Ta-Da!!
You wanted to see photos? I'll show you photos! (You should be able to click on any of them for an enlarged view.)
First, a pre-blocking picture, just because I was curious as to how much stretching would actually take place.
The whole thing, pinned out on the guest-room bed. (That's a 24" ruler laid across it, to give you an idea of size, especially compared to the picture above!)
A close-up of the lower, front corner. I did the Travelling Vine pattern down the front edge, just so that the front wouldn't be boring compared to the "all lace, all the time" back.
A close up of the "junction" between the circular back half and the squared front. The diagonal divides the two, and at the next-to-last stitch increase, I started the vine pattern down the front. (Prior to that, it was plain garter stitch.)
A close-up of the two vine patterns that I used in the last two increase-sections. I love how they're similar but not the same, and so flow into each other so nicely.
A look at the circular part. The first several sections were just garter stitch with frequent increases. The first "substantial" section, I used a simple, "Horizontal Lace Stitch"--just alternating YOs with K2togB on the right-side rows, and knit stitches on the back. The next section--and along the front edges--I used the "Travelling Vine" pattern. And the outermost (and biggest) section, I used a pattern called "Amy's Double Leaf Lace" that I got off the www.knitting-and.com site. For the edging all along the outside, I used a stitch called "Smallest Points."
And finally, here's the "curve"--the front, the side, and part of the back, all in one photo!
So, some acknowledgments:
First, I'd like to thank the Academy . . . no, wait. Wrong speech!
Not only, of course, do I have to thank Elizabeth Zimmerman for this great pattern--I really enjoyed doing the Pi-are-Square shawl. Her knitting and her writing are inspirations. I've had Knitting Around since it came out in the 80s. It's one of my very first knitting books, and I had my eye on this shawl from the very beginning--I just never got around to it.
But also, Martha Waterman's Traditional Knitted & Lace Shawls, which is one of my favorite books. I got three out of the four lace patterns I used from this book, as well as tips on knitting on the edging. My copy is well-loved; it's from the 1993 edition. It's newly republished and I'm almost tempted to buy one of the new editions, just because! (Well, it's well known that I have no self-control where books are concerned, anyway.)
In fact, I'd like to close with a quote from the end of her chapter on "how to wear your shawl."
"Another problem shawl wearers encounter is a barrage of unsolicited compliments that can leave you a bit tongue-tied. Practice ahead of time saying, "Thank you! I made it myself," and you'll be an accomplished shawl-wearer the first time out!"
Isn't that a marvelous way to end a book? (or a post?)
Gorgeous, stunning, fabulous! I love it!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 09, 2005 at 07:32 PM
Your pi-r-square is gorgeous! I hope my pi shawl is half as pretty!
Posted by: Nancy | March 09, 2005 at 07:42 PM
Truly, absolutely, just plain magnificent. Bravo. You go girl! Now I have another project on my to-knit list...
Posted by: mamacate | March 09, 2005 at 10:55 PM
Yay big cheers and much applause, beautifully made. You will wear it with pride and not just with your PJ's please!
Posted by: Tracy | March 10, 2005 at 04:52 AM
I am so in awe! Gorgeous!
Posted by: jacqueline | March 10, 2005 at 07:43 AM
You are my hero! I've got to get one of these in the hopper; I've been sighing over it. I keep that book next to my bed and drool over that shawl at night.
A gorgeous acheivement! Can't wait for the "in use" pictures!
Posted by: Anita | March 10, 2005 at 10:04 AM
LOVELY way to end a post, indeed.
wow.
I'm an EZ fan from WAY back...
these pictures make me want to
pull out all of my old woolgatherings
and begin again!
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: greta | March 10, 2005 at 10:31 AM
What a wonderfull shawl - congratulations! Your work is just stunning, and I love the color you chose, too.
Posted by: Alison | March 10, 2005 at 12:03 PM
It's still amazing to me what blocking does to lace. It's like absolute magic! Your shawl was lovely pre blocking but it's stunning now!
Posted by: Liz | March 10, 2005 at 12:08 PM
Great job! It looks stunning. You should be very proud of yourself.
Posted by: Violet | March 10, 2005 at 01:11 PM
What a Ta-da! The shawl is lovely - I always think of blocking like a flower blooming - in blocking the true beauty comes out. You did a wonderful job with it!
Posted by: Jessica | March 10, 2005 at 01:19 PM
It is beautiful~ a true work of art. You should be so proud. Wear it well! :)
Posted by: Annie | March 10, 2005 at 01:42 PM
It's absolutely gorgeous!! I love the little points around the edges! I just found your blog & you sound like a kindred spirit of shawl addiction...
Posted by: Sarah | March 10, 2005 at 09:23 PM
Breathtaking isn't strong enough to describe your shawl. Your workmanship just knocks me out! Thanks for sharing. You should be the center of awe and envy everywhere you wear this shawl!
Blessings,
Snooze
Posted by: Snooze | March 12, 2005 at 10:11 AM
Your shawl is absolutely gorgeous. I put mine away for awhile, it was getting on my nerves because the yarn was getting caught on the needles. I am inspired by yours to 'frog' mine and start again. You should be proud of yourself for that accomplishment!!
Posted by: Loren | March 14, 2005 at 08:01 PM
Thanks for the fabulous inspiration! And all the great photos - very helpful. You made beautiful pattern choices.
Posted by: Nancy | March 24, 2005 at 01:33 AM