Every January I start a project for me -- it is my antidote to the frantic and generous and did I say frantic Christmas rush of productivity for my loved ones and other people's loved ones that usually begins in the Studio in early November and seems to last waaay longer than a mere two months. This year I opted for a shawl and I am quite a fan of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Pi Are Square Shawl. The bad news is that I'm not going to give you the directions to Elizabeth's Pi Are Square Shawl because she covers it herself beautifully in her book Knitting Around which is currently on sale at Knit Picks and has not only this wonderful pattern but many others and also some very amusing writing about Elizabeth's life. The Pi shawl is a relaxing knit with plenty of garter stitch, and yet still has enough room for innovation to keep you awake. It is a perfect blend of Oatmeal Knitting (comforting and bland) and Thinking Woman's Knitting (Lace, shaping and keeping your wits about you). It is also an excellent shawl for wearing because the shape and the weight keep it on your shoulders without you having to be constantly clutching at it. I use mine out amongst the people and in the kitchen over my nightgown. It is very useful to me.
The yarn I chose is from Peacefleece and is their sport weight in Sheplova Mushroom. Click on Sheplova Mushroom to buy your own, or to choose from some of the other lovely colors. I am a long time fan of Peacefleece for both the quality of their products and the quality of their business plan, and you will find references to them through out my blog and site. I use their yarn for my French Schoolgirl Cardigan, the Latvian Mittens and Socks, and my Shopping Shawl, for example. This picture is a Studio Shot of the remarkable Martha Mai, the essential coffee set up in the background, and the Shawl for Me on the blocking board. Note the blocking wires, which are invaluable for blocking lace shawls. You can get these at Knitpicks for a reasonable price -- or, as one of my Studio Knitters commented, you can just stop by the studio with your finished project and use mine!
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