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!