The Hanami Knit-a-long

Psst....

2008-01-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Come over and visit us to see what our new KAL is.....

T&J

Better Late than Never

2007-11-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Finished my Hanami last week and blocked it over the weekend. I even took an 'arty' picture of it posing in the fall folige.

The yarn on this one is Fino from Alpaca with a Twist. Sourced from the Yarn Barn of Kansas. No modifications to the pattern; I'm actually enjoying the assymetry.

Great KAL, guys. Thanks for hosting us.

Finished!!

2007-11-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

T.&J... Thanks for hosting this KAL, I look forward to the next one!

:-D

Maria

Let's Head to the Polls

2007-10-31T13:02:00.000-06:00

There has been some interest in doing another knit a long. T. and I have decided to leave it up to you. Please come on over to baadmedicine.blogspot.com and cast your votes. We were thinking of starting up in the new year so get your votes in now!

Thanks for being a part of this knit a long! I hope we'll have a chance to knit with you again. Don't forget to find us on Ravelry! (Teri and Joline.)

And the winner is....

2007-10-26T06:55:00.000-06:00

Amanda - from Australia!!! From our random selection of all comments and posts, Amanda is the winner. We used a random number generator and then we counted back from all the posts and associated comments and Amanda's post was it!

I know there are lots of you out there who took your time posting and commenting - providing moral support for those stuck or lagging behind. Special mention to Maria (Mimicatknits), Cary (at Serenity farms), Kristina (beadntat), Catknip, Lauren, Linda F, Chanda in Mississipi, AnnieBee (who set up the flickr site), Metta (if you can read Swedish-check out her blog- I just look at the pictures) and everyone else who posted numerous times (I'm not trying to be exclusive - just these people were posting maniacs)!!

A KAL can only work if there's interest in the project and interesting people to post. You are definitely an interesting bunch. I've enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and working on this project with you all.

I am NOT done. J. is (this is the way our knitting relationship usually works - T. is the slow poke, J. is the over achiever - I can say that, she's currently away and won't read this!). Either way, we had fun.

Remember to add us to your friend list at Ravelry (we're Teri and Joline there). And keep checking out our blog for future KALs (January 08 perhaps??). Let us know what you'd like to KAL with!

2007-10-25T21:02:00.000-06:00

Oh WOW! I've been away for about a week and today was the first time I had a chance to check in on the KAL and received this wonderful surprise! What's more, today is my birthday - how good is that? Thank you!

Final picture

2007-10-25T12:24:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday my husband and I participated in a special birthday party. Our parish had invited all its members reaching the age of 80, 85 or 90 years during the second half of 2007. My husband celebrated his 80th brithday in August. We spent a very nice afternoon with good food and in pleasant company. I wore my Hanami for the first time with my dark-blue pantsuit and I felt very elegant. I had my husband take a picture of me and here it is.

I am looking forward to your next KAL and once again thank you for letting me take part in the Hanami KAL.

For me?!?

2007-10-23T10:33:00.000-06:00

I was having a rather icky day yesterday when my wonderful mail lady left a package in my mailbox. For me?!? And it came a long way, too...from way up north of the border...via Canada Postes no less! Thanks T&J for my wonderful present..just for being a part of this KAL and chatting with everyone. I received a skein of KnitPicks Shadow in the Jewels colorway--the very shade I was considering ordering for my wintertime lace knitting. As if that wasn't awesome enough, there was a set of handmade stitch markers made with freshwater pearls in the same shade of blue and white. They are so pretty!

I know the KAL is winding up. My shawl is done and I'm contemplating my next move, but I just wanted to thank everyone for being here and contributing their ideas and experiences. It's been a great learning experience for me. It's also been a lot of fun getting to know you better. I look forward to meeting up with ya'll again after the holidays to knit up another great lace shawl design. Thanks T&J for having the courage to put this group together. I know moderating a group is no small feat, but I think I can speak for all of us in saying that we really appreciate your efforts.

{{{hugs}}}
Kristina

Wedding Hanami

2007-10-22T10:14:00.000-06:00

Despite missing my friend's wedding ceremony due to an "incident" (this is how the RCMP officer described the problem) that closed the highway to Edmonton for approximately 4 hours on Saturday, my fiance and I made it to the wedding reception. I'm so glad we were able to make it to the reception - it was really lovely and my friend Lucy looked so beautiful. I brought my Hanami and here is a picture.

Of course I have to include a pic of the beautiful couple, Mr and Mrs Lucy and Mike Mussieux:

I felt terrible about missing the ceremony, but Lucy was very understanding. Apparently a number of people were traveling from out of town and didn't make it. Lucy and Mike are now heading to Hawaii for a very relaxing honeymoon.

The end is in sight....

2007-10-21T19:33:00.000-06:00

After just keeping pace with the sections each week (finishing the final rows each Thursday night just before the next set is announced) I am now speeding through the last stretch and heading straight for home! It helps that I only did 5 repeats of Chart G instead of 8 (that area just seemed a bit too long for me in the photos I've seen), which got me into the first rows of the ruffle today. I can't wait to have it done and blocked and ready to wear this week!

I'm really happy with how the second half of the shawl has turned out - and how my experiment in 'erasing' sections of the transition chart helped the basket weave area blend into the flower charts. Here is a detail shot that shows how it all turned out (and that gives a pretty good idea of the color too)

Thanks so much to T&J for hosting the knit-along - even though I didn't post much, it really kept me motivated to keep knitting a bit each day to keep up with the pack and get this done. I can't wait to see her finished, blocked, and out on the town!

Megan

This Is it!!!

2007-10-19T13:08:00.001-06:00

Well - we will officially close the KAL next Friday. We hope to give you this week to show us your finished project, or unfinished project! No judgment here!

So remember - we will announce the winner of the final prize next Friday!!

We know there have been lots of comments about the next KAL - you'll have to keep visiting our website (Baad Medicine) to find out! Possibly post- Christmas??

Thanks!
T&J

more progress

2007-10-19T11:05:00.000-06:00

Well I did half a chart last night, but now that the stitch pattern is getting denser I think it's going to have to be an "at home" project from now on, at least until I pick up the stitches at the center and knit the easy part of the other side. ;) I'm liking how it's turning out. Maybe that will keep me working on it more often.

Just In Time!

2007-10-18T14:05:00.001-06:00

A good friend of mine is getting married on Saturday, and my Hanami goal was to finish in time to debut my new shawl at her wedding. I'm very pleased to announce that I met my Hanami deadline! I did not do the ruffle at the end of the pattern - instead I did 6 rows of garter stitch, same as the at start, and added beads at the end at the cast-off. I'm so happy with how the Hanami looks. I now just need to block it (which I am a bit nervous about since I am a blocking virgin), and show it off on Saturday.

Thanks to Baadmedicine for a fantastic KAL! I can't wait for the next one!

knit night

2007-10-18T09:39:00.000-06:00

It's Thursday again, which means my Hanami is going with me to stitch and bitch. I should have some progress to report tomorrow, barring any unforeseen circumstances. I love looking at the pics of the finished and way-closer-to-finished-than-I-am stoles. Lovely work everyone, and thanks for blazing the trail!

Progress!

2007-10-18T07:29:00.000-06:00

Bead detail.

Charts A & B ... done & done.

Hanami Sheep and Yarn

2007-10-18T05:36:00.000-06:00

Catknip asked about the sheep that provide the wool for the yarn that I am spinning for Hanami (also have silver grey that I am spinning for the Pendants shawl from Heartstrings) There are lots of sheep photos on my personal blog and sadly outdated website, but I will share one here of the flock back in July, grazing on pasture. The roving I am spinning this yarn from was a combination of most of my white sheep

Here is yesterdays spinning results, too. Another skein of 2-ply, about a fine fingering weight yarn. I am spinning this on my little Louet S45 (love, love, love this wheel and am sad to hear that Louet is discontinuing them)

I am thinking of altering my stole a little bit. I was thinking I might knit 4 repeats (or maybe 5) of the basket weave on each end and then in the center (the part that will fall across my back) doing one of the cherry blossom charts - either B or C. I don't think I will put beads across the back, but will have beads at both ends. I don't know though, I am really loving those beads!

What do you all think? I would love opinions!

Another Slowpoke!

2007-10-16T12:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I just wrote a rather lengthy note with photos, hit publish and received an error message ;( Waaaa! So I will try again, and hope this doesn't appear twice!

Like "Catknip" and Maria wrote earlier, I am behind the rest of you, too ;) In fact I have only finished two repeats of the basket weave section. Here it is, not blocked at all, only stretched out for this photo. At this stage, it is only 16 inches wide but the wool will take a lot of blocking so I think I will easily be able to make 18 inches wide, though maybe not 19.

Can you see the faint difference in the knitting towards the lower edge of the my stole? That is a spot in my spinning where my yarn was finer and it shows. I am hoping it won't be so noticeable in the finished project, while being worn.

Here is a close up of the beads on the edge:

I love how they look, and glad that I decided to use them. At first I wasn't going to, but seeing photos of the rest of your projects I changed my mind!

One of the reasons I am so slow is that I am spinning my yarn, from my own sheep! It is 100% Corriedale Comfort Wool! You can see more photos and details of my stole at my own blog, Serenity Farms, plus a picture or two of the sheep who provide the fleece that I spin from.

I can't tell you how much I have been enjoying this KAL and the relaxing nature of it all! Many thanks to T&J!

Remedial Hanami Knitters Unite!

2007-10-15T10:25:00.000-06:00

Are you behind on your Hanami? Frustrated with the slipknitpassover? Don't be discouraged! I've just finished my third repeat of the basket weave. Yes the destination is important but so is the journey. I won't be finished with everyone else but I will finish (start anthem here). It was very inspiring to see everyone's beautiful work. Look for pictures of my finished Hanami on Ravelry. Oh and T & J? When does the next one start?

Keep Posting

2007-10-15T08:58:00.001-06:00

Remember - only 11 more days till the KAL is over. That means only 11 more days of posts until we announce the final winner. The more you post/comment - the more likely you are to win.

T&J

Bead Placement

2007-10-14T20:17:00.000-06:00

Hi All,
WOW, all the finished Hanami stoles (and even the unfinished ones) are all so gorgeous!!! I'm a Ba-a-a-d KALer but had to finish up some projects, so I'm just getting started. I was wondering if I could gather up some ideas for bead placement on the blossom part of the stole. Those of you who beaded... where'd you put them? I appreciate the input.

Thanks,
Maria
(cross posted on Ravelry)

Success!

2007-10-14T18:36:00.001-06:00

I'm in love!

This finished up so quickly! I was just about to start Chart G and before I knew it I was casting off a ruffle! Amazing! I think I might be making this again in the blossom only version for my sister's wedding. I'm already looking forward to it!

Finished

2007-10-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

My Hanami is finished and I love it. When I had started knitting the Cherry Blossom part, I just couldn´t stop. Although I left out the ruffle ending and made the ending equal to the start with 6 rows of garter stich and added one bead in every other stich of the cast off. I hanged the stole on my mannequin to show you how nice it looks.

Thank you T&J for a Knit-A-Long that I have enjoyed very much.

unstuck

2007-10-12T11:37:00.000-06:00

Well, I went to stitch and bitch last night and grabbed the Hanami bag on the way out the door. I was the first one there, so I had a cup of chai and finished chart D while I waited. You know, I've brought this shawl to stitch and bitch every time I've gone since I started. I think except for the first few rows, I haven't knit on it anywhere else. So maybe the trick is to go every week. ;)

Week 7

2007-10-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it's week 7? I'm loving this Blossom section but as I progress through the pattern rows, I'm finding the charts more and more difficult to read. Chin up, though, there are only a couple of charts left!

This week, as you can imagine, we'll be tackling Charts E and F. You'll find that the rows become quite tricky as you go but don't worry about making mistakes. Who will be able to tell if you make an error here or there? Not me!

Here's my Hanami. Only one more chart and a ruffle! Hurray!

I can't wait to block this thing.

Hanami-ing on Heroes

2007-10-09T08:42:00.000-06:00

Anyone watch Heroes last night? Did you catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms in Japan? I thought it was very fitting as I was working on my Hanami (trying to catch up from a week off of knitting).

slugfest redux

2007-10-08T17:21:00.000-06:00

Well, still haven't touched it. Still don't really want to. I think I'm bored. It's complex enough to need the chart for the cherry blossom part, but not complex enough to be fully engaging. I have a bunch of stuff on the needles right now, and I'm looking forward to the finished product, but lately I would just rather knit something else. Sigh.

Love/Hate Relationship

2007-10-08T08:05:00.001-06:00

I admit that Hanami and I are having a love/hate relationship. Lately it has been a more hate hate relationship. I totally love the end product of this stole. I would love to finish her as she is lovely but after working on her for a few weeks now, I have just complete my first (yes, I said 1st) repeat of the basket weave section. I'm elated and annoyed at the same time. Why oh why am I having such difficulty with this stole. Maybe Hanami is a jealous lady and doesn't want me to share our time.............maybe she wants to push me over the edge.....I was seconds from frogging her this weekend. I will not let her get the best of me.

One down...................six more to go (sob! - I can do it, I think I can - I think I can - I think I can).

EDITED TO ASK: Where are with supposed to be in the KAL? I see so many gorgeous knitted stoles and I realize that I am behind, why behind, but would like to know if we were knitting along weekly with the KAL, where are I supposed to be? Thanks. :)

We have a completed Hanami in the house!!!

2007-10-07T17:21:00.000-06:00

Yea! I finished my Hanami last night and blocked it today! Beautiful! Whew! My first major lace piece and I'm hooked. However, I found out I hate blocking. I need to find someone to do that part of it - I'll pay!!! I used weedeater string and my back is killing me from bending over and threading it through on the floor!

It was worth it though! Now, to find an occasion to wear it - it'll have to wait - Mother Nature still thinks it's summer here in Mississippi!

Chanda in Mississippi

If you want the truth...

2007-10-07T11:15:00.000-06:00

...then I'll bore you with my blog posts. Only click through if you want to know how I really feel, because I really pull no punches.

http://www.psps.vox.com/

Mathematically I'm sitting at 80%. I think I can maybe finish it today, if I step away from the computer. I really want to finish it, and now.

Obligatory shot of boiled a$$...

Have a great Sunday, all -

laniered

Finished!

2007-10-05T19:56:00.000-06:00

Once I hit the cherry blossoms the stitches just flew off my needles. Getting round to blocking my stole took more time. I'm pleased with the end result. It was a delightfully easy knit.

Week 6

2007-10-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, we're three quarters of the way there! How are you feeling about your Hanamis? Mine is shaping up quite nicely, thanks.

This week, we'll just carry on with the Blossom section. We'll do Charts C and D. Would you like to see an example?

Cause I happen to have one right here.

Keep up the great work!

Such a slow poke...

2007-10-05T03:53:00.000-06:00

I'm still only on the fourth repeat of the basketweave - I would have completed the fifth, but for a mega-ripping session a couple of nights ago. The cause? A mis-placed square and a strange gain in stitch count at one end. I'm using Habu something-or-other, and it was a bit of a pain to rip, but much easier than kidsilk haze.

Still, it does look lovely, and I'm getting into the flow of the basketweave now that the markers aren't there (fingers crossed for no more mis-placed squares!).

~x~

slugfest

2007-10-04T11:07:00.000-06:00

I must admit I have been a slug, having not even opened the Hanami knitting bag in over a week. It's still by the desk in the kitchen, behind a folding chair. No reason in particular, just been working on other projects. I think I went KAL crazy this summer and fall. ;) Lovely and inspiring to see everyone's WIP's and finished stoles. I'll have to open that bag up tonight, I think.

Linda

I spent the weekend knitting like a madwoman....

2007-10-02T19:03:00.000-06:00

..... AND

I got caught up! Here is the end of the week 4 assignment and the transition to the cherry blossoms part of the stole. It's good to have something new to work at - even if it's stocking stitch!

Almost caught up...

2007-10-02T12:02:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,

I've been traveling quite a bit lately and am still behind on my Hanami, but I'm working very hard to catch up. I'm almost finished the basketweave section. I'm quite happy about this because it requires a lot of concentration (for me, anyway) and I'm finding I'm having more and more difficulty concentrating on the pattern. I'm hoping I haven't made any mistakes...

Anyway, here is my progress. I'm very much looking forward to starting Chart A!

Gosh, Thanks!

2007-09-29T13:26:00.000-06:00

I'm smiling, I'm blushing, I'm stunned...to be the midpoint prize winner. I've never won a thing online before, so this really is a red-letter event for me. I'm so enjoying looking at everyone's stoles, they are all beautiful! After seeing all the pink Hanami's I'm so tempted to knit another one in pink. Maybe I'll do one again in the spring after I've caught up with the projects I'm in the middle of or have yarn waiting to start.

Cagey44 asked about making adjustments since she is knitting her Hanami in a heavier yarn. I didn't see any replies yet, so I'll jump in. Basically, the basketweave section and the cherry blossom section are of equal size, with the transition chart separating the two. If you omit one repeat of the basketweave, then I would eliminate the same total number of rows in the cherry blossom section by skipping 2-6 rows out of each chart. Perhaps I would knit fewer rows of the 1st chart after the transition where the knitting is more solid. I would also omit several rows of the last chart, where the lace is at it's "holiest". The cherry blossom section is so forgiving that you could do almost anything and it would be fine. I can't wait to see pictures of your stole!

And finally, to our hostess, thanks again for sponsoring this KAL and for offering such a generous prize. You really brightened my day :-)
Knit on!
Kristina

Getting Behind.... My Week 3

2007-09-29T09:23:00.000-06:00

I'm falling a little behind on the KAL; my work has been nuts with lots of overtime the last couple of weeks. I've just started the Week 4 assignment.

I'm still loving this pattern, but I'm really looking forward to getting to the cherry blossoms part.

Chart D finished

2007-09-29T02:25:00.000-06:00

When I had finished the basketweave pattern I wanted to go a little ahead and start with the cherry blossoms. I found that it didn´t demand the same amount of concentration as the basketweave and the knitting was much quicker and now I have finished chart D. My photos are not so good but I want to share them with you and here is the first one with the stole and the second one with the cherry blossoms.

Hanami Question

2007-09-28T10:23:00.001-06:00

Hi Y'all,

I am doing the Hanami in a heavier weight yarn - Lavold silk in a luscious fuschia. I am using a needle size 4.5mm to get a wonderful drape in this stole. I have almost completed the second repeat of the basketweave section and am at about 10 inches now and my width is 28 inches stretched. Looking at the pattern it looks like the basketweave section runs about half the pattern then the transition begins to the blossoms. I know that 7 repeats of the basket portion will be way too long based on what I have now. What is the measurement of each section done in the lace weight yarn? I have the approximate width and length in the lace weight stoles that have been completed, and will adjust as I go to get the look that I want, but want to try to keep the proportions the same. So, far I love what I have and will post a picture when I can get the camera from my husband :) Thanks for your help, Krista PS. I have a button on my blog for those like me who are challenged in keeping up with KAL's - SLOKALOK!
http://accoutrements.typepad.com/

Week 5

2007-09-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wow! We're over half way done! And, if you're doing the conventional version like me, you have finally completed the basketweave section. Let's all take a moment.

Ah.

Moving right along....This week we'll do charts A and B. As many people have said, these charts seem to go very quickly.

Here is my Hanami.

How are you doing with yours? Any problems? Loving it? Hating it?

Let us know!

And the winner is.....

2007-09-28T07:00:00.000-06:00

Beadntat!!!

Congratulations-you have won the midway prize.

Some laceweight yarn and stitch markers are coming your way.

If you can email me at: t.baadmedicine@gmail.com with your name and address, I'll send you the prize.

Remember - there is one more prize at the end...keep posting and commenting.

Finally checking in!

2007-09-27T15:32:00.001-06:00

Hi all,

I keep meaning to post about my progress on my Hanami, but since I portion out each week's allotment to work a little bit each day by the time I finish with one section it seems everyone else is already on to the next ! But I couldn't let the end of the basketweave section go by unremarked. I enjoyed knitting it but I'm excited to be on to something new.

So here is my Hanami so far, in what is really a light lilac shade of Misti Alpaca laceweight and not the blue that my camera is determined to capture. I was originally going to work this in a silk/merino blend from my stash, but at the last moment I caved to the fact that the yardage wasn't really enough and let these two balls jump into my basket at my LYS.

Since I have heard rumors that the Misti doesn't actually grow when blocked (does anyone have any experience with this?) I am worried that the length won't be enough at the end. To try and protect myself I've knit an extra repeat of the basketweave chart (really), then put in two lifelines, one at the end of the basketweave section and the other at the start of the transition chart. That way, the theory goes, if it is too short I can remove the purl row between the two sections and pull them apart, knit up more of the basketweave, then graft together again. At least that is my backup plan if needed (hopefully it won't!)

Looking at completed Hanami's, I've also been less than content with the abrupt end between the transition panel and the first 'flowers' panel. To fit with the theme of the shawl overall, I made a few extra copies of the transition chart and then got creative with the white-out, erasing selected decrease/yarnover pairs in this area, then adding back in a few more of these pairs in the upper empty zone. On the chart, at least, it now looks like the basketweave is being blown apart in this area - almost like a dandelion puff in the breeze. We'll see how it looks in the knitting itself - I think I'll have to be a few rows beyond that point to really stretch it out and get a good look. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Happy knitting everyone,

Megan

Tell me I'm crazy

2007-09-25T18:44:00.000-06:00

I think I need someone to tell me I'm crazy. Either that, or I'm brilliant. I just don't know which, right now.

Here's the deal: I'm making the blossoms-only version, but realizing that the blossomy half of the Hanami pattern doesn't constitute half of the length of the finished stole (in the original version) -- meaning that if I just do the blossomy half, twice, I'll end up with a fairly short stole. So, I could add an extra repeat of chart F at either end, and lengthen the ruffles. I could also (or instead) add an extra repeat or two of chart A when I pick up from my provisional cast-on.

OR... (this is where it gets crazy) I could design a graphic of a cherry blossom and create it in lace in the centre section (running from the provisional cast-on, before going back to doing chart A etc. in the other direction). The large charry blossom would then sit in the middle of the wearer's back.

(Image borrowed from Flickr user sandcastlematt)

So, tell me I'm nuts. Tell me I'm brilliant. Tell me what you think!

Seven is my new lucky number ...

2007-09-25T12:25:00.001-06:00

Last night at SnB I began my seventh attempt at the Hanami. I have to apologise to the people around me for my lack of interesting conversation but I have completed 2 whole rows of the pattern! This is a HUGE milestone for me! I'm feeling quite hopeful about this project now. Thanks to everyone for your tips and tricks. They really got me through that nasty moment when I botched attempt #6 ( I was questioning my lace knitting skill and my aptitude in general). Let me finish a few more rows and I'll post some pictures!

Some Progeress at Last

2007-09-25T04:45:00.000-06:00

Five repeats

So, funny thing: I plodded through the first 2 or 3 repeats of the lattice portion of the pattern (I'm making the asymmetrical version) with the suggested markers in place, but I wasn't really enjoying knitting the pattern. Then last week I took the markers out, and now I love it! Turns out the markers were somehow keeping me from reading the lace I'd already knitted (which meant I had to look at the printed pattern more), and also made me feel like the rows were really long. Weird, huh?

And then I spent all day yesterday traveling, and made all kinds of progress. I'm trying to decide if I want to lengthen it or not--I'm tall, and have kind of wide shoulders--so I may block what I have so far in the next few days.

Rebecca/Archiknist
(Andrea, 100% silk from Schaefer Yarns, in the Lillian Gilbreth colorway)

Finished!

2007-09-23T18:19:00.000-06:00

All done, I made it without the ruffle on the end. Just simple garter, mirroring the basket weave end. The color in the top photo is pretty accurate.
Finished size is 18" x 67". It's made from Zephyr wool silk and I used 1.99 oz - just under 630 yards. (3.25mm needle) I bought a 4oz ball from Sarah's yarns so there were no ends to weave and I have enough for a second one. I like the basket weave end very much and want to make a second one just in basket weave next time.
I blocked it without wires, because I don't own any. Makes me wish I did, boy howdy!
I suppose I could have just as easily blocked it to 17" and gained a little length, but I'm not even 5'2" and the person it's for is shorter than I am, I think the width is more desirable. Increases the cozy factor IMO.
It was fun, I'm glad it's done!
Rowan

nearly halfway

2007-09-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

Despite the bum elbow (which is finally getting better!) I've been making some progress on my second Hanami.

I'm most of the way through chart F on the blossoms-only version. I'll be repeating F 2.5 times, rather than doing F + G. I'm also debating adding some beads in that garter section before the ruffle -- the one thing I miss about the original version is the pretty beads! I'm not sure where they would go best, though...

soon, soon, soon . . .

2007-09-23T11:46:00.001-06:00

. . . I'll be finishing the Hanami and actually blocking it! I've been knitting on Hanami since before MS3 started, put down MS3 to pick Hanami back up and have knit two pair of socks in between along with other assorted bits on projects. I've finally decided to concentrate on finishing my beautiful Hanami. So, I'm starting Chart E today. I'm not sure I like the totally symmetrical section of Chart G at the end, so before I start Chart F, I might decide to repeat the first 8 rows of F a couple of times (didn't someone else do that) so I can just skip Chart G totally. I'll make up my mind when I get there. Not sure about the ruffle either - not really a ruffle kind of woman and this one's for ME!

When I get there, I'll take pix and post them.

Onward! Chanda in Mississippi

I'm doing a celebration dance!!!

2007-09-22T13:58:00.000-06:00

The basketweave is finished--bring on the cherry blossoms!

At last

2007-09-22T02:04:00.000-06:00

Finally, I've started the transition chart. I think I'm going to miss the basket weave though! It seems like I've been going it forever.

Progress

2007-09-21T13:24:00.000-06:00

I took this picture the other day when I was just a few rows into chart E. I'm finished now with everything but chart G which I just started this morning. I've been knitting like crazy, probably more than I should because my neck and arms are so sore! But I have a long time friend who is starting 6 mos. of chemo. I found out about this maybe just a few days after I cast on, and realized I wanted to knit this and get it sent to her, it seems like the color and pattern are just the thing to be wrapped in during such a health crisis. I'm really glad it's almost done, speed knitting is really intense. The color in the photo is off some. I'm using Zephyr Wool-Silk. The color is cassis, a beautiful deep rosy pink, in this photo, there's a lot more orange, which I think is both because it's on a brown background and because of the light in the room being kind of yellowish.
I loved knitting the basket weave and want to make another that is all basket weave. I think it's so pretty.

Always read the pattern ALL the way through before starting.

2007-09-21T11:23:00.000-06:00

Nuff said.

lagging, too.

2007-09-21T11:18:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind where I want to be, also. Trying to finish a couple of projects that have drug on too long means I'm almost done with chart C of an all-blossom stole (the first time). Think I may have bitten off more than I can chew. ;) Good motivation to work in this one tonight though! It's great to see everyone's progress, they are all so lovely. I don't have a camera, but I tried laying it on the scanner. Works ok, I think.

Linda

Cherry, Cherry Quite Contrary

2007-09-21T09:31:00.000-06:00

I'm not quite done what I was supposed to finish for this week, but it's moving along very well.

And as J. said - we're keeping track of posts and comments - we'll announce the winner in a week!!

Week 4

2007-09-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's Friday again and we only have one more repeat of the dreaded Basketweave section. Don't get me wrong. It looks great but I'm really glad that's over. This week, we'll also work the transition chart. That makes a total of 64 rows which is on par with the previous weeks.

Here's my Hanami.

I'd love to see yours!

Don't forget that there will be a midpoint prize awarded at the end of this week so keep posting and commenting!

Finally.....SOME PROGRESS!! ;)

2007-09-21T07:41:00.001-06:00

I had a rough start with my Hanami. I cast on and knit the 6 garter stitch rows 10 million times (okay, it was really like 9 time, YES 9 TIMES!!!), then I would start my 1st row of the basket weave chart and have four stitches left over. I'd pull back, re-cast on my 99 stitches; knit the 6 rows, row 1 of Chart A - four stitches left over. Frog, cast-on on 99, knit 6 row, row 1 Chart A - extra four stitches.............ummm anyone seeing a pattern here? The cast on was for 95 stitches, how I read 95 as 99, 9 different times is a mystery to me (clueless). I am halfway through my 1st repeat of Chart A and I'm loving it. I decided to go w/ metal needles in a US 4. I splurged for the Addi lace needles which I absolutely L-O-V-E!!

I used size 8/0 silver lined clear beads on the edge and absolutely adore them. I have to agree with Melanie, they look like tiny droplets of water.

I think I'll be behind most of you as we progress unless I turn into a turbo knitting goddess and crank out 6.5 repeats of Chart A this weekend. I'm thinking the chances are slim to none but who knows, the Knitting Gods may smile on me. :)

Lagging along...

2007-09-21T00:08:00.000-06:00

I am behind schedule, but I have had another project take priority over the last couple of weeks. However, I am almost done with the fourth repeat of the basketweave pattern-- and I finally switched to Addi Lace Turbos. What a relief!

In case you're wondering why mine looks wider than the rest, that's because it is. I added two repeats to the row.

It's International Speak Like a Pirate Day!

2007-09-19T10:26:00.001-06:00

Honest - I am so not kidding!

So "Aaaargh! Shiver me needles! Get to knitting all you yarn wenches!"

I have to do that because it's the only thing that keeps me from crying everytime I pick up my Hanami. This is my 6th start (yes, 6) and I'm trying to not get disappointed. Everytime I get to the end my stitches don't work out. And I don't mean by just one. Sometimes it's seven or twelve or eighteen. So I consulted the Yarn Guru and she suggested I bring it to SnB on Monday - which I will. I need knitting love and support to get me through those first few rows. So until then:

"Ahoy knitters!"

2007-09-18T09:59:00.000-06:00

This is my swatch. It is done in Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in the colorway Mist on size US2 needles. I am not sure if Ilike the way it looks. Are the "solid" parts too lacy??

This is a closeup of the beads I used for the cast on. The clear with white liner are on the left and the blue are on the right. Which do you think look better?? I like both, the clear is a more subtle classic look and the blue stands out more and give a more fun look. Any opinions?

2007-09-17T19:49:00.000-06:00

Chugging along on repeat #5. Is anybody but me worried about the length on this piece? This is the 1/4 mark and it looks to be shaping up more like a long (abet a beautiful) scarf. Unfortunatley, I only have the amount of yarn that the pattern notes give, so adding repeats will not be possible.

I know blocking will add a lot of length, and I really SHOULD have blocked my swatch out. But with having 5 yds less yarn per the ball band than the pattern notes show, I didn't dare risk it.

Cherries, Cherries

2007-09-17T09:13:00.001-06:00

Getting more and more blossoms as I go...

My plan for this week is to do charts E and F. I'll start chart G on Friday, do the ruffle then proceed with picking up at the middle and starting Chart A again. That's the current working plan.

Progress

2007-09-15T16:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally figured out how to get the pictures here, so, here's my progress so far, at week 2. It's looking good, if I do say so myself.

Week Three

2007-09-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

You guessed it! Two more repeats of the Basketweave Pattern. Here's my Hanami.

I'll be glad when we can move on. This Basketweave section is starting to wear on me. I'm really looking forward to the blossoms.

Happy Knitting!

One down, one to go...

2007-09-12T18:29:00.001-06:00

Well, the ole' elbow is still a little disgruntled, but I have definitely moved beyond those four measly cast-on rows I had last time I checked in...

I've done about two and a half repeats on the blossoms-only version. I'm using Misti Alpaca laceweight in a dusky, rosy shade, and I'm making this Hanami for my sister. She used to teach in Japan and has something of a cherry-blossom infatuation at the moment. Ironically, she's been knitting much longer than I have, but can't make this for herself because she has carpal tunnel. All the more reason for me to baby my inflamed nerves!

I finally got a chance to take some decent pictures of the Hanami I finished for myself. I finished knitting and blocked it in late August, but somehow camera, stole, and sunlight didn't converge until this evening.

There's a teaser picture -- gratuitous yarn porn! I've put several more pictures in the Flickr pool and there are many, many others in my own photostream.

Happy knitting, all!

progress pictures! Even an action shot!

2007-09-12T13:52:00.000-06:00

I have been wanting to take progress pictures for a couple of days now but I tend to put things like that off. No more! One kinda blurry picture. Fino Alpaca With a Twist yarn, just finished Chart C.

And one more, this time the promised action shot!

Finished/Thank You

2007-09-12T09:15:00.001-06:00

I've finished my Hanami. I used Handmaiden Sea Silk in Pumpkin on size 3 needles. I'm so pleased with how it turned out, but these pictures really don't do it justice
I wanted to share why I chose this pattern, aside from the fact that it's just beautiful. I had a miscarriage on Mother's Day of this year, and even though I got pregnant again quickly (and this time things seem to be going just fine), it hit me harder than I ever thought such a thing could. I found that doing things with my hands really made me feel better. I spent the whole weekend after it happened gardening. Then I thought of the prayer shawls that I heard about people knitting for others, where they prayed good thoughts into every stitch they knit. I liked that idea and wanted to do that for myself. When I saw this pattern, I knew this is what I needed to knit, with it's symbolism of friendship and spring, which for me means rebirth. I tried 2 other yarns before I found this yarn in Portland, OR (which is ironic because that's where I was coming from when the miscarriage started) and knew it was just right. I have to say that this was probably the most enjoyable thing I've ever knit and gave me a lot of pleasure while making it. Thanks for the perfect pattern, Melanie.

Done!

2007-09-11T16:45:00.000-06:00

I did start a few days early and only had this on the needles so I am done.

I did add extra beads, extra repeats and less of chart G. It was a fun knit and I can not wait until the weather cools off so I can actually wear it.

Hanami Progress

2007-09-11T12:49:00.000-06:00

Today I took the first picture of my Hanami stole and I like to show it. I have completed four repeats of the basketweave pattern now and it is progressing much faster than my MS3. The reason could be that the yarn I am using for the Hanami is a little thicker than the yarn I used for my MS3, although both yarns are 70% wool and 30% silk. For the Hanami I bought the yarn in Stockholm in August and it is called "Viva" and is made in Finland.

Still swatching..........

2007-09-11T07:31:00.000-06:00

Ugh.......maybe I'm trying to achieve the impossible but w/ my lovely silk yarn I can't seem to get a gauge that I like. My stockinette stitch looks too open. I went down from a 4.25mm (I think it was a 4.25mm or a 4.50mm) to a 3.50mm and it basically looks the same. Is this the way it is supposed to look? This is my first time using lace weight yarn and maybe I can't achieve a tight stockinette as one would with wool. With an open stockinette, will the pattern still show. I'm afraid it will be difficult to see pattern. Please respond with your thoughts and pictures (close-ups) if possible of your stockinette portion. I have a blurry picture of mine that I posted the other day if you want to see what I'm talking about.

Thanks. :)

ETA: How are you supposed to check your swatch measurement? Stretch or unstretched? Unstretched, my swatch isn't wide enough (3.5"), stretched it just makes 4".

A bit behind

2007-09-10T17:34:00.001-06:00

I'm a little bit behind in my Hanami progress - I've just finished one repeat of the basket weave. Here's my excuse:

Just a tip: whale watching and Hanami do not mix.

I'm working very hard to catch up with everyone. I love the idea of adding beads in the Cherry Blossom section - I'm definitely going to try that.

Happy Hanami everyone!

Almost there...

2007-09-10T15:58:00.000-06:00

I am so close and I can not wait to block this one. I just have the garter stitch rows and ruffle to do and then off to the bath for this one.

I also tried to get a better shot of the beads.

I started upping the amount that I used as I got closer to the end and then tapered them off in the last chart. I like how it looks but I am not going to add any more to the end. I didn't even realize I had done too many in the cast on until I read ahead today. Whoops! I did every stitch instead of every other so I think I have plenty of beads on this one.

I work well under pressure

2007-09-10T10:28:00.000-06:00

So after admiring all the fabulous work everyone has done (and let me tell you - I was impressed) I had to frog. All the way back to the beginning. T. had given me a great yarn over tutorial so I was well on my way to the first goal. But I have learned from my mistakes (which is a blessing) and I vow to continue on. With everyone motivating me with there pictures and similar stories I feel empowered that I can do this! As the Harlot says "I am knitter, hear me roar"!

Chugging along...

2007-09-10T06:11:00.000-06:00

I've finished 2.5 repeats now, and am really getting into the basketweave rhythm. Call me crazy, but it would be nice to get more than the target done this week. With the kids in school, if I can organize my "have-tos" enough, I should have lots of quality knitting time in the Knitting House out back. Cool jazz, comfy couch, a coffee...it's all good. :)

Check out my other blog for the latest picture. www.theknitfarm.com

Week One Goal Met (No Pic)

2007-09-09T23:06:00.000-06:00

I did in fact meet the goal of completing two repeats of the basketweave pattern, but since I am lengthening this stole, I'll be completing eight repeats total-- one of these weeks I'm going to have to go a little farther to keep up. I also added two pattern repeats within each row, for a total of six, so I am cutting myself some slack on the keep-up.
Also, I need a new needle: I didn't have a size two circular on hand so I have been knitting this so far on a pair of 6" size 2 dpns, and this is becoming really inconvenient. Plus, it made it impossible to take a good progress picture. However, it did furnish me with the perfect excuse to go out and buy an Addi Turbo Lace, which I will do on Tuesday.

I take it back...

2007-09-09T17:43:00.000-06:00

I take back all the whining I did about using super skinny, super slippery silk yarn for my Hanami Stole. I wore my stole to church today and it was perfect! Not only was it pretty, but it was just the right amount of insulation to keep me from freezing to death in the air conditioning. I came home thinking about which cone of silk I should use to knit next the next lace shawl :-)

Also, thanks to everyone who offered kind compliments on my finished shawl. You've brightened my week :-)

{{{hugs}}}
Kristina

Heart Breaking

2007-09-09T14:17:00.000-06:00

There I was, almost at the end of the second basketweave repeat, when disaster struck. Well, technically disaster had struck looong before that. I screwed up in the garter rows - can you believe it?!!

I could have left it, and I was sorely tempted to, but it was very obvious. I've been knitting too many things at once. I was in the middle of doing the k2, p2 ribbing of socks when on the second row of garter stitch on the stole. Guess what I did on the second row? Then, I was working on a sweater for a bit. So the fourth, fifth, and sixth row of the stole are stockinette. Somehow I added three more rows of garter before working the basketweave.

I broke my own heart frogging the whole of my progress. The worst is that I had decided to add extra beads into the project. A lot of extra beads. I had to carefully pick each one off the yarn as I got to it while frogging away. It took almost as long to frog as to knit.

Anyone else have any traumatic knitting experiences with Hanami yet? Care to join my personal pity party?

Week one complete

2007-09-08T15:24:00.000-06:00

And a few rows of week 2 for good measure when I photographed Hanami this morning. It's bigger now. I'm about to start repeat #4.

Yarn is Fino from Alpaca with a Twist in colorway "Rose Petal"

Needles are KnitPicks Options in size US 4.

My shawl is almost 18 inches across relaxed, I'm sure it will block bigger.

So far, so good.

As Requested...

2007-09-08T14:05:00.002-06:00

I had a request for additional pictures of my completed shawl, particularly those showing the cherry blossom section. I have added one picture here, but I have many more on my Flickr site located here. I hope this helps!

Kristina

Cherry Blossoms are Blooming...

2007-09-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

...at my house. I finally started my Hanami, after many 'issues'. I have elected to knit the cherry blossom version and have settled on some Mama E's C*eye*ber Fiber in the Sea Colorway. There are no beads involved.

So here are my first few rows of cherry blossoms. My aim is to do 2 charts each week and so far, that is happening (are you shocked with that J.???). That should keep me pretty much on course with the Traditional Hanami-KALers.

Hanami Progress from Susie

2007-09-08T02:41:00.000-06:00

Hello, everyone! Well, I cast on a bit late, although I had ingredients in hand. I waited until the kiddoes here went back to school this past Wednesday.

I had planned to use some Hunt Valley white cashmere from my stash but decided I wanted a pale cherry blossom pink, after all. So I picked up some Sirdar Country Style 4-ply (acrylic/nylon/wool) in the main town. It's the perfect color, but a bit heaver in weight, like a sock yarn. I've used it for baby blankets, socks, and a lace scarf before, so I know it wears like iron and washes easily. Not to mention, it was available locally for instant gratification!

I'm using clear, silver-lined beads and 3.5 mm needles. This Ingredients shot here shows the color of the beads and wool pretty well. Because the yarn is not lace weight, I'm doing only three repeats in the center area, not four. So far, so good. I really like the beaded cast-on edge, although it took me a few starts to trust my work and keep going. I think I will scatter more beads in the blossom portion.

I'm into repeat 2 now, but the progress picture shows the first repeat only. Click it for more detail. You can see the beading fairly well, and some of my gorgeous new stitch markers are visible to the right. They came from Annalea at The Passionate Mind. If you look at this post on her blog, my stitch markers are the blue set designed by her son. Isn't he awesome? Isn't she awesome?

Finished the first "clue"

2007-09-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I tried to embed a picture, but apparently I can't. So, I'll try this. I finished the first week of knitting this morning. It's going much better this time than it did when I tried to do the pattern in Knit Picks Shimmer in the Stained Glass colorway.

And the associated post on my own blog:
http://sapphyreknitter.blogspot.com/2007/09/some-fos.html

SapphyreKnitter

My Stats

2007-09-07T19:08:00.001-06:00

I got a couple of comments from knitters wondering about my gauge and the width of my Hanami. Here, for what it's worth, are my vital statistics.

Yarn: Zephyr lace weight in Pewter
Beads: Size 6 Blue-Green Glass Beads
Needles: Addi Turbo Lace Needles 3.5 mm/ US Size 4
Width of Unblocked Hanami: 43.2 cm/17 inches
Birthday: January 12 (I love presents.)

Anything else you'd like to know? (Within reason, of course.)

J.

FO Pictures

2007-09-07T11:05:00.000-06:00

Howdy ya'll!
I've been on a roll finishing the ~~many~~ UFO shawls that have been filling up baskets all over my place. Last weekend I blocked 4 (yup FOUR!) shawls, including my Hanami. I've posted pictures and details all over the place, including our Flickr group, my Flickr page and my blog. You are welcome to take a peek!

My finished stole is very pretty and I learned a great deal knitting Hanami. I guess the most important thing I learned that you can't measure true "finished dimensions" until after blocking AND hanging the stole (folded in half over a hanger). My "finished" stole grew in length by several inches after hanging due in large part to my choice of fiber. The other lesson I learned was that the silk yarn I used was not the best choice for this design. If I were to do it all over again I would choose a laceweight merino, or baby alpaca, or superkid mohair, or something more similar to what the designer used. Sometimes it really *is* wise to not deviate too far from what the designer recommends when making yarn substitutions. Now if only there were firm rules to let me know when you can get adventurous and when to hold the line! Yeah, right---that will never happen ROTFLOL

From all the pictures at Flickr it looks like there are going to be many stunning Hanami Stoles from this group. Keep those posts and photos coming!

Good luck and knit on!
Kristina/beadntat

(A Bit of) Trouble in Paradise

2007-09-07T09:23:00.000-06:00

Beaded cast-on? Check! Six rows of garter stitch? No problem! Then... uhhhhhh... don't know what happened to my first 3 rows of basketweave, but they needed to be ripped back. So I'm back to the beginning of the first chart. Will start afresh today without distractions (no "CSI" reruns!)... * sigh * Glad I have some time this weekend - maybe I can catch up?

Moving Right Along

2007-09-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

This week we're going to doing 2 more repeats of the basketweave section. This is what my Hanami looks like after week 2.

If you're doing only blossoms, go bug T. That's her plan and I think she should flash us, don't you?

Happy Knitting!

J.

Finally, a little swatching going on..

2007-09-07T07:21:00.001-06:00

I'm so behind the rest of you.

I finally found the perfect yarn, Sundara's gorgeous lace weightin the Cherry Blossoms colorway no less. (I did obesses a bit* over what I thought would be the perfect yarn for this stole).

*okay a lot!!

I'm in the process of swatching which I despise, but feel it is worth the effort for my stole to turn out as lovely as the other's I've seen.
.

I think my needle size is too large, I started w/ a 4.25mm as I am a very tight knitter but I don't like how open the stockinette looks. I'm down to a 3.50mm in the lace section and will knit a few more rows of stockinette to see how it looks. I definitely think I'm going to have to use wooden needles as the silk yarn seems too slippery on the metal needles.

When bad things happen to good elbows

2007-09-07T04:34:00.000-06:00

I'm crushed. Here I was, all excited for this KAL (so excited that I've already knit one Hanami over the summer, and am bursting to knit another), and what did I do? Smacked my elbow on a doorframe so hard that half my right hand has been tingling/asleep for a week! Brilliant, just brilliant.

As a result, I've managed only a provisional cast-on (my first-ever!) and four rows of the blossoms-only version. Ooooh, four rows. Not even worth taking a picture of. Hopefully my elbow will heal up fast, and I'll be able to produce something more impressive by next week. However, this doesn't bode well for my ability to knit along on schedule...

I'm going to console myself in the meantime by going to the Waterloo Region Knitters' Fair tommorow -- the largest event of its kind in Canada, supposedly, and right here in town. Is anyone else in the group local enough to be going? If so, I'll see you there!

Hi, and a progress report

2007-09-06T19:39:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone--

I started my shawl last week, but didn't take a picture till today (and not a very exciting one at that!).

I'm about 2 repeats in, using Andrea from Schaefer Yarns, and a size 3 needle. The color (light greens and yellows) is completely lost in this picture, but it's very pretty in real life.

I have about 200 yards more than called for in the pattern, so I'm thinking about making the stole a bit longer--knitting an extra repeat of the basketweave, then an approximately equal number of extra rows of the petal end (although I haven't decided what section I should repeat)--since I think my gauge is a bit small. Or maybe it's not--I didn't swatch, and I haven't blocked this bit yet. I like to live on the edge.

Rebecca/Archiknist

Wedding Deadline

2007-09-05T14:22:00.000-06:00

I've been pushing a little hard on my project because I would like to have it done in time for a family wedding in less than two weeks. I'm really enjoying this knit. I have progressed to about mid-way through chart C. This is fun.

P.S. I've never posted a blog before as you can see from the lame picture layout. Hopefully, with practice I'll get better. Need to go knit now.

Provisional Cast-on --- Show me the way!

2007-09-05T04:58:00.000-06:00

This is my first attempt at doing a provisional cast on... it looks horrible. Can you share your favorite method ... point me to sites with photos, if you can. I was hoping to get going on the all-blossom version this weekend; it's intended for a gift so wanted to make this version first. (Clearly, I'll be bringing up the rear in this group... I can't even get started.)

Thanks!
Maria (Boston)
(Frog Tree Alpaca, fingering weight, dark grayish-lavender)

My Yarn is Finally Here!!

2007-09-04T19:23:00.000-06:00

I have finally got my yarn. I decided on changing the color a bit. I had decided to go with the color iris in alpaca cloud from knit picks. I can't wait until i get to swatch and then start.

Ready to start

2007-09-04T15:17:00.000-06:00

Hi folks,

I got far enough on the Galveston shawl last night (finished clue 5 of the large triangle version) that I gave myself permission to cast on Hanami tonight. I've decided to do the "blossom only" version, and will start with a provisional cast on. It's nice to see other people's pictures and progress, some of you all are fast! I have beads, but I don't think I'll wind up using them. Perhaps on the ruffled ends, we'll see when I get closer.

70 rows per week seems do-able, but since I have several projects on the needles I'm going to shoot for 50 instead. If I make it to 70, that's gravy.

toodles,
Linda F

Hanami Progress

2007-09-04T12:57:00.000-06:00

Here is my progress. It seems to be cruising along. I finished the basket weave and have moved on to the cherry blossom section.
It is looking great and I am adding beads very selectively so that it looks random. I also am taking the less is more approach.

You can see them here better. I only started them in the second chart and most of the time only use one bead per row and then only every few rows. I think it will add the sparkle I want without over powering the over all look. I have also made a decision to only work a few repeats of the final chart, since the one I saw done like this I really liked, so I am adding in short repeats of the other charts to make up for this choice plus I did an extra basket weave chart so I am working in extra rows for that too. Crazy I know but I think it will look better to me in the long run.

You gals rule!

2007-09-04T09:52:00.000-06:00

I'm just SO impressed with everyone's knitoriety! I cast on and did the 6 rows of garter and then lost it. I need T. to refresh my yarn over procedure. As one of my profs said "Its a learning experience". Keep up the great work!

BTW, are there any men kniiting this KAL? Perhaps a nice wrap for their beloved? Or themselves? (no judgement here). Just curious.

two repeats finished

2007-09-03T21:35:00.000-06:00

I have finished two repeats of the basket weave section, I found it to be relatively easy compared to MS3. It's a straight forward design and I'm doing a lot better with it than I did at the beginning of MS3. It's because I had such a huge learning curve on the MS3. I had never read a chart before, for instance, or used lace weight yarn. I love the Zephyr! It's so easy to knit with. I am also finding the Knit Picks circular needle comparable to the Addi Turbo Lace, esp. considering it costs about 25% of the Addi price. It's easy to love.
I'll post a picture when I'm done with the basket weave section. I'm going to knit this piece as it was designed, with both the basket and the blossoms.
Rowan

Made it through the basketweave section!

2007-09-03T19:01:00.000-06:00

Yea! I started this Hanami before MS3 and continued on for awhile. I picked it back up again this week and finished the last two repeats! Yes! That's done! Now I'll work on the transitional chart this week. It's beautiful! If I weren't so lazy, I'd get up and find the camera and yada, yada, yada! I'll get to that soon, I promise!

The basketweave section is much easier the more you repeat it. I had no problems picking right up and getting in a rhythm, even working on it in the car while riding around this afternoon.

So glad we're doing the KAL - that keeps me moving! And because I'm ahead of the group, maybe I'll have a shot at keeping up this time! Ha!

Chanda in Mississippi - cooler but oh so humid! (Cooler is a relative term - it was over 100 last week.)

Two days late, but I have started!

2007-09-03T15:42:00.000-06:00

Not the best picture, but I figure it at least proves I did start!

Accepted the mission

2007-09-02T15:56:00.001-06:00

I accepted the mission and started Hanami this afternoon while watching the US Open on tv. I am hopelessly bad at posting pictures, but am enjoying this knit. I started adding extra beads and am trying to decide if I like them. If I don't, I guess I'll find a pair of pliers & crush them. I am using KP Merino lace in bare & have light pink beads. The person I am knitting this for isn't a pink person.

Happy knitting to all.

Yarn pics

2007-09-02T13:39:00.001-06:00

Please excuse my fingers, the best shots color-wise seemed to be the ones where I was holding the yarn and not my lovely pose-in-the-flowers shot.

In the hank, and pretty close to the colors.

In a cake. Don't know if you can see the differences in the pinks - it's subtle, and just what I was hoping for. Can't wait to see how it knit's up!

I Swear!

2007-09-01T09:17:00.000-06:00

OK - if it kills me, I swear I'm going to cast on and be "with" the rest of the bunch here by the end of the weekend. Thank goodness it's a long weekend! HA!

I still plan on doing the Cherry Blossoms version, and I've worked this out - in my mind at least:

I'm going to do the beaded cast-on, knit the 6 rows of garter stitch, then do the basketweave pattern ONE TIME, then 6 rows of garter stitch again, more beads, then begin the cherry blossom portions to the end, (may add more beads before the ruffle - heck, I've got enough!), done. Then I'll pick back up my beaded cast on (is this going to be possible????), knit the cherry blossoms portions one more time, more beads at the end, and I'm done.

That's the plan anyway. But first, I'm determined to finish the test knit I'm doing for Glampyre Knits/Stephanie Japel. Man, I'd best get knittin'!

Happy knitting, all!

:O)