Archives for August 2009

Meandering three stories above the streets of Manhattan is the newly opened High Line park.  Having visited the park on a number of occasions (my kids' band rehearses in the neighborhood) I was inspired to design a shawl by its linear paths and abundant wild flowers.

High Line is knit using Blue Sky Alpaca's Worsted Hand Dyes.  I will warn you that this yarn is much heavier than worsted weight and when choosing a yarn you should look for chunky or bulky weight to get the look and scale of the shawl in the photos.

Worked at a gauge of 10 sts = 4"(10cm) on US 15(10mm) needles this shawl knits up very quickly.  It is perfect for gift knitting or as a little bit of indulgence for yourself.

You'll find the pattern here on Ravelry.

HIGH LINE SHAWL

Finished
Measurements:  Approx. 22”x78” including
fringe.

Needles:  US
15 (10mm) or size to obtain gauge. 

Gauge: 10 stitches = 4”(10cm) in stockinette stitch, Blocked

Yarn:  Blue
Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dye, 50% Alpaca/50% Merino, 100 yards/91m per 3.5
oz/100g skein.  Colorway:  Iris, 4 skeins

Additional Materials: 

Tapestry needle

Crochet hook for fringing (optional)

I have been lucky enough to have Caryl test knit a few patterns for me.  She is a very thorough test knitter and always chooses yarns that enhance my patterns.  Take this Ulmus for example (I swiped the photo from her with her permission):

Don't you just love it?  Caryl wears it with such style and the colors are gorgeous.  You'd think she'd want to keep it, but I've got good news for you.  This shawl could be yours!  Caryl is running the NYC Marathon on November 1st.  She is generously offering a chance to win this shawl and many other amazing prizes if you make a donation to her fund raising efforts for the Campaign for Female Education.  You'll find all the information you need on her blog.  Go check it out, support her and cheer her on!

Here's her project on Ravelry if you want more details on the shawl.

A rectangular Ulmus.  I hope to have the pattern ready by early September.

Yarn: BMFA Socks That Rock Light Weight in Mossay and Blue Moonstone.

Tomorrow is the Lad's 18th birthday.  How did he grow up so fast?

New York City has a new park.  Part of it is in the neighborhood where my rehearses.  Over the past few years we've witnessed the High Line's  construction as well as the changes in the neighborhood that it has brought – art galleries and restaurants have sprung up seemingly overnight.

 

Despite the hype and the crowds this park is magnificent.  It is located on the old elevated railway line that once served the industrial areas along the west side of Manhattan.  As you walk above the streets of the Meat Packing District and West Chelsea, you see the buildings from a new vantage point and encounter breathtaking views of the Hudson River.  Add to that perfectly executed plantings and hardscape and you have a place that I will return to again and again.  If you are in the city I highly recommend a visit to the High Line.

My new shawl design is named for the High Line.
I hope you like it.

High Line Shawl (pattern coming in about a week)

Yarn:  Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes
Colorway:  Iris
Needles:  US 15/10mm

On Ravelry.