Nope, you're not seeing things; I did actually finish my Pebble Beach Shawl and it's a beauty!
In case you're wondering about the freaky get-up, myself, Mr P and some lovely ladies from knit club attended the annual Grand Regency Promenade at Bath's Jane Austen Festival this weekend (we're just that cool). As you can imagine, that's a whole other kettle of fish and there were a few knitty treats that I'll share with you next time.
Anyhow, this was the shawl's first outing, so I persuaded Mr P to take some snaps on our way home. The FO shots are something I'm really trying to work on. Any tips would be most welcome! Neither myself or Mr P know much about photography, and I feel fairly awkward in front of the camera. I guess it will come with time.
I think the pics show off the shawl nicely, though. I started it back in May for the CFTC Makealong and while it took absolutely ages, it was a really good challenge for me. I stepped out of my knitting comfort zone to try circular needles for the first time, working lace to make my first ever knitted shawl.
For the picot bind-off, I had to learn how to do the knitted cast on method. It's a mildly shameful thing to admit as a knitter of some years, but I'd only ever used the thumb cast on prior to this! Here's to learning new things.
Curious Handmade's Pebble Beach is a fantastic pattern. The clear, grid-style format made it really easy to follow for a lace novice, and the stitch counts on each row helped a lot. I could check if I'd gone wrong or not! There was a fair bit of tinking with this project, but those stitch counts kept me on the straight and narrow. I loved the percentages, too, to indicate how much I'd completed. I think the pattern's now available as a full-size shawl, too.
It's a beautiful accessory and it really came alive after blocking. Going to just wear mine forever now.
All the details, as usual, are on Ravelry here.
what cool event, and your costume looks great! photos are tough, but these turned out well. I generally find that direct sunlight is really hard to get photos in- much easier when it's overcast but still bright.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the pics are clear, but the direct sunlight is a little harsh! It's tough to match the weather with photo time!
DeleteWell done on completing it! It looks really pretty. I saw your photo of the Regency Ball and thought you were wearing this shawl. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't help with photography, either. Especially projects that are large are hard to take pics of. I photograph smaller things on canvas that I never used for painting - it's quite huge, but not bit enough for shawls to show them in all their glory.
Thanks Nadia! Oh, I like the canvas idea! We used to have a wonderfully crumbly window sill and a weird tapestry sofa that made great backgrounds in our Bath flat. Yet to find good ones in the new flat! :)
DeleteGreat job, the shawl looks fantastic (as do the FO pics)! I'm also knitting a pebble beach at the moment (my second one already!). And a Jane Austen festival sounds like a fantastic event, I'm so jealous!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'd definitely recommend the festival if you're into literature and/or costume. Glad I've discovered your blog now - am following along now! Looking forward to seeing how your Pebble Beach turns out :)
Deletegorgeous! and the even sounds super cool - very jealous :) don't worry, I only know one cast on and one bind off method, I'm scared to use anything else and so far I've got away with using the same ones for everything! :p I also get really uncomfortable in front of the camera for any FO posts, but luckily I have a very photogenic and patient sister who helpfully steps in for most of mine (i prefer to take the pictures), jenny xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny, I'm hoping practice will make perfect. I'm much more comfortable behind the camera! :)
DeleteThe shawl is gorgeous, and it looks great with your regency outfit!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leah, am looking for more excuses to get back in this outfit! Loved it. :)
DeleteLove the shawl, you are so clever :)
ReplyDeletePretty lady xox
Thanks Sammy, am loving shawl projects right now - they're great for learning new stuff in a non-scary way! :)
DeleteStunning! And so good for your first shawl! Love the Jane Austen theme, such a lovely idea and the shawl looks perfect for it! x
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you Gill! Have already got my eye on another shawl pattern. One more thing to finish, then I'm starting it! :)
DeleteA lovely shawl, great finish for you.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Anita.