My, it's been a long time, hasn't it? I could make excuses, but I won't. I just haven't gotten around to blogging lately. But oh what blog fodder I have today!
My sister's long-awaited wedding day was this past Saturday in Guilford, CT. When she told me that she was having an outdoor wedding in Connecticut in October, I did not try to advise against it - for Meredith has always been very stubborn, and I knew it would do no good - but I did think she was slightly nuts. Or maybe just optimistic. But it turned out to be a spectacular day, and the site - some land owned by her husband's uncle - was absolutely perfect.
The shawls I knitted to guard our bare shoulders from the chilly October air were hardly needed. Even when it got colder in the evening, there was so much dancing (not to mention all the wine & beer), that most of the maids were quite warm enough. They assured me that they will wear them well in the future.
I did manage to get everyone in the shawls for these photos (click for bigger), taken in the barn where the (fantastic) band was playing. From left to right, that's Gabrielle in Adamas, Jackie in a Karabella Margrite pattern, Meredith in Leaf Lace, yours truly in Diamond Fantasy, and Susie in Flower Basket. I think Mere & I did a good job matching shawl to maid.
Details: yarn used was Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, most shawls took 5 balls. Needles: size 8 Addi Turbos.
More, more, more shawls! I look forward to knitting Adamas and Flower Basket again someday for myself. I'm particularly enamoured of Adamas, which I almost kept for myself. Miriam Felton, who designed Adamas and also Icarus, is quite a spectacular talent.
My uncle wants me to knit a Diamond Fantasy for my aunt, which I'll be delighted to do. They live in Florida, so I've never been able to figure out what to knit for her.
And I spent all of yesterday knitting an edging on my latest shawl, of my own design. Do you ever get to that point in a project where you're so close (yet so far), and you just can't stop? Happens to me with certain books, too (like Harry Potter) - I'll be hours away from finishing it, but it seems too close to the end to put down. So, yeah, that's what happened to me yesterday. I had all kinds of plans for my day off: yoga, practice piano, take a walk, post on the blog. But I couldn't put the shawl down. Finally I had to go to bed, with one (short) side left to do. I'm afraid to pick it up now, because if I do I probably won't get around to showering before I go out later!
*excepting my own wedding day, of course.
What an amazing display of gorgeous shawls - I can't believe you actually made them all and finished them in time...and with the red dresses....WOW!!!
Posted by: Pat | October 10, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Oh, wow. So... many... shawls! Very impressive! And you look SO good in your DFS. :-) I know you raved about Adamas, but just LOOK at you in that shawl! I think you kept the right one. :-)
Posted by: Beth S. | October 10, 2006 at 02:03 PM
No wonder you've been absent! FABULOUS gift for your sister and the wedding grrls look so wonderful in your knit lace. Nice work...you are a super sister!
Posted by: margene | October 10, 2006 at 02:28 PM
The shawls are AMAZING!
Posted by: Janet | October 10, 2006 at 07:08 PM
Good lord, those shawls are amazing! Your sister is very lucky to have you.
Posted by: The Feminist Mafia | October 11, 2006 at 08:08 AM
Gosh that's so pretty! Your post caught my eye because I live in Guilford! I was up in Maine enjoying another wedding. Those shawls are stunning!
Posted by: Becca | October 11, 2006 at 12:08 PM
Those shawls are just dazzling to the eye. What great work!
Posted by: Opal | October 11, 2006 at 04:28 PM
So stunning! Quite an accomplishment.
Posted by: Suzanne | October 11, 2006 at 05:53 PM
great job! They look so nice.
Posted by: kate | October 11, 2006 at 08:20 PM
I have to say, other than the shawls all being beautiful of couse (goes without saying) that group of shawl-clad ladies look like they are definately having fun!
Posted by: Beck in Fl | October 12, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Those shawls are just amazing -- beautiful!
Posted by: Kathy | October 13, 2006 at 09:19 AM
That is so cool. What a great gift to your sister and her bridesmaids.
Posted by: Macoco | October 13, 2006 at 02:27 PM
I'm almost in tears about how beautiful a gift this is!
Posted by: The Purloined Letter | October 16, 2006 at 01:34 PM
Exquisite! The best looking bridal party (& bride) I've seen in a LONG time!
Posted by: NORA | October 16, 2006 at 03:45 PM
Hi Alison!!
wow you did an amazing job! and that isn't true you do too finish things and this is a perfect example! hugs to you and the family and yes i remember your wedding.. it was a wonderful day!! hugs love karola & kori and by the way we have another addition to our family too.. like you do with your brother in law! we adopted a cocker spaniel.. she is just so cute.. hugs love karola
Posted by: Karola | October 24, 2006 at 11:34 PM
Dear Alison,
I am the marketing manager of Vertical, Inc., the publisher of the O'Ekaki books you mention on your page, the link to which you so thoughtfully provided. When I started here not too long ago, I had no idea what O'Ekaki was, but felt I should get to know the product and tried a few. I, like you, have become addicted. I would like to send you a thank-you gift for being to kind as to alert your visitors of our book. I look forward to hearing from you.
Stephen Vrattos
Posted by: Stephen Vrattos | July 12, 2007 at 12:07 PM