Friday, May 6, 2016

Two projects, five different views..........Five on Friday

During a week where I felt nothing actually got done, patients on hold, paperwork on hold, Little Buddy's school meetings that left me angry and a darn sore throat, I looked back and realized two things actually got done.  


Meet my latest weaving project......  This was made on my larger Ashford Knitting Loom.  The loom and stand was sitting right in the middle of my office/studio taking up all sorts of room.  I made myself finish the shawl just to get the space back.  


I love it!  Made with Feza Alp Natural Yarn, using a total of 690 yards of yarn to complete the project.  This yarn was made up of all different types of yarn tied together so you have changes all over, some smooth places, nubby places, thin and thick places.  It was fun to see how this yarn played out over the length of the shawl.  This was part of my 50% off yarn when my LYS closed, it was a bargain at that price.  

As soon as the shawl was dry from a good soaking, which softened things up a bit, I knew this was for my SIL Heidi.  She loves blue, it just seemed to be hers and once that thought was in my mind I packed it up and shipped it to Wisconsin.  She was married to my husbands brother who passed away two short years ago.  I don't get to see her much so this is a nice way to tell her I am thinking about her. I hope she likes it.


After frogging my beautiful Oasis Icelandic 100% silk yarn a couple weeks ago, I immediately got started on another South Bay Shawlette with the same yarn.  Yup, you knew I had to make more than one!  I knew if I put this yarn away it would languish in my stash for another few years, it has already been in my stash for seven years.  This yarn is way, way too soft and beautiful to be sitting on my shelf and not be made into something wonderful.  


I used all of the remaining 600 yards of yarn I had left to make this shawl and a size H hook.  It is sooooo much better in person.  Somethings just don't look near as well in photos as they do in person, gorgeous trees, glaciers, the beach, waterfalls, Little Buddy and this yarn to name a few.   It really is amazing, 100% silk yarn will suck you in and then you don't want to work with anything else.


I wish you all could reach in here and touch it, it is divine.  I do have a confession, I ended up steam blocking it which could have been a disaster but ended up just fine.  Wet blocking just left it in a bundled mess.  I don't advise steam blocking silk, it could all go wrong very quickly, but for this piece it worked out just fine.  I guess I like living on the edge when it comes to blocking. 

Now to get started on something new.  Well that is after I get some things settled at work.  I have the whole weekend ahead of me to think about a new project, sounds like fun.

Thank you Amy for hosting Five on Friday.  Come and join the fun, you will meet lots of lovely people.  Oh and a special thanks for all of you who visit, I am so glad you are here.

43 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I've never worked with silk or a silk blend but I love the sheen of the silk. Nice job!

Bridget said...

Oh wow those are both so lovely! What a sweet gift for the relative in Wisconsin. And oh that shawlette!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sorry your week was difficult, but the two projects are gorgeous! Hope you have a good weekend.
hugs,
Linda

Christina said...

I have never worked with silk but I used to have a silk blouse that felt really really nice. You are such a loving person Meredith, the shawl you made for your SIL is beautiful and no doubt she'll love it. Have a lovely peaceful weekend. x

mamasmercantile said...

The weaved shawl is a delight, the most beautiful thing ever I love the texture and just wanted to reach out and touch it, glorious colour too. Stunning! Have a great weekend.

Janet said...

The blue shawl is such a gorgeous present. What a lovely way to let your SIL know you are thinking of her. The South Bay Shawlette is just perfect for your silk yarn. I'm so glad the blocking worked out well. Have fun choosing a new project Metedith and a lovely relaxing weekend.

Amy at love made my home said...

Sorry to hear that it has been a difficult week for you, I hope that next week will be better for you and that the difficulties with Buddys school will improve too. Your shawls are beautiful and the one for your SIL especially so, I am sure that she will love it a lot and you too! Enjoy wearing and using your beautiful south bay, it has turned out beautifully! Thank you for joining Five On Friday this week, hope you have an enjoyable weekend!

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Both shawls are beautiful. I love the way the light plays through the blue one. What a lovely gift. Have a good weekend and hope the sore throat heals quickly.

CJ said...

Oh that silk is absolutely divine, I can almost feel the soft silkiness from here. And the weaving is brilliant, you've got such a talent for it. How nice to spend the weekend dreaming up your next project. I shall look forward to seeing what you decide on. Wishing you and yours a lovely weekend. CJ xx

Crimson Kettle said...

What beautiful creations, you are so clever. :-)

Sharon said...

Hope next week is better than this week!

Your shawls are beautiful. I love the blue one. It looks like it's just so soft and blowing in the wind.

Hope you have a good weekend

Mac n' Janet said...

Beautiful shawls, love that deep, rich blue. I'm sure your sister-in-law will be thrilled.

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Your woven and crocheted work is so lovely and the receivers are blessed! My week went ok and now will figure out the weekend. Cars can just be a pain! I just keep thinking it could be worse! I stayed home and cleaned up my living room...so that's a good thing! Happy weekend!

Teresa Kasner said...

I love both the woven shawl and the silk one. There really isn't anything more wonderful than a handmade "wearable art" item. You're the most generous person ever. I hope you have a faboo weekend full of rest and relaxation. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Gracie Saylor said...

One of the neat things I like about a shawl is that it can wrap around the wearer like a hug! So if I'm wearing the shawl I feel hugged and if I give a shawl to someone I hope they receive it as a loving hug from me when they wear it. Both of the shawls you made are beautiful huggers :) I especially love the blue one and realized as I look at them both I prefer an oblong shape to a triangular one....why I don't know. Hoping that the cyber-hugs I am sending you will help to chase away the sore throat, progress frustration, and mad meetings! xx

Anonymous said...

In the close up you can see the pretty sheen on the silk yarn.

Your SIL is going to love that beautiful woven shawl.

Blondie's Journal said...

I had no idea the shawl was going to be this beautiful, Meredith. The color and texture, I just love it. It's so sweet of you to send it to Heidi. The silk shawl that's short in the front is very stylish, I bet that will get a lot of compliments. How on earth you get all of this done, I haven't a clue. I am very busy, mostly with doctors and it takes up so much time that I can't even find time to read or put my feet up. I can only imagine it will get worse once the rain stops and I can start clean up in my garden. Yet~~~I long for this time of year throughout the winter! lol!

Take care and have a great weekend.

Jane

Lulu said...

wow, you always do beautiful work

Araignee said...

So many beautiful shawls out in blogland today! The woven one is fabulous.

Betsy said...

Meredith, the shawls look so beautiful. I don't know how you accomplish so much. You always impress me with your energy. I just know your SIL will love the woven shawl. Alex's girlfriend brought me a little plastic loom from Japan. It's only about 8x12 inches. She was playing with it last night and made a couple of little mug rugs. Now that she's figured it out, I hope she can teach me before they go back to Japan. Her English and my Japanese are about on the same level! :-). I hope your weekend is a wonderful and relaxing one.
Blessings my friend,
Betsy

Joyful said...

I absolutely love the blue shawl as blue is also my favourite colour. I'm sure you sister in law will love it too. Hugs and I hope next week is better for you. xx

Una said...

Blue is my favourite colour and I love the shawl. If I opened a surprise parcel that contained that I would be a very happy sister-in-law.

Clicky Needles said...

Your silk shawl is lovely, I bet it feels beautiful. Have a good weekend. CN x

karen said...

the woven shawl is really beautiful. Stunning all the way around . Color is beautiful. Eye candy.

Babajeza said...

Beautiful projects! Enjoy the weekend. Regula

Jo said...

They're both beautiful. I'm sure your sister in law will love the gift and I think the silk yarn was crying out to be made in to a South Bay Shawlette, it's beautiful.

kristieinbc said...

Your projects are both lovely, Meredith. It's a good thing that I live in a small cottage. It helps me fight off the urge to get a loom. :-)

I hope next week is a better one for you in terms of work and Little Buddy's school.

linda said...

Oh wow those shawls are beautiful I can see that yarn is lovely Meredith it looks so soft, sorry to hear you had an awful week I hope your sore throat is better and it didn't lead to anything else, have a lovely weekend I'm looking forward to seeing what your next project is going to be. :) xx

Lynne said...

I love the look of both these shawls! Seems that silk yarn would be perfect for your Florida weather. The blue nubby one is dreamy.
Have fun picking out your next project. I'm crocheting dishcloths while I figure out the next quilt in my head.

Viola said...

Both shawls are rally beautiful. I love the deep purple/ blue. And the South bay shawl looks gorgeous. I have never worked witk silk yarn but I have to try it. Have a nice Mother's day tomorrow, Viola

Stins said...

Such pretty scarfs! It's good that most things are better in real life, isn't it ;-)? Lots of love from Mirjam.

kathy b said...

Mere

I cant believe that was less than 700 yards. It came out so bluetiful!!!

Your crochet is lovely. I wish I COULD reach out and touch it.

Olga Poltava said...

They both are gorgeous! I like the uneven texture of the first one, and the variegated effect on the second one. Beautiful work Meredith!

busybusybeejay said...

Lovely shawls.Weaving is something I have always wanted to do but feel I have left it too late!Hope you have a better week.

Pradeepa said...

Both are beautiful! The blue colour is lovely and I hope your SIL loves it too. Have a nice weekend!

Judy S. said...

Two lovely shawls! Your SIL should love the blue one, and I'll be you enjoy the black and white one. Here's hoping that Mother's Day is the beginning of a very nice week, one that is a big improvement on the past one!

eclectichomelife said...

Sorry that the school meetings left you angry I hate when that happens. Hope all gets sorted. Both shawls are stunning but the woven blue one has my heart too. She's sure to love it and that you are thinking of her

Willow said...

Catching up on blogs this morning--I *heart* that woven shawl! Maybe this summer, I can begin to focus on a weaving project...
I loved the post about Little Buddy's visit to the zoo and of course any time you go to the beach, it's a wonderful time. I'm glad he enjoyed his first visit!

Danette Bartelmay said...

What a beautiful gift for your sister in law, Heidi! I know she is going to be so thrilled. And just to know she is on your heart will mean so much. I love, love, love the new South Bay as well! I can never get enough of silk. It's like pure heaven. What a beautiful colorway too. Such lovely work you do Meredith. And you're so generous with the things you make.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Both are gorgeous. I'm sure Heidi loved that you sent her such a special gift. :)

Jodiebodie said...

You are a multicraftural clever clogs - crochet, knitting and weaving too! :-)
That is a stunning shade of blue. I like deep colors like that - they make a personality statement and are not ultra conservative like black and other neutrals.
I'm a bit behind on my blog reading; sorry to be late to respond. I hope that your shoe throat has cleared up by the time you read this. I'm sure the beach visit helps.
Well done on finishing two lovely projects. xx

Unknown said...

I really want to try my hand at loom projects, and whenever you post yours you make me eager to get a loom and begin working with it! =D South Bay Shawlette looks lovely too, great job!

linda said...

Congratulations Meredith your lovely shawl has been featured, thank you for linking. xxx