Can't Stop!

The first time I knit lace, it was because I was seduced by a pattern in Rowan’s It’s a Tape Thing.  As a new knitter, I did not yet know the secret powers of a waify model and how their mere image can delude a knitter into thinking the knit item in the picture will make them look as slender and fabulous as the model herself.  I also knit this top at a time when I knew nothing about proper sizing, ease, or picking patterns that are flattering to my body-type.  I’ve juxtaposed the pictures so that you can get the full effect. 

 

Had I knit the item one size bigger it may have looked better on me, but I think Brianne put it best when she said: “It makes you look bigger than you are”.  I really was disappointed not to look 90 lbs while wearing it, that I had spent so much money on yarn and needles and that because it was lace, it was a pain in the ass to fix whenever I screwed it up.  In fact, I swore off lace completely.  That was until Thursday.  Thursday I started this:

Instead of using mohair, I’m using the silk/kid Fleece Artist I bought a while back.  This will ensure that the finished product looks nothing like the shawl in the above picture and thus I will avoid most of the disappointment that would likely ensue if I thought it would.  However, once again I am under the powers of the model in this photo.  I have convinced myself that having this shawl in my life will give me that same “laissez faire” vibe she’s giving off.  That I, like the model in the photo, will be the picture of serenity that one can only attain if they aren’t desperately trying to wrap up their thesis and find a job.

Countdown: My sister’s wedding is in 4 days.

Comments

[suelas.]

allisoN! a shawl! interesting. well, if you end up not liking it for outside-the-house wear, you can always use it to look laissez-faire while you watch L&O/CSI/GG at home.

ps love the juxtaposed pics.

[Leslie]

I couldn't agree w/you more as I, too, have been tricked into thinking that I'd look like the models in Rebecca if I knitted the projects featured on the 5'10, 102 lbs model.
WRONG! We've been hoodwinked!

[Lisa]

That was hilarious and totally true.

I've been thinking about knitting that shawl only because of that picture. I never wear shawls, and I have nothing to wear shawls to. Nonetheless, I keep thinking that someday this fall I'll be at a romantic farmhouse with a bigass flower in my hair, and I'll just need to be wrapped in a shawl like that.

[Choochie]

Kudos, Al. what a fabulous choice this shawl is. i can't wait to see a picture of you wearing during your sister's wedding... like when it was cold at the reception!!!!
too bad we couldn't meet for a tea and a stitch or two.

[Jessica]

Oh my god, I just heard about Costin's misfortune! Maybe the shawl can be turned into a knit sling for his arm? :)

Send him my get well wishes,
Jess