Knitting Solanum Shawl and Hummingbirds at our Feeder

Ruby Throated Hummingbird male c. James Sawusch

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds in Lieu of Lace Knitting

The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds have discovered our feeder. They clearly prefer the homemade sugar water from the store bought red sugar liquid which includes preservatives. I have taken a break from extensive knitting -- not by choice. Somehow my right shoulder / side is again triggering pain. Not lethal, but very annoying. Not only is it quite uncomfortable to knit - but I find my concentration wanes. That was clear when I realized how 'off' my test swatch had become for the lace border on my Solanum Shawl.

Solanum Shawl Progress Update

I finished a swatch of several repeats of Diana Rozenshteyn's Solanum Shawl pattern border lace in mid July 2016. Washed and blocked it was clear that I had made somewhat of a mess of the pattern. I cast on the shawl body 17 Jul 2016. The body is stockinette with increases until the lace border. My goal will be able to knit without significant pain. I'm not there yet -- but have reached row 64 of the shawl body. I am using yarn purchased from ColourMart : Lambswool/Silk 2/9nm fingering wt. (Rennie Castle)

Solanum Shawl Test Swatch

Solanum Shawl Body Progress @ row 64

Knit Lace Emerging -- Early Lessons Learned

Knit Lace Emerging 12 Jun 2016

Two projects in progress -- Paintbrush Kinit Lace Cowl in Alpaca with a Twist Fino ( 3002 pink) and Maple Leaf Knit Shawl in Miss Babs Yummy 2 ply (Infuriated - Wild Iris).

Lessons learned so far:

• Shoulders can be injured when you knit. Pay close attention to posture and even what type of chair. I'm still figuring this out -- the hard way. I discovered that knitting while sitting in my favorite lounge chair -- with its cushy wrap around back -- is part of the problem for me. I'm carrying my knitting around to various locations in our home trying them out for knitting comfort and available light.
• Choice of knitting needles makes a big difference in enjoyment, and even the potential for repetitive motion injuries. I've moved from bamboo to metal. The slope and pointiness of the needle tip makes a huge difference. I struggled thinking it was my lack of skill and ended up sore and frustrated. Sharp lace needles help. I'm still figuring out what length of needle tip and tip style in the circular needles will work best for me to reduce muscle and joint discomfort. The Maple Leaf shawl project is being knit with KnitPicks Options Interchangeables Nickel Plated circulars. I am knitting the cowl project using HiyaHiya Sharp Interchangeables 4".

Maple Leaf Shawl Started

Maple Leaf Shawl in Fall Colors - the beginning

Summer has just begun -- Yet the colors of Autumn Stay with us

The Miss Bab's Yummy 2-ply fingering weight 100% superwash Merino yarn is a joy to knit with. Soft on the hand -- and such incredible colorways. This colorway is called 'Infuriated'. As expected it contains the colors of a late fall woods -- orange, red, brown -- perfect for my Fall Maple Leaf Shawl.  It is a 'Wild Iris' or non-repeatable one off dye lot.

Garden of Eden Therapy Shawl -- Progress Report

Still knitting one month in - ~60% complete

Right and Wrong sides are both interesting

Still on the needles -- a work in progress after 1 month.

How will this shawl look different once completed and blocked? I suspect the stitch definition will be enhanced. The shawl will be 'bigger' --And of course the ends will be woven in.
For more information see:

My Garden of Eden Therapy Shawl #1

In the Queue -- Maple Leaf Shawl Pattern in Yummy 2 ply Wild Iris Infuriated !

The Pattern Maple Leaf Shawl is Stunning

Designed by Natalia @ Elfmoda

I couldn't resist. Saw the pattern -- bought the pattern. Searched for the yarn.

The Plan

Make this shawl using Yummy 2 Ply yarn from Miss Babb's in the Wild Iris Colorway Infuriated.
Yes it is sold out. I ordered the remaining skeins.