The Faroese Shawl is Finished! : )

As you can see in the picture above, the *Yellow Shawl* (which I knit in lavender Misti Alpaca sport weight yarn) is completed. It is blocked and ready to package. I'll be sending it to my Grandmother in Illinois tomorrow morning!

This pattern, from the The Best of Knitter's Magazine Shawls and Scarves was filled with errors. I have never before encountered such a frustrating knitting experience. I have contacted the publishers several times and am still hoping for them to rework this pattern and correct the errors. The stitch counts after row 65 are *off* by 22 stitches....which can not be accurately corrected without trying to *figure out where* the shoulder shaping decreases should be placed. Prior to row 65, there are several chart errors, but these are very minor when compared to the problems encountered once you reach row 65!

Last week I was told by the XRX pattern support that they were working on a magazine deadline and would get back with me after the deadline on the pattern problems. I hope to hear from them this week. I think I have now regained my composure to be able to discuss the errors politely and kindly, so it may have been a very good thing that they were too busy last week. : )

This is a flawed and poorly written pattern as it is currently published. It took a big toll on any knitting confidence I had prior to starting, but I do feel quite a sense of accomplishment seeing it through to the end. And, I think I have a much better understanding of what makes a well written pattern....and of the shoulder shaping technique for Faroese shawls.

My grandmother is 97 and walks with a walker. A shawl that won't slip off of her small shoulders is very important. I hope that it keeps her warm and happy and that she knows that I love her each time she sees it and wears it! Since I can't be there in person to give her a hug, I'll be sending this shawl to do it for me. : )


Today is still very cold and we have several farm chores to tend to...and then I'll be back to knitting. The size 4 CIC vest is knitting up quickly and I think I may be able to finish it this evening. If so, I'll post another picture today!

Stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Your Friend,

Shelly

HCSB
Psalms 52:8
But I am like a flourishing olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in God's faithful love forever and ever.