It's been quite a while since I made my first half-hap using Gudrun Johnston's pattern, "Simmer Dim." At the time I expected to make another someday, and guess what...
I've got the yarn
I've got the needles
and
today is Cast-On Day!
This project will be a special gift, and since I wanted to be sure to make something the recipients will enjoy, it is not a surprise - it's a collaboration. I provided lots of options for very different patterns and yarns, and there was a good bit of to-ing and fro-ing as the options were explored and considered. I would have been happy to make whatever was selected - and I tried very hard to answer questions without influencing the decisions - but I must say the choices made turned out to be just my cup of tea.
"Hansel" - another design by Gudrun Johnston - is a full sized version of a traditional Shetland Hap shawl. It will probably finish at about four feet square, perhaps a bit more when blocked. The pattern calls for five colors: a central garter-stitch diamond in a main color, then a wide border lacework section with gently wavy stripes in four additional colors plus the main color, followed by an edge in the original main color with options for simple or more elaborate finishing.
Like the traditional Shetland hap design, the chosen yarn is also traditional: Jamieson and Smith's "100% Shetland wool from the Shetland Islands." And - this is quite wonderful, I think - all five colors in this hap will be natural, undyed wool. The five shades were chosen from a range of nine, called things like Moorit and Katmollet and Gaulmogot, which are the names of the colors of the Shetland sheep.
This is going to be a joyful project, and I'll try to share a bit of the process - and woolly pictures - as I go along. I'm planning to get a good start on it before cashmere harvesting begins, because both knitting and combing cashmere require very similar use of my hands and I usually stop knitting entirely during combing season. This year I may just pace myself so some days can include a bit of combing and a bit of knitting.
Off to a good Gaulmogot start.
~~~~~
It's going to be lovely. Hansel has been on my list since I saw it mentioned on Jean's knitting blog (jeanmiles.blogspot.com if you don't know it; I don't know how to make that a link on here). I look forward to seeing your Hansel progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks, kayT - I'll visit Jean's blog today :)
DeleteYesterday was cast-on day? I missed it! That shawl in natural Shetland colors will be lovely.
ReplyDeleteNever too late to cast on, Leigh! We could have a teenytiny hap-along ;)
DeleteYay for a new project. Looks like it's a pretty pattern - I look forward to seeing how it comes out.
ReplyDeleteIt's SO pretty and a phenomenally popular hap pattern - there are over 900 finished Hansel projects posted on Ravelry, and another 300 or so in progress!
DeleteWill be keen to see your natural Shetland colour sequence. I’ve knit three nearly-full (no lace edgings) Hansels as baby gifts, in non-Shetland yarns, am thinking of a half-Hansel (with lace edging) for the Shetland heritage skeins I bought in Jamieson and Smith’s on a recent hiking holiday. Happy to be pointed to your blog from Jean’s, where I’m a longtime follower.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Beth! I wonder if I will find Hansel as additive as you and many other knitters have. I kind of hope so :) I think I'll also be doing a simpler edge on this one, as it doesn't seem fair to give non-knitters a large item that will require blocking dozens of individual points, pretty though they are. I think Gudrun has used a simple i-cord edge on some of her own Hansels, which may be my solution also.
DeleteI'm going to be very happy if I can "matchmake" you and Jean, Quinn. Your two blogs are my favorites and have a lot to offer. I recommend both of you to everyone I can, so it's fun to recommend you to one another!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely thing to say, thanks very much kayT :) And Jean gave me some valuable tips on the Hansel yesterday, which you probably saw, so I am already a fan and have added her blog to my reader list!
DeleteYou, my friend, are so multi-talented! That yarnwork looks lovely. Envying your skill and admiring at the same time!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your comment I actually said "Aw, shucks!" out loud - I really shouldn't read such compliments before breakfast, as it may go to my head. But don't worry, when I bring them their breakfast, the goats will take me down a peg ;)
DeleteGlad to see you got a start on it. I'm sure it's going to be beautiful and look forward to seeing updates.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammy - if I hit a rough spot I'm going to imagine I'm at one of your crafting group meetings, to remain calm. And maybe have a mug of chai :)
DeleteThis is going to be a masterpiece Quinn - it already looks wonderful. And those names for the yarn colours are great. Looking forward to seeing this one evolve.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...I don't know about "masterpiece" but I'm kind of hoping for "heirloom" ;)
DeleteI can't wait to see your progress. You really stun me with your many talents.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing about knowing how to knit is teaching other people how to knit. When may I expect you? Piper would be THRILLED!
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