

After Center completed, I knit 2 rows, yo - K3 tog - yo break row to mimic the break row before the Border. Knit 2 rows. Took Seaglass' advice & short rowed, so there was no jog.

On the final edge I ran out of yarn. Ordered more 20 grams.

After I finished, I wasn't thrilled. I thought the Border looked too short & the Center too big. It really looked like Havarti cheese.

Wooly called me out & said, "You need to block it. It always looks like shit before you block it. DO IT NOW!"

I was skeptical. Washed the kitchen sink & let it soak for 30 minutes. Blocking took me 1.5 hours ... I'm anal. Water spray bottle was my friend.

Couldn't believe the transformation! I'm thrilled with it! Love it! Can't stop staring & petting!
Finished & blocked 7/31/09.

Photo shoot 8/1. Almost had a major disaster. Zipper on my dress is NOT my friend! Shawl got hooked on it. Wooly saved the day. No damage. Whew!

Boy, this sure was an emotional roller coaster ride. I'm glad I finished on a high note. Glad I stuck with the wool too. It was really smooth & strong (2ply) and blocked out great. I kinda still wish it was a color other than natural white.

I need to thank everyone for their encouragement, support & advice. I would have never completed this without you. Love you all!

I still can't believe I knit this. ME! *happy dance*

So, what's your dream?

I think I've got a Queen in my future! :)

But don't hold your breath. There's a lot of thinking & planning to do for Her.

Onward & upward! :)

8 comments:

Laritza said...

Congratulations! You made a beautiful piece!

life ldc said...

This is truly spectacular!

And you look lovely wearing ii.

Anonymous said...

Michele, this is such a great work. You just need to dance around and smile and be happy. I admire you and your patience. Congratulations!
Take care of it! No zipper, no Kamati ;-)
Monika

Lorraine said...

Michele- I am speechless. That is a work of art.

Sonya said...

I can't even think of the appropriate adjective! Michele, that is one amazing piece of knitting. You should be VERY proud!

Brigitte said...

DUDE!

I'm stunned, it's fantastic!!! You should never doubt yourself! Wow... (And the guy in the cubicle next to me says WOW too. He popped his head over to see what I was gushing about.)

Yes, keep Kamati and Smoothie AWAY from the Princess.

Rebecca in CO said...

One word..... STUNNING! I can see why you are in love with it!

Karla (ThreadBndr) said...

It's beautiful!!!

Congratulations!

I'm chugging along on Unst, but Pricess is in my future. Thanks for the notes on your mods.