a little bit of red

It took longer to get around to blocking this shawl than it did to actually finish knitting it.  I was in an orange state of mind and wasn't thinking about red so much.  I guess I was also in a knitting state of mind, as opposed to a blocking state of mind too.  But I finally got around to it.  What do you think?

 

I know this is an often knit shawl, it's nothing new; but I love it.

I think I love it most because the shawl is red.  Or maybe I like it so much because it is for me.  Special K likes it because I finally got around to using the blocking wires he gave me for Christmas last year.

I also liked that the pattern was so simple. The pattern is easy as pie (pumpkin pie, if you are curious).  I knit it without a single lifeline, which (for me) is insane.  It would be a suitable somethin' somethin' for the new-to-lace knitter, if you ask me.

And it's pretty quick too.  Don't let my slowness fool you, if I was more monogamous in my knitting, this would have been done months ago.

Flower Basket Shawl
Pattern: Flower Basket Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark (I used the pattern from Fibertrends)
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss (Burgandy) 3.25 skeins
Needles: Inox Circulars, US 6
Measurements: 29 inches (long), 65 inches wide
Modifications:  I added one pattern repeat (for 12 instead of 11) for the small shawl size

So let's talk about the yarn, shall we?  I like Knit Picks yarn, in general.   I think that KP yarn is a great deal and offers knitters choices.  I think the Gloss line of yarns is pretty to look at, but I just didn't love knitting with it (split-city!!).  Christy and I had a little 'discussion' about its durability in the past.  We both think that Gloss is a good yarn for shawls, and things that won't get a lot of wear.  I question how durable socks would be made out of this yarn. Christy made mittens from the Gloss (they are pretty, go see them), and mentioned that the wear was noticeable. 

If you have made socks from this yarn and they are wearing well and you want to know what's up with me and my Gloss-negativity, please set me straight.  As I said, I have not knit socks out of the yarn.  This is my second shawl knit with Gloss, and with the excpetion of the remainder of the 4th skein, there is no more Gloss in my stash.  I probably won't be ordering any more of the Gloss, but I certainly will be wearing it.

Comments

[Christy / Not Hip]

Man, why you ragging on the Gloss?
Well, you obviously already know my thoughts ;)
The shawl looks great. I'm kind of jealous of your blocking wires.

[Stella]

So pretty! That color looks gorgeous on you, particularly with the white shirt.

I knit my first shawl in Gloss, and I thought it was pretty decent for the price, but I agree that I'd probably never use it for socks. The recipient of the shawl says it's holding up quite well, but I don't think it gets super heavy use.

[Stacey]

Red is your color! It's gorgeous! I hope you get to wear it a lot!

[Marianna]

I did knit socks with Gloss (same color as your shawl) and could only wear them once before problems appeared. I had two more skeins of Gloss in brown and made them into gloves - will see how they hold up this fall. But I've learned my lesson - no more Gloss for me!

[Marianna]

I did knit socks with Gloss (same color as your shawl) and could only wear them once before problems appeared. I had two more skeins of Gloss in brown and made them into gloves - will see how they hold up this fall. But I've learned my lesson - no more Gloss for me!

[Jen]

This is beautiful!

[Opal]

The shawl is gorgeous! I never get tired of the Flower Basket Shawl. I agree with you. This would be a perfect pattern for a beginner.

As for the gloss? I've never been that big of a KP yarn fan. Dunno why.

[pamela wynne]

Absolutely gorgeous! I never get tired of seeing this pattern.

How do you like the blocking wires? I'm thinking of getting some.

Re: Gloss, I don't like it at all. I made one sock, and found that (1) the knitting was squeaky and unpleasant, and (2) the yarn had already started pilling by the time I finished the sock. I have no plans to make a mate!

[Heather]

I am so excited to see this shawl as I just bought the pattern last week, yours is lovely!

[Erin]

There is a reason it is an often knit shawl...beautiful! I love the red.

[Brenda]

Beautiful, Nova! Such a gorgeous burgundy, and the lace blocked out so nicely. Well done!

[brooke]

Oh my goodness, it's gorgeous - beautiful colour and knitting!

[margaux]

now that's some good RED knitting ;-) It's beautiful!!!

[Jen]

well, splitty or no, it's very pretty. Great color for you.

[erin]

This is so pretty in red. the flower basket shawl is a classic that will never go out of style :)

[whitney]

It's gorgeous! The color is great for you! I've never knit with Gloss, partly because I'm so suspicious of how it would hold up in sock-form. From reading the comments here, I guess my suspicions have merit!

[Ashley]

Gorgey! I love it.

I have knit a single sock out of Gloss and actually really enjoyed knitting with it (I know, Pam, I know). But I never knit the second one, precisely because I started to have wear anxieties. I have three other skeins of it--maybe an FBS is in my future!

[diana]

So much love for the red shawl! Great job Nova!

[Kara]

Such a classic! I can't wait to knit this one. Seeing yours is so inspiring. Lovely job!

[Lolly]

Such a beautiful shade of red - very autumnal! I love it, Nova. It looks beautiful :)

[Pat]

Beautiful Burgandy Flower Basket!
I used Gloss on my "Travelers Stockings" they pilled immediately and look older than any of my other socks (I still wear them because they are VERY soft and comfy - they just LOOK awful, which is too bad, because I loved that pattern!)I also used it doubled for my Aran Mittens and they look fine - probably because they aren't worn as much and aren't rubbing on shoes/pants.
I think Gloss would be perfect for a shawl!

[loribird]

It looks lovely, splitty yarn or no. I love the color. I'm going to have to make one of these sooner or later... :)

[Felicia]

Oh! Its lovely :)

[leslie]

yes, yes, yes! I LOVE it.....this has been on my list for a long time.....love the pattern so much in the red...it really shows it off!
nice photos too~!

[stacey]

Beautiful! I have heard icky things about both knitting with and the durability of gloss. Hence why I have none... :)