Finding the right cable pattern has been tougher than I'd expected. It's the major focal point of the shawl so I have to decide what "feeling" I want it to have, if that makes sense. Since the edging yarn is green, or mostly green, I'm leaning toward a Celtic knotwork pattern. Well, that and I've loved Celtic knotwork for a long time. Once I decide on the "feel" of the shawl, I also have to pick a pattern that I can end in a point, since I really want to keep the point at the bottom of the cable panel. Oh, and speaking of yarn, I'd completely forgotten about the 3-ply Cormo yarn I made quite a few months ago. It's perfect for the cable panel, which is fantastic because I really wanted the shawl to be knit from 100% handspun.
This is a picture from a book called Knitted Gardens by Jan Messent. This little garden would make a great play set for a little girl. Do you see the lily pond with lily pads and flowers? Oh, my! Or, if you're feeling particularly adventuresome, how about Knit a Fantasy Story, which comes complete with directions for a castle, unicorn, damsel, chickens, etc. I just added that one to my wish list.
Isn't that sweet? Did you see the knitted farm that Jen of JenLa did? So cute!
I know you've probably already considered this, but I'll mention it anyway since it's the first thought that popped in my head with your cable down the center design - the cable panel will be heavier than the surrounding shawl (aren't cables by their nature heavy?), so maybe you could use a lighter weight yarn for the cable? Just a thought - the only cables I've knit are Fetchings so I could be completely wrong!
Posted by: elizabeth | March 26, 2008 at 10:33 AM