Maybe this is why they call it a Shawl Collar Februrary 26, 2014

Even thought it’s been slowly getting more spring-like all the time, a chilly wind still finds all the gaps. I’ve been chasing those little icy whispers by wearing a cowl, a scarf, or even a cap, indoors.

So it’s with a little satisfied thrill that I’ve finally finished my 4th ALBY shawl and I’m going to put it to good use.

First up: wearing it over the neckline of a jacket or coat, like this earlier version.

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This is the way I wear these crescent-shaped lovelies the most often – simply wrapped around the neck, with lace points resting on the outer sides of center.

Here’s my newest version, which uses Bare Naked Wool BREAKFAST BLEND fingering in Oatmeal and Araucania RANCO in Dark Navy:

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The middle part of the shawl acts as a cowl of sorts but the added layering of the ends adds just a little more warmth and cozy fit but showcases their lace detailng.

Second: and this is getting to be a favorite.

If you’re a fan of Regency period films or series, chances are you’ve seen something like this.

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Many of the dresses of that time period were more like jackets, worn over a linen chemise that puffed up over the low neckline of the outer layer. Often times there was another added finish: a scarf worn tucked into the bodice of the outer dress, or worn as a collar.

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I love this simple look over a blouse or a sweater, where you can see the fine details of the stitch work and still get the warm comfort of the design. I love the modern stripe work around the neckline like this – yes, a shawl collar! But even better, trimmed with lace…

Tips Tuesday: How to Block a Shawl February 18, 2014

If there’s a windy windy rain storm going on outside,
the best thing to do is get cozy,
then get busy…

Today in Portland, after bundling up in some comforting wool, I got to it.

I’ve been finished knitting my 4th ALBY shawl for quite awhile but have been putting off blocking it because, ew, blocking.

The first three Alby’s that I made were blocked upstairs in the attic – on the carpeted floor. This was the biggest area I could find that wouldn’t be disturbed while the shawls dried to measure.

Several times during the mulitple blocks, I felt time stand still – had to keep pinning and re-pinning, all while crawling around on the floor. Torturous.

{hint: don’t wear skinny jeans while doing this – heh!}

It seemed to just go on and on and on, like my own Personal Ground Hog Day, Shawl Style.

Never again, I vowed.

Tips for Shawl Blocking on the Chic Knits Knitting Blog

This time around, while I was soaking the shawl, I did a little more surveying around the house looking for someplace I wouldn’t exhaust both my back and my patience.

Solution?

Tips for Shawl Blocking on the Chic Knits Knitting Blog

The dining room table.

Evolution: the very first surface I used to block on was a big cardboard box that I’d flattened. I thought it would be good to pin into and protect the carpeting. By the time I got to Shawl #3, I’d quit fooling around and was now the owner of a rubber play mat made of interlocking pieces that you could build-to-size for any blocking project.

Why not combine the two to protect the table AND be able to walk around the entire thing while shaping and pinning…
VOILA!


Handy-Dandy Shawl Blocking Tips:
clockwise from l. to r. Upper Picture

  • Soak the shawl in some warm, slightly soapy water for about 1/2 hour, then rinse.
  • Place out on a towel in general final shape then roll in towel to remove excess water. I find this “pre-shaping” trains the fiber to want to go into the blocked shape more easily.
  • Remove from towel and place on blocking surface in final shape, anchoring with a few T-pins to match pattern schematic dimensions. Thread blocking wires through outside edge then start pinning out points.
  • Adjust as necessary so all points are as equal in size as possible and no stress or mis-shaping is appearing on other areas of shawl.
  • Let air dry.

But wait, I forgot something – here’s the real secret to my success…

Can’t wait for this to be ready to wear – it is made from some very lovely comfy yarn – Bare Naked Wools Breakfast Blend Fingering (in Oatmeal) and Araucania Ranco (in Navy). perfect to Mind the Gap I’m feeling inside here today. :)

Bountiful Fridays February 14, 2014

Friday always seems to need a little bonus to end the working week so we’ve decided to add a little fun!

Randomly, but more weekly than not, we’ll be adding some neat give-aways to our blog to celebrate with you some of the bounty here at Studio Chic Knits!

And today, is a perfect day, to show a little luv…

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T.H.I.S.

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We found a couple of TART-y skeins of Madelinetosh DK in our stash from the sample making of our Derica Kane style and we’d like to celebrate Valentine’s day with you!

{{Just leave a comment on this post telling us “Why I LOVE Knitting” and we will random draw next Friday to giveaway these lovely skeins…}} … Comments closed – stand-by for winner announcement …

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ooxxx
Bonne Marie