Here is a pic of the finished Swallowtail shawl. Find more pics here. I worked on it every chance I had since I needed to get it done in time for the birthday party on the 19th. My left hand was a little sore by the end, especially after grasping the needle for the p5tog, but the recipient definitely appreciated the work put into it, and that made the big rush worthwhile.



Before doing this project, I saw other people's before and after photos of blocking lace, but was still amazed at how much larger blocking made the shawl and also the ability it gave to shape and clarify the design. Very addictive. I have also become a fan of the Shadow, which is a good thing, since I have 3 more skeins in Vineyard and 3 in Sunset. At least the lace bug is still stinging me, so it is only a matter of deciding on a pattern, and then finding the time, of course.

And here is the birthday girl wearing her shawlette. Doesn't she look great at 90!

I completed the 7th repeat of the FBS, but received the Fall Interweave Knits in the mail and decided to make the Swallowtail Shawl instead. I am using KnitPicks Shadow in Vineyard, and I like the yarn a lot so far. Good light has been essential when working with this dark, laceweight yarn, and lifelines have been very helpful as well. I don't mind working the k1,yo part of the nupps in the pattern, though purling 5 together is definitely not my favorite. Maybe this would be easier with a thicker yarn. I have been sticking a tapestry needle through the stitches and pulling down slightly in order to make room for my knitting needle to fit through the loops. I just found out about the psso method, so I'll give it a shot tomorrow. I am supposed to have this thing blocked and ready to go by Friday, since the party is Saturday, but I still have 6 rows of one chart with nupps and 16 rows of edging left. Hopefully the boys will nap very well tomorrow!