it's fall y'all

When I was growing up in a part of Florida that is included in the charmingly referred to"Redneck Riviera" (though I prefer the Emerald Coast, myself), people would often joke around about the passing of seasons.  Usually, we had to remind each other that fall was supposedly in the air because the seasons could basically be descibed as, "kinda cold" and "really hot."  I don't remember there being a lot of in-betweens, weather-wise. 

But now that I am a Yankee (that's what my friend Alanna calls me now, it's kind of funny), I have the opportunity to experience the passage of seasons and all the trappings that go with the seasonal changes as they happen in New England.

Aside from being the most colorful and, and in my opinion, the prettiest season, fall is also transitional.  You may not need a huge bulky scarf; but a lacey shawl or scarf made with a touch of wool is nice. 

That's why I like knitting shawls in the summer, I can be wardrobe ready in the fall.  The newest addition to my shawl collection is Percy.  The pattern is a freebie on ravely as well as on the author's blog.   I have no idea why she might it available for free other than kindness, because I would (and I am sure others) would gladly pay for a pattern that produces something so pretty.

I won't say the pattern was easy.  There are people on ravely who have said this, I think they are lying.  The pattern isn't overtly difficult; but, it is not what I would call a piece of cake.  I would not reccomend this to a new lace knitter (if I had chosen this as my first lace projects, I can say with a great degree of certainty that I would have never picked up a lace pattern ever again), there are way easier patterns out there to cut your lace teeth on (Lace Leaf Shawl, Flower Basket Shawl, and of course Ishbel, to name just a few).  The intricate pattern detail requires you to pay attention on the right and the wrong side of the shawl.  Both sides are charted for most of the shawl.  There are a great many nupps to contend with.  You could, I am sure, knit the shawl without the nupps, but I think the nupps really add a lot to this shawl (there was a time I thought nupps were kind of frivolous, but now, I sort of like them).

This shawl is something of a show stopper.  Every time I wear it (and I wear it quite a bit), I am asked (if the person is a knitter) where the pattern can be acquired or (if the person is not a knitter) where I bought the shawl/scarf.  Just this morning someone asked if I would make one for her, because she loved it so much.  And you guys know how I am about good friends asking me to make them things. Sigh. Clearly, I need to start walking around with my fall crafting list upon my person (just as soon as I finish the leftover crafts from the summer, of course).

Specifics on the rav and in the gallery.  Happy fall!

Comments

[Vicki]

That is GORGEOUS!! I seem to be very lace-challenged, so I appreciate your assessment of the project difficulty!

[lori]

This is soooooooo beautiful!! I haven't ever been brave enough to tackle lace worked on both sides. (or maybe i'm just lazy?). Stunning shawl!

[Kathy]

I'm your friend too! Of course, being a knitter (of sorts), you'll just send me the pattern! :) Very, very pretty.

[Heather]

Umm, did you say 'pay attention on BOTH sides'? Thank you for uttering these magic words that will a. spare me some serious heartache and b. keep me on the sidelines, admiring your knitting acumen:)

[Rachel]

Beautiful work! I'm working on a sock pattern that has right and wrong side patterning...maybe I'm crazy but I actually like that type of lace because the concentration necessary forces my brain completely away from work...thus allowing me to de-stress a bit better!

[Jodi]

So lovely! This is the first time I've seen this pattern, and I'm blown away.

[Oiyi]

It's stunning! And your nupps look perfect.

[Hege]

That's beautiful!!

[Diana]

Nova, it is a showstopper. And if you wanted to make one in orange, well, I know someone who would like it. Just saying.

[Mandy]

It's so purty. Nupps are the bomb.

[Lisa]

That is so pretty! I don't blame your friend for wanting one :)

[margene]

Exquisite! I stopped and gasp when I first opened the window. Well done!

[grumperina]

That is a gorgeous shawl! The edging with the nupps is truly magnificent. I like that it's deep and substantial, not some dinky little thing.

[tiennie]

That is a gorgeous shawl! It looks so good on you!

[whitney]

Oooh, that shawl is gorgeous! I am madly in love with nupps right now, too.

[leslie]

that is SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!
a total work of art.

[Rima Aranha]

This is a beauty!

Rima
www.yarnydays.com