How many are ‘too much’?

Nope, I haven’t finished the Mystery project/s, the quilt top, the dolls . . .

But I have started yet another shawl . . . I’ve wanted to learn a faster way of knitting for years, as I’m a ‘drop n throw’ knitter. I’ve often regretted resisting my poor Mum’s efforts to teach me how to hold the yarn properly (well, one of the ways).

A couple of days ago I found excellent directions on how to knit Continental style and that lovely and simple pattern for the garter stitch shawl. I was lucky enough to remember where my stash of Decor yarn was, too (the Country Blues in three shades; pale, plain and rich).

So I began. Sounds simple, right? No, in my idiot creative mood, I decided I wanted two rows of holes near the middle and I wanted three stitches in between them . . .

I must have begun this thing half a dozen times or more, several times getting to where it is now, then ripping it out; sometimes a few rows, other times to the beginning.

Slightly frustrating . . .

So I ripped it out one last time (and no, there are no photos)

This time I began as instructed (miracle!); I decided to stay wuth my own idea of three stitches in the centre, though; I like the look of open, lacy holes, so I want a stronger ‘spine’ to support them.

I’m already getting faster, which is what I really wanted from this project 🙂 In less than three hours, I am here:

You can see a slight imperfection at the centre bottom, where I switched from one centre stitch to three. But that’s at the back of my neck, so I’m not ripping it out again! Instead, I may leave it as is (my hair will cover it) or else make a collar so I can fasten it at my throat in front. Shawls do slip, and I like to wear ’em for walking as well as sitting . . .

In the old days, women often wore a belt and crossed the ends of tbeir shawl in front, then tucked them in the belt to anchor them. Left their hands free to work . . .