By “never enough yarn” I don't mean something like “The whole world's supply of yarn isn't enough for me!”
Although that might be true if I weren't slow, as well as greedy.
No, I literally mean that I often run out of yarn near the end of a project. Frowny face!
I have developed a bad habit of relying on generous Ravelry-ers to supply me with that last little bit.
In this case, I had to give Rosie her Christmas gift — this shawl/scarf that is more than five feet long — with literally two inches at the end undone for lack of yarn!
Then I finished it.
Breanna says
Tsk, you haven't heeded Elizabeth Zimmerman's admonition to buy an extra ball/skein, and then return it to the yarn shop unopened if you don't end up needing it. Or you are like me and have a difficult time guessing how many balls/skeins you'll need in the first place…but I always end up with a lot of extra yarn. Oh well, makes good hats.
_Leila says
Breanna, it was on sale! I got what they had! It's my pattern-choosing/tweaking that is the problem.
Lisa G. says
What a pretty shawl! (you don't worry about dye lots?? – you like to live dangerously)
_Leila says
Lisa, What I bought from the person was the same dye lot — isn't that amazing? I'm telling you, Ravelry is awesome.
Kinga says
It is beautiful!
Liz says
How pretty! I wish I knew how to knit…
MtMama says
Oooh! I'd love to knit this shawl, but I HATE using circular needles. Does that make me not a real knitter?
_Leila says
Mt. Mama – I'm sure you are a real knitter 🙂
This actually never gets that wide, so you could use straight needles if you wanted, I think — if they are long straights? You knit it from tip to tip.
Wanda says
I have that pattern in my favorites! Was it hard?
_Leila says
Wanda, Not hard but the leaf part of it wasn't something I could remember, so I had to keep track on the instructions.
Wanda says
I'm thinking this may be the shawl I want to knit for our trip to Maine/ Canada in July!
J.R. says
I think Rosie looks a lot like The Chief in the first photo. Beautiful shawl on a beautiful woman! I especially like the fringe (would that be considered fringe? Border?) And merino & silk sounds like a nice texture.
'Auntie' Leila, I'm a daughter and hopefully will one day be blessed enough to be a mother. I'm currently in medical school. Your blog always reminds me to take time to either build the culture (in my own small way) or make something pretty. Usually both 🙂
paulaayn says
Very pretty. I always buy extra.
_Leila says
Paulaayn, it was on sale and I bought it all. 🙁
I need to be better at figuring out what to make with my bargains 🙂
Laura says
Is wools/naturals something you have always used? Because it seems like it would be so expensive to buy wools, when acrylics are a stretch to the budget…Are there ANY synthetics you like at all or could recommend? If not, where do you buy your yarns? I'm all for making things…it can be hard to find inexpensive options though…(not that I wouldn't LOVE to be able to knit socks, mittnes and hats out of mohair for all my loved ones!)
_Leila says
Laura, I pretty much buy from the clearance bin or on sale, although not always. I try to imagine how much I would be willing to pay for a wool/silk shawl for Rosie's birthday, and then not exceed that on the yarn 🙂 It was a gift, after all.
I really don't want to use synthetics. So I just try to find bargains!
Maybe some of our experienced knitting readers have strategies.
Wanda says
Just my thoughts… There are some bamboo yarns that can be purchased at the big box stores, but if you seriously knit you almost immediately find out that the drape and longevity of the items are greatly increased when using natural yarns. I too am know to buy almost exclusively from the 50% off basket, but I also purchase a lot from Knit Picks. I love the Pima cotton blends they carry and all my blankets for my grandchildren have been knit in Comfy or Shine.
Kate says
That's a really pretty shawl! I tend to get yarn, but not enough for even half of anything. Haha.
Sukie says
Rosie, you are adorable! Mom, the shawl is amazing!
Kathy says
I have a similar shawl on the needles, but laid it aside some time ago – this inspires me to pick it up again! I (again) started off with the wrong weight yarn and a very tedious project. I've learned finally, it is a lovely gift to give, lucky Rosie (who will be living fairly close to me, I'm in North Texas)
Valerie says
My mother and eldest daughter knit…looking at your beautiful shawl/scarf makes me want to try again; but then there is that 'old dog, new trick' thing. {sigh} I do find joy in seeing others accomplished work though, so I'll continue to encourage my daughter.
LOVE the color, btw.
Lynn says
It is beautiful, and I love the color you chose!
LJ says
This scarf! That color! Rosie's hair! All gorgeous.
Harmony says
Such a beautiful shawl, and Rosie is gorgeous in it. Must have been a good color pick for her! I am in awe of such skill.
Laura says
Just curious…which daughter resembles you the most, Leila??
Sara says
I made the Saroyan for my mil a few years ago—I love it. I should make one for myself! I think she'll still be able to wear that in the Oklahoma winters where the wind is always sweeping down the plain! Maybe even in the indoor A/C. The color is perfect for her!
DeirdreLMLD says
Definitely a great color for Rosie. Rosie looks so pretty! Nicely done, Mama.