Back to entrelac

Well, I’m back to doing the entrelac shawl. I made a serious attempt at knitting Shetland knitted lace (pattern every row, rather than every other row) on teeny-tiny needles with thin yarn, and decided that while I could probably do it, it takes fierce concentration. Not the sort of thing to be casually knitted while traveling.

So, I’m back to doing the entrelac shawl, this time in a somewhat thicker yarn (2/12 silk) and with size 3 needles. I’ve photocopied a bunch of patterns from my knitting books and have started charting out the Barbara Walker patterns (which come with written instructions). I’m looking forward to doing lots and lots of different patterns.

Someone suggested to me that I chart this shawl as I do it, so other people might be able to see and duplicate it. I rather think I will chart it, and write up instructions, so other people can try it. It’s really a DIY shawl in that the patterns can be semi-randomly selected, but I suppose examples would be helpful.

Stats on the entrelac shawl: I’m planning for it to be about 25-30″ wide by about 72″ long. I calculate that to mean about 5 squares wide by about 12-15 rows long (leaving room for borders). So I should be able to do a total of 60-75 knitting patterns in this shawl! That should be fun ““ enough patterns so I don’t get bored, one at a time so it isn’t overwhelming. I’ll definitely post progress photos.

I’m fully packed. The only two things that I need that aren’t in my pack right now are my iPod nano (which I’m using in my truck) and my glasses. Everything else, down to the safety pins with which to hang up my clothes after washing, is in the pack.

While I was packing, I came across a little magnetic square with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. It says, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Not a bad motto to live by”¦though I think “Do one thing every day that delights you” would make a good counterpoint.

Incidentally, I have now made hotel reservations in Markleeville for the Death Ride…yes, it’s six months in advance and there’s no guarantee I’ll get a spot, but at least I won’t have to stay 30 miles away. (Some people, especially the last minute folks, do.)