This is for Aiobhe Ni’s “Something For Myself CAL”. I rushed through this project, which took a bit of the enjoyment out. But even so, it was still one of my favorites. The lace section has enough interest to keep you going. The first row is tedious, but that’s to be expected.

I don’t generally name my projects, but The Stand kept me company through much of this shawl. ☺

Notes and observations:

♦Stitch markers!! Save yourself a boatload of counting and move one with each repeat. I also marked off the full sections in the first row with different colors, so I could track down any issues easier.

♦I’m prone to missing or adding yarn-overs at random. As such, I made a habit of counting every other row to check my count. It’s time intensive, but not so much as ripping back 3 or 4 rows every other section.

♦The cnupps were MUCH easier this time (versus Venus). Part of that is the yarn/hook combination. A gentle tug after every odd loop and one for good measure once all 9 are on the hook. When pulling through, I keep the tip of the hook turned slightly toward me. It’s also better to pull through too many loops and have to pick one back up than pull through too few. If you have to catch a missed loop, it gives your nupp an ugly bump. And don’t forget to tug on your working yarn to tighten it up once you’re through.

♦If you have the patience, FSC the chain instead. I didn’t do it this run and I’m regretting it. I think some of my blocking woes can be attributed to the tension in the chain.

4/5/2014 - Blocked and Photographed! Blocking was a bear. I wasn’t bright enough to flat pin the first segment, so I had to redo it all as I overlapped. Couldn’t get a nice even spread through all of it so there is a rusching effect in some places along the chain (you can see it in the blocking picture), but it is so long you don’t really notice.

3/31/14 - This project DID NOT take 3 months. But I set it down for a prolonged period of time, then it took a trip to New York without me, and came home just in time for the flu to strike. True to my procrastinating nature, I put if off until the last minute and have spent 3 straight days, morning to night, working to get it done.

1/2/14 - Chained and hooking. This is the first time I ever started a A.N. pattern and just “got it” right away. Lets hope it continues as such.