Friday, November 9, 2018

Seeing Double.......




Last weekend I finished the Rowan Berry Shawlette that was giving me so many problems.  I finally found an error in row 12, well maybe not an error but something I wanted to fix to make it work out better and be more symmetrical.  I know that is sort of funny with an asymmetrical shawlette.  This was made with two skeins of Berroco Pima 100, 100% pima cotton yarn, and a size I hook.  The color is Day Lily, or 8414.  It did not take long to make if I don't count the several days of frustration before I got the hang of it.  About 420 yards went into this shawlette from my stash.  I liked it so much you know I had to give it another go and make number two.


The pattern is quite simple.  After you get to row 13 there is a four row repeat that is easy to remember, so easy I often found myself surprised when I was already done with it and had to start the pattern again.  I wrote it all down so I would not forget the several changes I made.  I'll have the major change on Ravelry soon, just in case your interested in making this.  You can find me there at Mereknits of course!




Rowan Berry Shawlette II was completed this morning as I sat down in my quiet house and watched a bit of TV.  This is something I never do, I mean never, ever do.  But this week has me waking up and 4:45 in the morning and then having to carry out my entire very busy and long work day with little sleep.  I don't think  it is because of the time change because I did not wake at 5:45 before this.  I am plum tuckered out my friends.  Besides the no sleep this has been a brutal week at work with many difficult situations that had to be addressed, I'm not sure I handled them all well but I did try.

This shawlette was made with Debbie Bliss Falkland Aran in the color Mustard 07.  I uses a size J hook to make it and could actually have gone up a size to allow for more drape.  Two skeins of this yarn were used so I am guessing about 400 yards.  This will be for the medical foster mother who had Little Buddy when he came into care.  I still work at her home about 9 hours a week, she deserves a nice present for having me there so much!  This yarn was expensive and I treated myself to it sometime last year.  I knew the perfect project would present itself and I think this is it.  Jeannette is a love, she still loves Little Buddy so much, her whole family does.  We had a visit with her last week.  She loves to hear all the stories about him, especially when he is a bit naughty, that always makes her laugh.  And a bit naughty he has been this week at school.  He is waking up early too, so even with early bedtimes to try to catch him up on some sleep he is still tired.  And when Little One is tired he is not very cooperative.  Keep your fingers crossed he has a better day today.


Here they are together, I really like them so much.  Hope you have all had a good week.  I am off to a wedding tomorrow for most of the day and evening.  All the men in my house are thrilled I will be out of the area.  They can scream and carry on all they want during the Ohio State football game!

Have a good weekend.

27 comments:

Wanderingcatstudio said...

It's beautiful!

Betsy said...

Meredith, those are beautiful shawls! How sweet it is for you to make one for your little guys foster mom. You truly do have a heart of gold. I’m sorry you’re not getting enough rest. It makes getting through the day so hard doesn’t it. I count myself so fortunate to be able to be home at this point in my life.
Dennis had a call at 1:55 this morning that the janitor at his office building had locked himself out when he took the trash out. It was 16°F outside and he was stuck out there with no keys. He couldn’t even get into his car to get warm. Dennis jumped out of bed and got dressed so fast it made my head spin. He went down and let the poor man back inside and then came home and fell into bed again. All in all, he was gone about 1 1/2 hours. I know there are others who live closer, but none of them answered their phone. He still got up at 5:30 and went to work at his normal time. Like you, he is such a hard worker. He usually works 11-12 hours a day with no breaks, so everyone else can take a lunch time. He mans the phones for the ladies who usually answer it, so they can have their breaks. I truly am married to a saint and I appreciate him.
I say all this so you will know that he is sympathizing with you this morning I’m sure. It’s not easy to lose sleep and then try to get through the day. I’ll be thinking of you throughout the day today Meredith. I know you are a light in many peoples lives. Have fun at the wedding tomorrow. You derserve it.
Blessings, Betsy

Karen said...

I'm running on very little sleep today, too. What an awful feeling. I just keep pushing to keep some momentum. Hang in there, friend!

Araignee said...

Two????? Wow. They really are beautiful and look so practical. I love a pretty shawl to wrap up in when it gets chilly. I need to go unpack mine.

Vera said...

Beautiful shawls! It is chilly here (32 this a.m. and now rain, rain, rain...again...). I know what you mean about lack of sleep - about every other night I do not sleep well at all.

busybusybeejay said...

Enjoy your day tomorrow.

Mac n' Janet said...

So pretty, I'm sure they'll be much appreciated. Sorry Buddy's been a little bear, it'll all straighten out eventually. I'm having trouble with waking up too early, but I can take a nap. Don't wear yourself out.

kathy b said...

Your shawls are just so lovely. Each and every one . I don't know how you get so much done. Im so sorry you are short on sleep. That is the worst. Have fun at the wedding.

Delighted Hands said...

I finally slept until a good time this morning-both the boys and myself have had a hard time adjusting to the new time-it's light too soon to sleep!
And Will has struggled at school this week, too! Here's to a good weekend and resting up. Your shawls are beautiful; you poured love and sunshine into them!! (I love working with Pima cotton-I'm knitting with it now (with a touch of wool blended in) it is lovely so I can imagine how the shawl feels!)

Lilbitbrit said...

The shawls are beautiful, I will take a loo at the pattern. Sorry your work week was so hard. Lack of sleep really does put the spoke in it. Fun to go to a wedding. I know what you mean about the boys and the noise, mine are into stereos and sometimes I think my ceiling will come down, literally the windows rattle. Have a great weekend enjoy the little one.

Teresa Kasner said...

Meredith, those shawls are so beautiful and lacy.. I'd love to see one spread out flat as I couldn't understand why they look different on both sides. You are so dear to make one for your friend. It takes me so long to make anything that I can't bear to part with my shawls.. lol. Give little man a hug from me. And I do hope you get more rest. You need to take care of yourself, my friend! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Jo said...

You always make such beautiful shawls, I'm sure the recipient of your gorgeous gift will be thrilled. It's so hard to function on so little sleep, I hope it all straightens itself out soon and that you manage to get back to having a good night's sleep.

Anonymous said...

one of the joys of being retired is being able to rest or even sleep when one needs to. especially if you're sick. I used to work through it. or at least try to. raised by people who had the 'carry on' work ethic! it held me in good stead for years. but now I've finally given myself permission to relax.
bless you dear bean. the beauty in your own heart is in the creations you make. and these creations are lovely.
and whatever idiot decided that daylight savings time was of paramount importance needs to have his head examined!

mamasmercantile said...

The shawls are beautiful and such pretty colours. What a truly thoughtful gift, I am sure it will be well received. Hope you manage to get some more rest. Enjoy your trip for the wedding.

Nance said...

Oh, what a gorgeous pattern! Makes me wish I could crochet, but I cannot manage it. They're both lovely. I love shawls; they provide such a warm embrace and a lift of colour.

Dee said...

Well, of course there are two. When you finally get something figured out, you might as well make more, right???

They are lovely.

Jo said...

Oh I do like those shawls. One for my wish list! I am glad that you got to sit down for a little while as I know how precious those moments are. Have a good week. Jo x

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Your shawls are pretty! Crocheted yourself into a corner? HA! Hope you have a good time at the wedding and your men enjoyed the football game. Always something getting self down. I had a few issues this week myself, but it's worked itself out for the most part, thank you Lord! I pray you get some good sleep tonight and your work better too...I'm sure it's hard for you to do all that and keep stress from getting to you! Take care!

Gracie Saylor said...

Soooo beautiful...you and your stitching!!! I have been having trouble sleeping and am surrounded with folks who have been as well and I am sorry you have been suffering, too. Hope you enjoyed the wedding and your menfolk enjoyed the game :) Since last Sunday our house sale is pending, inspections are nearly complete, and today I made an offer on a little condo pending the closing of the sale of our house! Praying for blessings for you and yours xxxxxxx

Lisa said...

I don’t know if it’s the time change or just the time of year but most everyone I’ve talked with has been a bit off sleep wise. It isn’t fun being exhausted. Both of your shawls are so pretty. I hope you have a good week.

karen said...

beautiful!! you do such lovely work :)

Melanie said...

That shawl is gorgeous.

Judy S. said...

Nice work on the shawls; they are both very pretty! Hope the long weekend allowed you to get some extra rest.

Ellen D. said...

The first thing I thought of was you have made 2 shawls that match the colors of your 2 dogs! The shawls look like pretty tans and golds. So you are always seeing double nowadays!! Well done! :)

Caffeine Girl said...

Beautiful shawls! They will be much appreciated gifts.
I've been have a lot of sleep problems, too. I know just how you feel going through long work days with just a few hours of sleep. I hope both of us get over this soon!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I went through a period of anxiety and lack of sleep. Every night now, I put a drop or two of lavender oil in my palms, rub it behind my ears and on my neck and wrists. I don't know if that's what's doing it, but I'm sleeping pretty good. Except I do have to get up to go to the bathroom sometimes twice or several times a night. The shawls are really pretty.

Christine W said...

A beautiful shawl. It looks really nice!