Want to Knit Sun Ray Shawl [Archive] - KnittingHelp.com Forum

Arielluria

02-06-2007, 05:22 PM

Here's a beautiful shawl, a free pattern and can you believe it's an "easy" level?!?

It says to use 6 balls of elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool. The price isn't bad. I'm kind of impatient, maybe I can find something comparable at Hobby Lobby?!?

Here it is:
http://www.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=188024

http://www.elann.com/images/image1/sunray2.jpg

http://www.elann.com/images/image1/sunray3.jpg

nightowl

02-10-2007, 12:56 AM

I really like this pattern. I printed this it out about a month ago and have been considering knitting it. I don't think I'm ready to do it now though but I'd love to see progress pictures of yours.

Arielluria

02-10-2007, 11:55 AM

I'll keep you posted. I'm looking for yarn now and trying to decide on the color. The link to the yarn on that page takes you to all the colors and there are SOOOOOOOOOOO many gorgeous ones.

knitting4babybear

02-13-2007, 11:01 AM

I want to do it too. I have two other things I want off needles before I start it though, so I'll jump in as soon as at least one of them is done. :)

Arielluria

02-13-2007, 03:25 PM

Great, our own private KA! Did you decide on a color yet? I clicked the link on the pattern and all the colors were so beautiful! I guess i'll go for a lighter color though, like the one in the color.

MoniDew

02-13-2007, 11:50 PM

I really liked this shawl. I've already printed out the pattern, but don't intend to start it for a while yet. When were you planning on beginning the KA?
________
FORD S-MAX PICTURE (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/Ford_S-Max)

MoniDew

02-13-2007, 11:51 PM

I really liked this shawl. I've already printed out the pattern, but don't intend to start it for a while yet. When were you planning on beginning the KA?
________
WASHINGTON DISPENSARIES (http://washington.dispensaries.org/)

knitting4babybear

02-16-2007, 12:27 PM

For whatever reason, I really feel like I want a lace shawl to have a touch of silk in it. Myabe it's the little gleam. I'd love something that's semi solid, but I'll save a non "first shawl" for that, because it usually takes a little more money to get EVERYTHING you want in a yarn. I'm still looking for something that will fit the bill, and I'll most likely get it at Elann. Peruvian baby silk. I ordered a skein to do some test swatches on while I finish my other projects. We'll see. :)

I know the yarn is a smaller gauge than recommended, but I also sooorrttaaaaa want a smaller shawl, so I'll get it, see what happens when I do a swatch on smaller needles with this yarn and see how I feel about it. I did a lace swatch on some sport weight yarn and I definitely like the look of something more delicate a little better. Personal preference though, I think (I hope!). :)

CarolPa2001

02-17-2007, 09:12 AM

May I join your KAL for the Sun Ray Shawl? I've never knitted a shawl before and would love to attempt this one. I'm also fairly new to knitting so I''ll probably have some questions and will love the support of this group to get me through. Thank you, Carol

Arielluria

02-19-2007, 04:57 PM

Hi Carol and WELCOME!!!!!!! Absolutely, join us. I haven't started yet, I'm looking for the right yarn too.

This may be too heavy for this, but I'm loving Yarn Bee's Dreamy Chenille. See http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?p=376362.

CountryCrafter

02-22-2007, 04:28 PM

I am looking at this shawl and considering joining you. I am ready to move up from dishcloths and boring squares for my daughters blanket, but I'm not sure if I am ready for this. Just glancing at the pattern puts questions into my head, but I guess that is what a KA is for!

I am also dizzy from all the different colors! I will probably go with the elann since the price seems right.

I will mull it over a bit more and let you know!

April

Arielluria

02-22-2007, 08:02 PM

I haven't really looked at the pattern, I need to do a test patch myself. I am merely going by the fact that it says it's an easy pattern. I can't wait to decide on a color and start this!

irish_leeny

02-26-2007, 10:35 AM

Ugh! I just finished this shawl on Saturday! Too late for me to join!

However, I will say that this pattern was very easy and fun to knit. I used every last bit of six balls of the suggested yarn, Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool. It went very quickly, and grew exponentially when I blocked it!

Anyhow, I'm here to answer any questions! Hopefully I can post some pics later.
[/img]

Birdy

02-26-2007, 03:35 PM

I think I'd like to try. The beginning has me a bit confused. I can't figure out exactly where I would start knitting as far as how the shawl looks in the picture.

I do have two things I must finish, but I allow myself 3 projects at any time, so I could quick finish one of them and then be allowed to do this.

I'll have to think on it. Potentially I am moving in the next month or so, and that kind of would mean I shouldn't start this.

Arielluria

02-26-2007, 04:35 PM

Irish, I can't wait to see your finished product!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad to hear it was easy.

irish_leeny

02-27-2007, 11:36 AM

Here it is...if you have issues viewing the images, let me know!

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bean37x/photo/294928804253131999/0

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bean37x/photo/294928804253148051/1

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bean37x/photo/294928804253132015/2[/img]

irish_leeny

02-27-2007, 11:56 AM

Here you are!

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bean37x/album/576460762391475548

irish_leeny

02-27-2007, 11:56 AM

Here she is!

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bean37x/album/576460762391475548

CountryCrafter

02-27-2007, 06:29 PM

Irish,

Beautiful! I love the color you chose too!

I am stuck on the color, I just can't decide. Maybe I'll copy you! LOL

Arielluria

02-27-2007, 08:26 PM

Beoooooooootiful! Now I have to start that SOON!!!!!! What yarn did you use?

irish_leeny

02-28-2007, 10:05 AM

Hey guys,

I used the suggested yarn - Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool. It's pretty nice, was inexpensive, and came within two days! The colorway I used is called Tranquil Lagoon, but I don't think that particular shade is available anymore.

Comparable yarns, in my opinion, would be Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes, Cascade 220 or Patons Classic Merino. The Elann balls are around the same size/yardage as the Wool of the Andes.

Let me know if you've got any more questions! It was so much fun and very easy/quick to knit!

-Colleen

CountryCrafter

03-01-2007, 12:04 AM

Ok, I ordered my wool...Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Mulled Wine. While I was at it I ordered a set of Options, gotta love the free shipping! LOL I can't wait to get started. I'll be looking over the pattern, but I think I understand it except for...the FIRST line! I need to figure out this whole crochet thing. :??

Can't wait to get started!

irish_leeny

03-01-2007, 09:36 AM

The crochet provisional cast on is easy. Just crochet the chains specified and look for the side of the chain that has little bumps that look like purl bumps. Pick up those bumps and knit into them. It's a lot easier than it looks!

irish_leeny

03-01-2007, 09:38 AM

Arielluria

03-01-2007, 10:42 AM

I'm sooooo confused on the color, I CAN'T make up my mind. I love the bright blues, but I wonder if a shawl that color would look good, so I think of going with the more "safe" colors like a dusty green or lavender or yuck! beige!

What are your opinions?????????? What color are YOU going to make it?

Arielluria

03-02-2007, 06:36 PM

:doh: C'mon you guys, help me out here! What color?!?!? Yikes! Should I go for a neutral-ish color or go for a punchy color that I love like a bright blue or purple??????????? :shrug:

Arielluria

03-02-2007, 08:18 PM

I don't think the pattern mentions what color the one the model is wearing was made in, does it? I read it through and didn't see it.

It looks like the color named "Butter" to me. What do you think?

CountryCrafter

03-02-2007, 11:34 PM

It does look like butter which is beautiful, unfortunately I can't wear yellows, oranges, or peaches and even green is iffy for me. My coloring just doesn't work with them. That was the first step in my decision making process. I really love blue, but then I thought I might want to wear my pretty shawl with jeans and I can be picky about the blues matching. I really wanted a color so that left me with the reds and purples and I chose the mulled wine because I think it is pretty. So, that was my decision making process!

I also went with the knit picks because I was already placing an order and got free shipping. :happydance:

There is probably one color that is really just jumping out at you and you are liking...go for it!

Arielluria

03-03-2007, 11:49 AM

I've narrowed it down to

Celadon:
http://www.elann.com/images/image1/y5221726.jpg

or
Victorian Violet:
http://www.elann.com/images/image1/y5221755.jpg

or
Serengeti Sand:
http://www.elann.com/images/image1/y5221753.jpg
:cheering:

Arielluria

03-03-2007, 11:50 AM

I also went with the knit picks because I was already placing an order and got free shipping. :happydance:

How did you know the Knitpics would be a good replacement for the Elann? I'm still pretty new at this and the whole figuring out weights, etc. confound me! :??

CountryCrafter

03-03-2007, 06:21 PM

I am pretty new at knitting too. I am trusting that Irish knows what she is talking about and she suggested it as a replacement. :lol:

irish_leeny

03-05-2007, 11:10 AM

KnitPicks WotA and Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool are both worsted weight, wool yarns. I have both of them and they're almost identical in texture; I will say that the KnitPicks is a little softer than the Elann, but Elann is great too. KnitPicks' is cheaper, but Elann arrives faster in the mail.

CountryCrafter

03-05-2007, 12:04 PM

I am thinking is will be a while before I get my package from knitpicks since I ordered the Options at the same time. I have't gotten an email saying it has been shipped yet. :crying:

Arielluria

03-05-2007, 01:07 PM

KnitPicks' is cheaperWhoa! You said the magic word.........."cheaper"!!!!!!!!!! I'll have to check them out then! ;)

Arielluria

03-08-2007, 10:23 PM

:cheering: Celadon it is! I just put in my order!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now to get my first sweater off the needles! :happydance:

http://www.elann.com/images/image1/y5221726.jpg

How's everyone coming on theirs?

CountryCrafter

03-10-2007, 02:01 PM

I got my order from KnitPicks. The pink is what I am going to use for the shawl. I will get started probably on Monday!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b178/Aprils_Garden/100_2409.jpg

Arielluria

03-10-2007, 04:58 PM

:cheering: :heart: :happydance:

Arielluria

03-12-2007, 03:17 PM

:cheering: Woohoo! I have Celedon in hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is my first fancy yarn purchase!

I can't believe how small these are, I can't believe it will only take 6 to make the shawl! :happydance: I can't wait. I am furiously trying to finish the Textured Cotton Chenille Sweatshirt (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?p=376362) so I can get this started!
:X:

Arielluria

03-12-2007, 09:18 PM

So can anyone tell me if I NEED to make a gauge swatch? If I'm using the exact yarn that the pattern recommends and the same sized needles???????????????????

IrishKnitter

03-12-2007, 09:32 PM

:cheering: :cheering: :cheering: Yay--you chose your color! I'm not knitting the shawl, but I remember your tough decision with all those gorgeous colors of yarn.

I'll be checking in to see how it looks knit up!

irish_leeny

03-14-2007, 08:29 AM

I didn't make a gauge swatch. I know, shame on me. I used the recommended size needles (My Denise's...best needles EVER) and just about every last bit of those six balls of yarn.

Keep in mind that when you're knitting the shawl, it doesn't look that big. However, when you block the thing, it turns into The Shawl That Ate New York. It is HUGE!

Arielluria

03-14-2007, 10:00 AM

Keep in mind that when you're knitting the shawl, it doesn't look that big. However, when you block the thing, it turns into The Shawl That Ate New York. It is HUGE! :roflhard: Thanks for the tip. I hope the same thing happens to my Textured Chenille Sweatshirt (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?p=376362), it's looking mighty small! :shifty:

CarolPa2001

03-16-2007, 11:33 AM

Can someone please explain or maybe elaborate on how to do the picot bind-off other than the way it is explained in the pattern??? I'm hitting a blank wall for understanding the directions. Now you have to understand as I explained before this is my first shawl and I'm new to knitting and have never had to do anything but a plain bind off. I'm a visual learner and find this for some reason hard to understand. I finished the shawl last night and it has turned out quite nicely. I taught myself K2tog, ssk,and yo which were all new stitches. Oh and I can't forget lifelines... they were so important for me. LOL

Really any information would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I should just walk away and come back later to it but I'm impatient to be this close and not being able to finish.

Thanks,
Carol

Arielluria

03-16-2007, 11:57 AM

:cheering: Hooray for you! Don't walk away, someone here will help you! I haven't even started mine yet. Post a picture when you do. I'm fairly new at this too and since I haven't even started yet, I hesitate to try to help because I may lead you astray.

Arielluria

03-17-2007, 10:52 AM

I just started mine this morning. So far it's a nice rounded shape, and the directions are easy, but i'm NOT seeing the design at all. For those of you who have done or are longer along than myself, does the YO design start to show up with more weight/washing and/or draping over the body?

irish_leeny

03-20-2007, 03:42 PM

Yes! The yarn overs do show. Blocking does amazing things to this shawl.

Arielluria

03-20-2007, 04:29 PM

Thanks!!!!!!!!! I was startig to worry. It's also curling quite a bit, did yours do that? See pic below.

RiverDaughter

03-20-2007, 09:54 PM

Oh wow, this sawl was EXACTLY the pattern I was looking for to mtch a sleeveless dress I have!

ElenTikvah

03-20-2007, 10:21 PM

RiverDaughter

03-20-2007, 10:27 PM

Arielluria

03-21-2007, 04:31 PM

Well, I love this shawl...and it looks really complicated, but I may consider trying it out.

One question tho...I'm new to this forum, and relatively new to knitting...how long will this KA last...is there a time limit to when I can start the shawl?

Thanks!

~LeaI'm pretty new at this too, and it IS simple! Go for it. No time limit. It's an informal KA, because I KNEW others would be interested.

Arielluria

03-21-2007, 04:38 PM

Actually, I do have one question myself, about the beginning.

Next row, K3, pick up and knit 1 st in each of the 9 garter ridges along selvedge edge of piece, unzip waste yarn chain to expose 3 sts at base of the piece, place these 3 sts onto left needle, K3. (15 sts total)

So, you knit 18 rows of three stitches. That I get, though I don't see where in teh shawl they did that, but what is a selvedge, and, from then on, which side are you knitting on? You have two different sides going, don't you? It sounds amazingly complicated, and I can't wrap my brain around it no matte how hard I try. :pout:

And the pattern doesn't tell when to switch from the straight knitting needles to the circular ones. :pout: Why couldn't they have just written the pattern with large, overly obvious notes for those of us who just don't get it on occasion? :pout:

I had a little trouble with that myself, but it's actually simple. The 3 on the crochet waste yarn just sit there until you do your 18 rows, which gives you the beginning garter edge, then you just slip the 3 first stitches on the needle and what it does is create the bottom corner of the shawl. Look at my pic above, it's the bottom (lowest) end.

I hope that makes sense.

RiverDaughter

03-22-2007, 01:49 AM

Actually, that did make sense. And a fried did a rough sketch for me online, too, to help, as he knows it's easier for me to see than to read sometimmes. :lol: I did not know he was a knitter, but I do now! :roflhard:

ElenTikvah

03-27-2007, 09:09 PM

I'm really wanting to try this shawl...but I'm thinking about using alpaca instead of wool, in worsted weight...like this Peruvian Pure Alpaca (http://www.elann.com/productdisp.asp?NAME=elann%2Ecom+Peruvian+Pure+Alp aca&Season=&Company=&Cat=&ProductType=5&OrderBy=&Count=7). Do you think it will turn out ok? I have never worked with natural fibers before, and I just don't really like wool...but I'm intrigued with alpaca, and I hope that it will work.

Plus, I have to wait for my next paycheck anyway! :P

~Tik

Edited to fix the URL text.

Arielluria

03-28-2007, 11:17 AM

I can't answer your question I'm new too. I'm sure someone else here will. Nice to have you join us............I can't wait to see ALL the finished FOs!

I had to frog mine last week. I got the idea that I was doing my knit stitches wrong (I do my yarn under to over but since no one ever taught me to knit I thought for some strange reason it was supposed to be over to under........plus I knit continental and combination so I didn't know if that made a difference :wall: ).........Confused? Here's a thread about Knitting the wrong way? (there is a difference!) (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28967&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=).............SOOOOOOOOO I changed my knit stitch to carry the thread over to under and it made the stitch tighter, but it also twisted it :doh: so I did a test patch doing both ways and realized I had to frog the whole thing. Not too bad, I was only about 45 rows into it. Once I restarted the holes in the lace are MUCH more noticeable! I'm loving it much more. I'll post a picture later.

irish_leeny

03-30-2007, 10:58 AM

Arielluria: A little bit...it will all straighten out. It was "bubbly" too when I was knitting it...I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. Love your color selection :) I am sorry you had trouble with it, but you will be so gld you made it in the end!!!

RiverDaughter: You do knit 18 rows os three stitches each. when you're done with this row, you rip out the crochet cast-on and put those three un-zipped stitches on your needle. And don't bother with the straight needles. Use a circular for the whole thing.

ElenTikvah: Alpaca would be nice, but keep in mind it's extremely warm! It would be great in the winter months.