First, I'd like to say, that I'm not a big fan of Kate Middleton and I'm in no way inspired by her (I'm more Michelle Obama kind of girl).
However, I must give her the credit for inspiring so many wonderful designers to recreate her Waitrose Shawl.
I picked Milk Run Shawl by Cat Wong and started it last weekend. Knitting this shawl is just what I want knitting to be: relatively easy, enjoyable, great TV project. Body is garter stitch only, so no purling until you get to the ruffle! Ruffle seems a little bit daunting, I must admit, however it's only 14 rows and you basically repeat the pattern over two rows, so once you get hang of it, you don't need to read the pattern. Binding off however-many stitches I had too the longest though and it was quiet painful, but that's probably due to the fact that I desperately wanted to take if off the needles so I can try it on!
Because I'm only 5"4 (and that's barely) I finished my Pumpkin with 231 sts total. It sits just over 21in long, unblocked. It looks quite good without blocking if you ask me, so for the moment I wear it as it is (read: I keep forgetting to order blocking mats) ;o)
I have marked it as finished on Ravelry, because it's wearable, however I originally intended to have ruffle on each side, as in purple version of the pattern:
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| Photo from pattern page |
But seeing how large the ruffle is, I'm wondering whether to add it or not? What do you think? Opinions please!
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| I tried to get Amber to model with me but unfortunately I don't think she has much model potential! Or maybe she's just practising her kitty pout |
On another positive note, this shawl rekindled my love and admiration for shawls. I love how versatile they are, and most importantly, weight-loss-or-gain resistant.
I seem to have Palette compulsive buying disease, because even though fingering is my second least favourite weight to work with (right by the lace weight), I have accommodated quite a stash of it that has in total... 6,121.50 yards worth. Eeek.
So I came back to my Daybreak shawl, apologised to it, made up, and it's back on the needles again.
In the meantime, I'm on the look out for shawl that uses dk+ weight.
To check out everybody else's progress, heard to Tami's WIP Wednesday here
Oooh, I queued that pattern yesterday, it's great to see on "in the flesh" as it were ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the colour!
I think it doesn't need another ruffle - it might look too fussy, yanno ? And I do like your color choice :-)
ReplyDeleteI like it without the extra ruffle. That colour looks great on you too. I'm currently in a shawl addiction phase too.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks just fine without the extra ruffle! Nice job!!
ReplyDeleteI like it the way it is. The color is divine.
ReplyDeleteI think if you are not sure about the ruffle then leave it off - you could always add it later if you change your mind. Looks gorgeous too - there are so many Kate shawls to pick from - I found it hard to make a decision :)
ReplyDeleteI'd leave the 2nd ruffle too as it looks great. Fantastic colour. Off to queue it on ravelry :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree: it is perfect just the way it is! It doesn't need an extra ruffle.
ReplyDeleteAnd Amber is definitely pouting.
I like the shawl as it is ... without the extra ruffle. It does look fine without blocking!
ReplyDeleteI guess for the ruffle you'd have to decide whether it'd get in your way or whether you like the look of it so much that you won't care if it gets in your way. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree too that it looks great as is... love the color too - it looks great on you!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a really cute shawl, I love the little pleats and ruffles .
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome! I think it looks great without the extra ruffle.
ReplyDeletelooks great with just the bottom ruffle. Another to add to my queue!
ReplyDeleteOoo, I like this! I've added it to my queue. I wouldn't add the extra ruffles, but would keep it the way it is. As far as a DK weight, the one I just finished (or am finishing) is DK weight, The Age of Brass and Steam. It's a shawlette, but all you'd have to do is keep adding to it. It's super easy to add more sections and looks great big!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-age-of-brass-and-steam-kerchief
I also think it looks great as it is - a fab colour on you - you looks adorable in it x
ReplyDeleteBeing fluffy myself, totally agree about the shawl being a size variant resistant garment. Think the additional ruffle is a yes, would take it from cool to splendid! I am sure that is what the kitty as trying to tell you in the picture... cat is always right!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great as is, it's a gorgeous shawl!
ReplyDeleteIt looks awesome as it is. I like it without the extra ruffle. Very pretty color.
ReplyDeletesingle ruffle is perfect! Good job.
ReplyDeleteI'm not actually a big fan of shawls - but I really love how this turned out!
ReplyDeleteThat looks great, I'm thinking I might have to add this to my Rav queue! I like the ruffles, if it's not too much effort, you should do the other one.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great now, don't add the ruffle. I'm not a big royal family fan either but i loved the picture of her pushing the shopping cart. Thanks for the name of the pattern. Christina
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the extra ruffle, but I think it's more wearable without it -- so I say, go on the the next project!
ReplyDeleteI recommend Summer Flies. It's fun and easy -- works with both dk and worsted weights.
I love the ruffles - and the shawl looks great on you! I agree with everyone else - I'd leave the other ruffle off.
ReplyDeleteA little late to the party, but I agree one ruffle is all it needs.
ReplyDeleteThat looks wonderfully squishy! Love the colour & the ruffle is very pretty. I think it looks great as it is with the single ruffle.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to confess, I have a bit of a soft spot for Kate!
Looks great as it is. For a DK weight shawl try Lepidoptera from the Unique Sheep
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others, skip the ruffle. (and I'm curious, this shawl isn't much different then Mara, is it?)
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with everyone, I think your Pumpkin Shawl is lovely and looks so pretty on you..
ReplyDeleteI too am not very tall 5'3" & very petite. So would love to knit this pretty Shawl for myself as a gift for me..I'm constantly knitting for everyone else.
I just need to find some soft yarn and yes a pretty colour- Thank you for sharing with us.
Sandy