I’m about to embark on a project I’ve been dreaming about for years now. A shawl knit from Orenburg down (fluffy goat yarn that can be compared to cashmere in its softness and warmness). Every one is asking me why I’m so fixed on this idea, and I have no clue, to be honest. Just have to make one….
Well, today I accomplished step 1 – collected my packadge with yarn from the post office. I have ordered two skeins 100g each, handspun, undiyed creamy down. On the website is said that this is a very fine thread suitable for making spiderweb shawls (very lacy, thin shawls that according to the tradition are so fine that would pass through a wedding ring). However in reality the yarn looks thicker… I also got a silk thread to be used together with the yarn to add durability as a present. Here how it lookes like:
The seller wrote to me that the amount should be enough for 2 spiderwebs. Hmmmm… I doubt that. Well, never mind, I’d happy if I managed one. I’m also not going to make the spiderweb, that should be a square of about 150×150 cm, I prefer palantines – wide scarfs, about 150×50 cm. I’m equipped with the book by Galina Khmeleva that describes the basics of this art. Just need to decide which pattern(s) to use for the main body, and to pick a border.
I guess I’ll make a small mock shawl first, just to grab the idea of how it all works – since the main part and the border are done at the same time.
I also need to wind the skeins into balls before I start. Luckily, I was able to "rob" my granny for the wheel to ease the process.
I wonder when I will be able to boast with the first finished shawl, as I have several projects running… We’ll see