This knitted scarf/shawl is my latest project. It has a lot of detail in the lace and was a huge accomplishment!
I picked up the old knitting needles again and I am loving it. Knitting has come and gone for me for years. I will get inspired, create something small and then away they go again. I have made a bunch of scarves but that’s about it. They are fast, easy, and great for gifts!
My grandmother taught me to knit when I was very young. She was an amazing knitter (is that what you call someone who knits?). She created some of the most impressive things – including two dresses. As an elementary school teacher she used to bring her projects outside during recess and knit away. When it got too long she would throw it over her shoulder and power on. Can you image? Knitting a dress while standing outside during recess watching your children play? Impressive!
I remember the first time she taught me to knit. She brought needles and some yarn when she came to visit and we sat on the couch together and she showed me the basic knit and purl stitches. I was young and I remember it being hard! And after she left I couldn’t remember how to do it and I was so disappointed!
It took me a couple tries before I could remember what to do and felt comfortable with the stitches. I spent a week with her one time while my brother and grandfather went deep sea fishing and we knit a bunch of washcloths together. My goal while I was there was to work on a project with her and increase my knitting skills. Washcloths were perfect because they are super quick, there are some increase and decrease stitches so it doesn’t get boring, and they look great afterwards. Everyone got washcloths after that week!
I have moved on since my washcloth days. This shawl is my biggest, most detailed knitting project I have ever worked on.
I stopped into Twisted PDX, a local yarn store, found a pattern I liked and this beautiful golden yarn. It was great to talk with the people at Twisted about pattern recommendations and pick up everything I needed for the project. I ended up choosing Honey Bunches by Irish Girlie Knits.
The lace was hard and it took a lot of counting and concentrating. Usually I stick with projects that don’t require a lot of concentrating. As I have mentioned before, I like to watch TV while working on projects and this one was difficult to do in front of the TV. It was a great learning opportunity for me!
I love the detailed zig zag stitches on it. Mine are not perfect, that’s for sure but it still looks great. Plus I love that I can wear it as a scarf or a shawl!
I think Pomma would be very proud to see I have continued knitting.
Allison J says
Lauren, this is soooo beautiful! I’ve never tried knitting lace before… As a self-taught knitter (or a YouTube-taught knitter, I guess), it has always really intimidated me.
I love the story about your grandmother. I remember my great-grandmother trying to teach me how to knit when I was young (to no avail). I still have the ball of yarn and teeny-tiny knitting needles all wrapped up the way she left them before she passed away. I’d love to create some sort of shadow box display for them one of these days.
Anyway, I’m loving your blog! It’s so cool to see what you’ve been up to! 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks! It’s not as hard as I originally thought. As long as you know how to increase and decrease (or look it up on YouTube) you can do everything.
A shadow box would be so neat and so special! What a great memory piece.
Thanks for following 🙂 It’s been a fun process!
Denise says
What a sweet story and beautiful work! My mother and grandmother taught me how to knit. I’m so glad they gave me those memories and skills.
Lauren says
It really is a wonderful skill to have. I love to relax and knit.
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
I’m a huge crocheter, but this makes me want to knit my heart out!
Lauren says
I haven’t done too much crocheting but I want to learn.
Lauren says
Great little scarf, I love it. My mom taught me how to knit and I look forward to (hopefully) teaching my girls one day too
Lauren says
It’s such a wonderful skill to pass down. I look forward to teaching my children too 🙂
Melissa Kaylene says
That is so pretty! I wish I had the time and patience to learn how to make one….maybe someday 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks! 🙂 It does take both time and patience but it is very enjoyable and worth it.