I finished my Simple Yet Effective Shawl! All right, I didn't leave it as simple as Laura Chau originally planned.
First, I didn't like the basic garter stitch pattern once I started. It took several tries but I finally ended up with a seed stitch segment alternating with a garter stitch segment with a two-row stockinette as the buffer between each segment.
After that, I knit the segments in varying widths according to my whim.
I didn't want to just bind-off. It seemed a bit too abrupt for me. So, I knit a sideways, garter stitch bind-off and I love it!! You can't tell from my badly corrected photos, but the Doe color in Gloss HW is just what I wanted - neutral leaning towards the warm end.
I wanted to have a large, comforting, soft shawl to be able to throw over my shoulders. I always seem to have enough layers over the bottom half of my body but I get chilly on the top. Particularly when I'm reading on the sofa or in bed.
I've been so happy dragging my "blanky" around between our living room and bedroom that I haven't taken the time to wash or block it. Well, maybe when the spring rains finally stop. It drapes pretty nicely now so I can't imagine how wonderful it will be all relaxed after I give it a nice warm bath.
Mar 6, 2011 at 9:00 AM I love the modified pattern and am thinking of making it in Gloss HW or maybe Chroma. Have you written down the modifications to the pattern? I can try to copy it from the picture, but if you've written it, that would be better! If so, where might it be found? THANKS!! Love your blog.
Jan 7, 2011 at 9:03 AM Just wanted to tell you how lovely your shawl turned out! Any plans to put out the altered pattern? I would love to knit one of my own.
Sep 15, 2010 at 9:52 AM Kelley - I want to make this using the Gloss HW yarn. Can you tell me how much you used on this shawl? I love the changes you made!
May 27, 2010 at 6:53 PM Kelley, thank you so much for explaining the border. Much appreciated. Also would like to tell you how much I enjoy the podcast. Carolyn
May 27, 2010 at 9:00 AM Just a couple of notes. First, I am so pleased with the comments regarding the beauty of the Doe colorway. I am such a strong "autumn" person so I struggle with neutrals. So many of them tend to make me look like a corpse! The Doe has just enough "warmth" in the tone, to be able to not only help my complexion but go well with all my other clothing colors (lime green, pink, turqoise, even chocolate brown). Second, let me explain the sideways garter stitch border. Once I finished what I decided was my final row, I used a backward loop cast-on to add about 12 stitches (can't remember exactly). Now, try to see this in your mind. The new stitches will form the garted stitch sideways fabric. Knit 11 stitches. Knit the last stitch and the next "body" stitch together. Turn everything so that you can knit back 12 stitches. Turn everything, slip the first stitch, knit 10 stitches and repeat the K2tog with the last stitch and the next body stitch. Turn everything, knit 12 stitches, turn everything, slip 1 stitch, knit 10 stitches, K2tog. Keep doing this until you have worked through all of the body stitches. Then cast off the 12 stitches. The only trick I employed was to add a bit more garter stitch fabric and the "V" of the shawl. That was done by knitting back and forth one time without attaching to a body stitch. I did this twice. Ok, imagine again. Slip stitch, knit towards body, just knit 12th stitch without joining to the body. Turn knit 12 stitches. Turn, and knit back, this time joining with a body stitch. I think you get the idea. BTW, I now drag the poor shawl from room to room. Last night - living room during basketball game and bedroom for some mystery reading.
May 26, 2010 at 6:39 PM Beautiful work Kelley! Love the rich color and the textural changes you made to the original pattern. Truly inspired!
May 26, 2010 at 1:48 PM Kelley wow for a Simple Shawl it's very Elegant Looking .. No doubt especially in part to the Color :))) that's a Fabulous Shade of neutral and really gives off a really Rich appearance much like Cream does :) while the Stitch choices were so Simple varying their width kept it from being boring so it really Looks much more complicated .. Beautiful piece you'll Never get sick of and also a GreaT take along for Summer nights especially if You Do concerts or plays in the Park in the Evening ..
May 26, 2010 at 8:25 AM Kelley - Love the shawl. Like others, I'd love a little more explanation of the garter stitch border. I think I get it, but I'm wondering how you got such a lovely sharp edge? Did you slip the first stitch? It's a really lovely finishing touch.
May 26, 2010 at 6:28 AM Kelley, like your shawl better than the original. I have a question - how did you do the sideways garter stitch bind off? This is just what I've been looking for, but I have no idea how to do the bind off. Thanks
May 26, 2010 at 5:19 AM Kelley, Love your Simple Yet Effective Shawl. The color is very nice, and doesn't take away from the beauty of the stitches. I too have developed a love for the seed stitch in the part few months and love the effect it gives. Wonderful!
May 26, 2010 at 3:56 AM Kelley, I really like the seed stitch with the garter stitch also. I also like the way you varied the width of the different stitches. Makes it so much more interesting. Beautiful job.
May 25, 2010 at 6:38 PM Kelley: Your shawl is beautiful. I like the garter stitch with the seed stitch. And I like the side ways garter stitch. The color is lovely too; it'll go with so many things. Like I said..it's beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Ruth Steele, Michigan