Golden Orchids is a lovely (and free) pattern on Ravelry. I used Cloudborn Fibers Merino Superwash Sock Twist in Autumn Heather and I am delighted by the color. This is a piece that is going to a silent auction and I’m happy to hand it off and get back to the (cough) 6 other unfinished projects I have been jumping around on.
It is fairly easy to follow, though could use a slight bit of polish. While it’s fairly easy to assume that Transition Chart 3 follows Transition Chart 2, the pattern doesn’t mention that in the written paragraph that describes the order of the charts. I also had an issue with the body chart and not understanding that I should repeat the body chart. That was definitely user error on my part as 568 other Ravelry users seemed to get this, but I think the pattern could have been helped by simply stating that the body pattern should be repeated one time with the number of stitches accumulated in parentheses after it. Perhaps this is nitpicky on my part, but I say it in case future knitters come across the same issue so they don’t have to repeat my mistakes.
I had trouble blocking out all the tiny little points that make this shawl delightful. If I had more time to be fussy about it I might try again, but even with softer edges I think it’s lovely. It’s also supposed to have beads, but I didn’t even really consider that. I’m not into beads and needed to get this out ASAP and not worry about one more technique to learn. I’ve never put beads into knits. Am I truly missing out on some delightfulness? Share your thoughts about beading or life or whatever.
Beautiful. And the color is a perfect autumn hue….
The design and that color are a match made in heaven. I have never tried beads either. I am working through A Year of Techniques (which is wonderfully done) and am kind of hoping that, if Jen does it again in a year it two, beading will be an included technique. I would try it if Jen and the Ravelers were holding my hand electronically!
That is a beautiful piece of work! And in a wonderful color choice.
I love putting beads on my knitting! Give it a try!
Beads look impressive on the final product. But beading is much easier than it looks. I use the crochet hook method. As in all things yarny, getting the rhythm makes it easy. For me the hardest part is picking color–I suspect you’ll find that part easy.
Holy smokes that is one gorgeous shawl!! Love how it turned out, and the colour is wonderful.
What a beautiful pattern and your shawl is gorgeous. Someone will be lucky to have it!
Beading shawls is really fun using a crochet hook, and the results are stunning. It takes time and does make a project not travel worthy.
You definitely need to have a place to put your beads and small crochet hook or “bead it hook”. I use a small foam plate and an end table next to my knitting chair to easily add beads. But since I have cats, I always have to clean up so that they don’t scatter the beads throughout the house!
This is lovely!