Monday, July 21, 2008

Rite Of Passage

My first Hap Shawl is complete and ready to swaddle a baby!
This one is going to a dear old friend in Scotland who's firstborn is due very soon. I'm even going to be able to hand deliver it as I leave for an extended stay in my homeland in 2 weeks!

I'm fairly happy with the end product except for my seams. I have to admit to being a little afraid of too much seaming as I never can quite make it look pretty enough. With this shawl it was also important to match up the stripes.......and then there were all the ends to weave in!
Anyhoo it will pass the baby's approval I'm sure!



I'm really not sure why I went with the pieced version of this shawl instead of knitting it in the round.....I think because I started off with the pattern from the Rowan Book (which is done in pieces).......however I also used Sharon Miller's Hap Shawl book for further guidance and instructions which helped a lot (and she provides instructions for working a shawl as one piece)......plus it has lots of interesting background info and great old photos.

I'll definitely be making more of these but accomplishing my first does make me feel that I have completed some rite of passage and can claim my Shetland heritage all the more justifiably!


I didn't get around to trying out my knitting belt on this as I realized I didn't have long enough dpn's.......hoping to find a willing Shetlander to demonstrate firsthand when I'm over there!


Pattern: Bressay Hap Shawl (from Rowan 42 and Shetland Hap Shawls both by Sharon Miller)
Yarn: Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift (I used a lot less than the pattern called for)
Needles: US#8/5mm (the Rowan pattern calls for US#10/6mm and the Hap Shawl Book a US#5 or 6)
Dimensions: Mine is 40'' square (the pattern gives 52''- however this will be plenty big for a baby)

Notes:If you fancy making one of these I highly recommend getting Sharon Miller's Hap shawl book...there is a ton more helpful info and you can decide if you want to make it in pieces or in the round.

14 comments:

Suvi said...

It's gorgeous! I love the color combination!

Anonymous said...

how lovely! what a wonderful heirloom baby gift.

Monstermønster said...

I saw your project on Raverly and had to visit the blog for more pictures, it's absolutely stunning! What a wonderful present.

Connie said...

At the risk of being repetitive - I'll have to say it's gorgeous and I love the colors you used too! Lucky lucky baby to be swaddled in such loveliness. Enjoy your trip home!

raining sheep said...

Oh my! that is lovely. LOVELY. The colors are amazing, so earthy and organic. That is beautiful work.

kat coyle said...

oh it is so beautiful and such a wonderful gift.

Laughton and Patricia Johnston said...

Congratulations on your first shawl ... it'll open many doors in Shetland.

Beth Armstrong said...

Yes Gudrun, you have done wonders again with your magic fingers; if the baby doesn't show immediate appreciation, I know the mummy will absolutely adore it and I think the baby will learn over time just how precious it is. I also love the colours and it's so pretty!

Anonymous said...

That is stunning - just gorgeous and those colours are fab - what a lucky baby. Scotlands weather at the moment is so-so by the way

Lothlorian said...

Thats so nice, the colours are great!!

The weather is great here in scotland right now, I will keep my fingers crossed that it holds for your visit.

Anonymous said...

Very lovely - I'm sure the little babe will treasure it when he/she is older.

An extended visit eh? I hope you are still blogging while you are there - with pictures! :)

*melanie from www.meli-mello.com

Anonymous said...

it's beautiful.

nicole said...

It turned out beautifully. I love the combination of soft colours.

Anonymous said...

As everyone else has said - I love the colors. Your photography enhances the look of the shawl. I'm unfamiliar with the book and will look it up.