Dear Ann:
Good morning! First, an FO.
At least my part of this O is F’d. Niece Kristin has been steadily knitting away on dishrags and Honey Cowls, and wanted to make her first sweater. After some Ravelry browsing, she chose Sambuca. Sambuca is the perfect sweater for someone with a perfect waistline. I also love the placement of the colorwork in the body instead of the yoke.
As an extension of my cast-on service for new knitters, I knit the neck and raglan increases down to the join-up stage, and now I’m mailing it to Kristin for the straightaway robo-cranking of the body and sleeves, including the Fair Isle bits. I figure she will absorb the basics of top-down sweater construction just by having this thing on her lap for a few weeks.
So, CONTEST TIME.
The Situation: I volunteered, of my own accord and wild enthusiasm, to knit a wedding shawl. The wedding is at the end of May. 2014.
Not knitting many shawls, or at least not many shawls that are not worn as scrunched up schmattahs, I spent 19 years looking at shawls on Ravelry, with no discernible narrowing of the field. I just don’t have the Shawl Eye. The shawls I favor are never Statement Shawls or Big Life Event Shawls. And I think that’s what is called for. This shawl is going to be part of a tender young someone’s trousseau, for Pete’s sake. It has to be good.
So the contest is to suggest shawls to me. Here are the guidelines, and a hint that may or may not be important (it will depend on the shawl).
1. In the comments, put a link to a shawl pattern.
2. The pattern needs to be currently in print. (Given my deadline, I prefer a downloadable pattern, but if it’s in a book that’s available online, that’s fine.)
3. Please also suggest a yarn that is currently available.
4. Post your comment by Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. NYC time.
The Hint: The bride has Scottish heritage, so I’m intrigued by the idea of a Shetland shawl. I do not limit the field to Shetland shawls, but a Shetland or Shetland-tradition shawl could have particular appeal. The bride likes fancy and feminine. So don’t choose based on my own more plainspoken, still-wearing-Eileen-Fisher-sackdress-purchased-in-1987 taste. Looking to please a chic, elegant bride who is dear to me, while still choosing something that I can actually knit in 6 weeks or less.
The Prize: I will pick one entry based on wanting to knit the shawl, and I will choose a second winner by random drawing. Each winner will get the pattern and the yarn for the shawl they suggested. In case of 2 people suggesting the same shawl, the first suggester of the shawl wins. Please only enter once; I’ll delete multiple entries. Trying to actually pick a shawl!
I know this is a weird contest but I feel there is a lot of shawl knowledge out there and I need to find a fast way through the thicket.
Love,
Kay
I like this one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/edwina-shawl Looks like you can knit it in Jaggerspun Zephyr Silk. It’s very elegant. Good luck with your search.
I love this one – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/love-on-the-edge. It’s beautiful and I also like the name of it! I’d make it in ColourMart Cashmere/Merino.
This is not a new pattern, nor is it Sheland-y, but the Hanami Stole has a plaid/crosshatched end and a wifty rainy end: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hanami-stole
The pattern page calls for Knitpicks Shadow lace but I liked the project made in Kraemer Yarns Silk & Silver better: http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/kraemer-yarns-sterling-silk–silver
I made Annis http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss10/PATTannis.php in Cascade Lace, for a friend for her wedding. I chose this pattern because it’s small-ish. I didn’t want it to overpower the beautiful dress she so carefully chose.
Because nupps were new to me, I made a practice shawl for myself with some sock yarn, and both turned out beautifully. The pattern is fancy enough for a wedding, yet also can be worn later (I wear mine all the time as a shawl or a scarf, depending on my mood)
There are a lot of shawls that have been knitted for weddings, but mine is tried and true and can be knitted comfortably in the time you have. The thing that makes the shawl are the Swarovski Crystals, which can be pricey. I got mine on ebay from a reputable seller (there are a lot of fakes on there as well-heck maybe mine were, but they came in the package with the hologram and they did the trick)
Swallowtail Shawl. Here are links to the two I made. One shows the crystals sparkling better than the photos in the other.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittingtheblues/swallowtail-shawl-5
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/knittingtheblues/swallowtail-shawl-4
And because it was not an entirely original idea on my part I got the idea from this one:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/zibor/swallowtail-shawl
It was well received and loved by the brides I knitted it for.
Dear Kay – I believe I have the perfect shawl for you knitting pleasure that will make for a treasured heirloom as well as a show stopper for the bride on her special day. It is from the latest Knitty and it is GORGEOUS! I am speaking of Regenerate by Mary-Anne Mace: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEss14/KSPATTregenerate.php
I think that it would be perfect for a Bride with some Scottish ancestry especially since it features thistles. It will be warm enough to fend off any chill in the air in May!
Now, as to the yarn for this beauty – if you are not spinning your own – I would select either of the following:
1. Yet, dyed by Miss Babs: http://www.missbabs.com/collections/hand-dyed-yarns/Yet She has an awesome selection of simply incredible colors – and the Merino Silk blend will make for a lovely shawl.
2. My second choice would be Nate’s Yarn by Briar Rose Fibers: https://www.briarrosefibers.net/product-category/yarn/nates-yarn/ Though Chris does not have as many color selections as Miss Babs does, her fiber choices are simply yummy. And I think that Nate’s Yarn will give you a handspun look.
Good luck with your selection!
All the best,
AsKatKnits
Perhaps an oldie, but definitely a goodie. Print O’ the Waves by Eunny Jang. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/print-o-the-wave-stole I did this for a bride a few years back in KSH and she loved it. You can see pictures from the wedding here: https://www.ripplescrafts.com/dropone/?p=280 Good luck with whatever you decide to knit. I know from knitting for someone’s wedding that it can be stressful, but try to enjoy it too. Don’t think about the fact that your finished object will be looked at all day by many many others …. honestly, don’t think about that.
I propose the Heirloom Lace Shawl: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heirloom-lace-shawl. It has a square shape, making it versatile enough to wear post-wedding and (should the need arise) wrap a baby in. It has Shetland motifs, but it is constructed in a more modern way (no fiddly sewing-on of edgings; they’re knit-on) and looks simple enough to knit quickly. You could use Sweet Georgia Merino Silk Lace: http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/sweetgeorgia-yarns-merino-silk-lace. If you’ll permit me the liberty of suggesting a colorway: Hush, because it would be Something Blue.
Good luck with your shawl, whatever you choose. It will be beautiful!
I made two shawls for my own wedding. An Adamas shawl by Miriam Felton for myself, I used Rowan kidsilk haze and a Chevron Stole by Wendy D. Johnson for my maid of honor. I used Shibui knits silk cloud in Ivory for that one. I know I finished that one in a month. Good luck!
Bridgewater:
http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=16
Rock Island:
http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=43
Juneberry:
http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=17
The thing about BT is that the patterns stay interesting until the last stitch.
Leaves of Grass shawl done in JaggerSpun silk/wool. it comes in loads of colors as well as white, ivory, and vanilla. gorgeous, and from comments, well written pattern that is fun to work!
Good luck!
My vote: Legends of the Shetland Seas in Hand Maiden Sea Lace or Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace.
How about the Shipwreck shawl from Knitty? http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTshipwreck.php I would say something like Malabrigo Lace, unless you think some sort of Noro colour-changing yarn would be better. Which, in some cases, it would be. Of course. The most spectacular shawl I’ve seen recently was a pi shawl with the Northern Hemisphere star map picked out in beads. Not great for wearing, I think, but looks great spread out in that perfect circle on the floor!
It is not a shawl, exactly, but I have always loved “I Do” from Knitty for just such a scenario (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTido.html). The yarn called for is no longer available, but I am sure you can find a substitute. (I am not interested in entering the contest — just wanted to show you this pattern.)
What a dilemma. I couldn’t decide either. Both of these have been in the back of my mind for a while, since three nieces just got engaged:
First choice:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-dreams-17
Three sizes, lots of Rav projects completed in six weeks or less.
I’d use Juniper Moon Findley.
Close second:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tendrils-3
Kid Silk Haze.
I made Ice Blossoms by Romi for my wedding, in a nice strong blue Malabrigo laceweight. Here is a link to my project page for all the info:
. Hope that works – I’m not good at this sort of thing.
I have always thought that Damask was so lovely; in my head it is done in Madeline tosh merino light. I just love the way that yarn looks in a lace pattern. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/damask-6
I second this! I’m making it now, in fact, to replace a Malabrigo Sock version I lost in Zion Nat’l Park last spring.
Is it a statement shawl? I think it’s a wearable treasure. I’d consider Laminaria, too, a wearable treasure, and I think it’s brilliant to have something from one’s wedding that can be brought occasionally into real life as well.
Also thanks for inviting the links into Ravelry, Kay. I know how I’ll spend a happy hour, when all the entries are in!
Going with the Scottish romantic theme here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thistle-and-fern-shawl in Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace
Yours in Eileen Fisher,
Helen
This looks to me to be the perfect shawl!! It’s lovely! I have relatives from Scotland – and if I ever have an opportunity to knit a shawl for one of them – this is the one!!
I’m a huge fan of Jared Flood’s Rock Island: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-island
I think I’d be tempted to knit it in a light fingering weight vs. a laceweight, just because I’ve found that laceweight tends to take longer to knit, even if you’re knitting the same length of yarn. I’d probably choose the Isager fingering for the alpaca blend with a slight halo, like on this project: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/cae/rock-island
Best of luck to you whatever pattern you choose!
I am going to be slightly biased here Kay and suggest my own pattern. It’s Lily’s Slice of Pi and it’s knit in any 2-ply lace weight. I wasn’t going to suggest it but it’s a pretty quick knit as it only has increases at the beginning of each lace section, as it is a half-pi shawl. I used Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace (which has lots of amazing saturated colours and Rowan Fine Lace which has lots of lovely muted and vintage style colours. The main portion of the lace is the Scottish Thistle lace pattern which is why I decided to throw caution to the winds and share it as an idea. My grandmother was called Lily and was a Scot through and through and the national flower is the Thistle, therefore I had to name it as a tribute to her.
I love Evelyn Clark patterns–for their beauty, simplicity and clear instructions. This one would be stunning in Jaggerspun Zephyr–or a wool-silk blend. <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-triangle-lace-shawl"
This gets my vote, too. Either in Jamieson Shetland Lace to be authentic, or Kidsilk haze for more femininity.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ittybitty/shetland-triangle-lace-shawl-3
I have the Wrap Style book if you want to borrow. Lucky Bride.
Graceful Curves shawl, Mary Triplett Designs, available for download in Ravelry. I suggest either Tilli Tomas Disco Lights or Pure and Simple. I did it in 100% llama (from a friend’s llame named Giselle), but I’m assumin you won’t want as much warmth for a spring wedding. The shawl is pretty and lacy, but a fairly quick knit, especially in a worsted weight yarn. Some did it in a DK, too. I also love the way this shawl lays on the shoulders and stays put, with or without a shawl pin. Mine is on my project page as ‘llama shawl’.
Frost Flowers and Leaves by Eugene Beugler
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frost-flowers–leaves
Knitted in Juniper Moon Findley
Delicious! Happy knitting!
I love Boo Knits’ Sweet Dreams Shawl: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-dreams-17, or any of her patterns really. And they knit up very nicely in Mithril: http://www.verdantgryphon.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=106
Good luck!!
I would knit half of an Evenstar Shawl out of tanis fiber arts silver label mulberry silk. Her colors are gorgeous and would go perfectly with the pattern. It’s a heavy lace weight, so the shawl would add a bit of warmth without being too hot for the day.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evenstar-shawl
http://www.sarahsyarns.com/FK_MistyValesStole.html
Kidsilk Haze is my suggestion for yarn, in white or whatever color is featured
Thought of a second Scottish-inspired wrap, this one a stole inspired by Charles Rennie Macintosh’s work: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/glasgow-rose-stole
In Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace, but of course.
I’m going to vote Meristem by Susanna IC: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/meristem
I think it’d be lovely in Miss Babs’ Yet yarn (merino/silk).
I love Dorothy Siemens’ designs – they all seem fancy and impressive to me – her Shetland Swirl looks perfect for a bride: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-swirl. I would make it in Swans Island Natural Colors Lace in a pale wedding-y colour.
Weddings are beautiful, but they’re a little fussy. Lots to keep track of. So I like this: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anice-shawl
It’s called Annice, it’s by Sharon Miller, and since it was published in Rowan 41, you probably already have it in the house. The yarn is Kidsilk Haze. The shape is rectangular, making it a bit easier for the bride to keep it looking smashing on the big day.
Cobweb Shawl by Elizabeth Lovick in Jagerspun Zephyr. She is a designer in the Shetland Islands.
Unfortunarely no photo on Ravelry (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cobweb-shawl-3) and only available in her book: the Magic of Shetland Lace Knitting, but the book just came out and is readily available (amazon or B&N).
Used 600 yds, simple lace edging and one pattern for the body of the shawl. Fine enough to go through a wedding ring!
I love the look of Laminaria by Elizabeth Freeman http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTlaminaria.html
Suggested yarn: Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk in either Natural or Light Grey. Its a basic coned silk alpaca blend but is suuuper soft when knit up with a very lovely sheen.
Check out the Princess Shawl and the Unst Bridal Shawl. Both are available on the HeirloomKnitting website. Both are Sharon Miller patterns so there is you Scottish connection. Jean Miles over at the Jean’s Knitting blog is knitting Unst right now and has knit Princess in the past. If you don’t know Jean, check her out. She is a delightful American expat living in Edinburgh.
I agree about the Evenstar pattern suggested by Katie Lynn! Susan Pandorf has designed some incredibly stunning shawls!
I’ve made a few wedding gift shawls over the past few years. Two of the more girly ones were Haruni (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/haruni) and Trousseau (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trousseau). I knitted Trousseau in tanis fiber arts silver label mulberry silk, but would love to make another in Sundara FSM, Plucky Primo, or for something especially luxurious and decadent, jade sapphire cashmere silk. One day đŸ™‚
I have personally knit Maplewing by Anne Hansen 3 times (link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maplewing)! And I loved it each time…maybe because it it knit from the bottom up? Anyway, I have used Wollmeise Lacegarn in granaptel (link here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gracielee/maplewing-2), in Woolen Rabbit Whisper Merino laceweight (link here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/gracielee/maplewing), and another in Malabrigo Lace Superwash (which I didn’t ravel–made for a charity auction) which is no longer being manufactured (unfortunately). It is a lovely shawl and I always get complements on it (especially the large red wollmeise one)!
There are two things that I absolutely think a wedding shawl needs to be: lace and hearts … http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karin-lace-shawl . I have strong feelings about using a lace weight yarn for lace shawls, so I would suggest whatever yarn you use, go lace. There’s so many good yarns, but you need an HEIRLOOM yarn, and for me that means Rowan. Wasn’t it the love of Rowan that started this blog? Rowan fine lace (http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/rowan-fine-lace) has a large range of colorways, I would use a pastel, shiny color like 922 or cobweb.
I suggest “Cloud Illusions.” Here’s the Ravelry link. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cloud-illusions
For the yarn, MinkYarn.com’s Chambery, which is a Mink/Cashmere blend. Here’s the link. http://www.minkyarn.com/products/white-chambery-90-mink-10-cashmere-fingering-wt
It’s gotta be an Evenstar. TOTALLY knit-able in 6 weeks if you don’t need to do things like shower or feed yourself. And people have done this during the knitting event that coincidentally coincides with the Olympics. The beads will add a nice weight so all her pictures won’t be the shawl blowing around. Because who has time for shawl wrangling when you’re getting married?!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/evenstar-shawl
You can use any lace weight but how great would silk thread 2 from BMFA be?
In Snow Flake
http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_22_947&products_id=21052
or pick the bride’s favorite color and see if there is a “spirit” colorway.
BAM. You just won Wedding Season 2014.
I love the idea of a square shawl that can be used later as a christening blanket. (no pressure, bride to be! just a suggestion. . . )
I am going to suggest this one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-princess-5
I suppose you could wing it and use a shetland style construction and a stitch dictionary, however you must not give in to any doubts or you will be forever ripping it out.
Oh, Yarn! Dur. I would use any blend of wool and silk, that way it will block and be warm but still have a little sheen to it.
I like the look of this Celtic shawl
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aberlady-stole
I’m Scottish myself and love a celtic knot design. I thought maybe this Shetland lace yarn would be nice, although I haven’t tried it yet
http://www.shetlandwoolbrokers.co.uk/epages/BT2741.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT2741/Products/%22Yarn%20-%20Supreme%20Lace%22/SubProducts/%22ITEM%3A%20YARN%20SSLACE-0013%22
I don’t really have any need for a shawl like this myself so no need to enter me in the draw, just wanted to stick my tuppenceworth in đŸ™‚
Nancy Bush’s Miralda’s Triangular Shawl
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miraldas-triangular-shawl
It’s bottom up, so when you’re at the point where you want to claw your eyes out it should be getting simpler and smaller. If the nupps seem like too much, you can replace them with beads, as many people seem to have done (me, I would way rather fight nupps than fight beads, but to each their own). I’d do it in Harrisville Shetland or something with silk, Zephyr wool-silk, Classic Elite Alpaca Silk, or Lorna’s Laces Helen’s Lace. Definitely something with more than one ply.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-lace-patterned-faroese-shawl I love this one. Would be beautiful!
I am knitting a wedding shawl for a cousin right now. Mine has to be complete by mid June so I have a bit more lee-way than you. I am knitting http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/icarus-shawl for a couple of reasons. It’s easy and I’m not too fond of complicated lace. I could get the yarn quickly. And I think it’s a nice shawl without being too frilly. I am using Plymouth alpaca in natural but you could use any number of lace weight yarns.
Just browsing through Ravelry a bit, I happened upon this lovely! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heirloom-lace-shawl
Traditional Shetland construction, relatively simple patterns, and because I know you love them, mitered corners and a border!
I waffled about the yarn for a while, but eventually I settled on Blue Moon Fiber Arts Marine Silk Lace (silk, merino, and tencel, yum!), in the Spirit colorway Quilla: ever-so-soft pastel named after the Inca protectress of women and marriage, perfect! http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_289_298&products_id=9409
I love ALL Evelyn A. Clark designs so I am going to suggest her Estonian Garden Wrap. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/estonian-garden-scarf-wrap-s-2009. The two ends are lovely and you could substitute beads for the nupps if you prefer. The center section is simple, elegant, and intuitive to knit. Knit out of Zephyr wool/silk would just be wonderful.
Geez, I hope someday I have a reason to knit a wedding shawl for currently single adult daughter or son’s potential bride. One I have admired is Purl Bee’s Bamboo Wedding Shawl:
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/5/15/whits-knits-bamboo-wedding-shawl.html
That shawl would actually be beautiful for any purpose. Simple and elegant.
Kay, please be sure to share with us your final choice and yarn, and then the knitting along the way! Bonus would be to see the Bride wearing it! Fun!
If the shawl is for the purposes of keeping warm, then I would do Anne Hansen’s Maple Wing. It’s my idea of an event shawl for sure.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maplewing
If romance is the goal, then Boo Knits, for sure. “Promise Me” fits the bill to a “T”
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/promise-me
As for yarns, Sweet Georgia’s CashSilk lace comes in a lot of bride-y colors, and they carry it at Knitty City so you can keep supporting Pearl:
http://shop.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/products/cashsilk-lace
I love all the pattern in this:http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/celtic-cable-shawls, but Movarch is the one I like best. I would do it in Rowan Fine Lace.
Dovecote By Anne Hanson
http://knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/dovecote-shawl-p-166.html
It can totally be done in Shetland.
It is lace and a triangle shawl – but the pattern looks doable –
it is pretty and feminine as well as, well, sheltand.
Dovecote, just the name.
I would try a knit along. I have the wool already. heh.
Bridgewater in Classic Elite ‘Silky Alpaca Lace’ by Jared Flood/Brooklyn Tweed. Sorry – I don’t know how to provide a link – but it’s a download on his website. Good Luck
I had an epic photoshoot with our friend Kirsten Kapur recently. I have always been a fan of her designs, but now, after spending time with them up close and personal? I am so smitten, they need to be knitten (pardon my poetry).
She somehow hits the sweet spot between modern and lacey every time– they can look retro or they can look totally perfect on a minimalist outfit.
This one is brand new Bogardus http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bogardus
or Thalia http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thalia-5
or Vestry Street http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vestry-street
I’m going to say cashmere blend , for the occasion. What about Road to China Light from The Fibre Company? Or one of the yarns from The Neighborhood Fiber Co like their Capital Luxury lace http://neighborhoodfiberco.bigcartel.com/product/capital-luxury-lace-all-colors ?
I know it’ll be gorgeous. Lace for spring, Yay!
Fun to watch this. You go.
Bridgewater by Jared Flood http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bridgewater in Classic Elite Silky Alpaca Lace. This never stops being my favorite shawl, and would make a beautiful christening blanket for any future children đŸ™‚
I would suggest Birch, in Kidsilk Haze. Elegant and beautiful as a shawl, and can be repurposed as a scrunched up schmatta every winter forever. And it’s good subway knitting once you’ve memorized the repeat.
The thing about heirlooms is that they can so easily turn into a burden if they’re hard to use every day. How many of us have drawers and shelves full of stuff we never use, but can’t bear to part with?
I know you’re looking for patterns, not votes, but what about http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anice-shawl, suggested by someone else – but in linen?
Why not… anything in linen?
Maybe I’m just always overheated.
I would also vote for something wearable for anniversaries.
Good Luck on your search and with the knitting.
I agree. Linen would be a lovely shawl for a wedding. There are some really lovely linens out there now, and I think it would be used longer than a wooly shawl. I vote for linen.
I’m in love with Anne Hanson’s Icicle but Cluaranach has the thistles in it (and looks easier to complete by May). Whatever you choose, go rectangular (so much more elegant)and use Jagger spun Zephyr for the shine from the silk. (Also those shawls are knit from the center out so you can stop if you run short of time.)
I forgot to say that Cluaranach is fingering weight so you can knit it more quickly, although it would look lovely in lace weight as we’ll. But definitely a yarn with silk. Maybe Blue Moon marine silk? The Branwen color looks nice and creamy and luminous.
I’m making: Mary R. White’s “Blooming Stitch Shawl” for my wedding in Handmaiden Lace Silk. One row is a wee bit fiddly, but I’ve been able to regularly get through at least one repeat of the leaves in a weekend – and I bet if you devoted more time to it, you would get it done.
It’s nice, light, feminine, and reminiscent of the lilies and peonies Mary’s used for her inspiration.
Good luck!
Katie =^..^=
Oh, and you can expand it as much as you want, after you’ve completed the suggest repeats – which might help with your time crunch.
a friedn of mine recently knit the whisper wrap from purl soho (http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/5/13/whits-knits-whisper-wrap.html) for her daughter to wear at her wedding. i’m not familiar with the recommended yarn, but i think sundara lace weight or plucky knitter lace weight would probably be wonderful for the shawl.
So many beautiful choices! I like Icarus Shawl, Annis and Estonian Garden – they’re whisper light, they won’t overpower the gown and look like you’ll be able to finish and block in time. And current weather notwithstanding, I got married May 30 oh so many years ago and it was The Hottest Day Of The Year on Long Island. Just saying.
Personally I love Jared Flood’s Rock Island : http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-island
the pattern is for Lorna’s Laces, but I’d knit it in Sweet Georgia Cashsilk Lace http://shop.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/products/cashsilk-lace
I hate to say this but Are You Crazy? You cannot knit a Shetland shawl in only six weeks.
Yes, she is crazy but I can also vouch for her ability to hunker down and knit anything to a deadline. It’s her superpower.
OK, not helpful. I’d go with the Elizabeth Shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/lace-triangle-collection-ethereal-lace-shawls/patterns by Dee O’Keefe. Downloadable, so you can start today. Less than 1000 yards (important – you only have six weeks!). Genuine Shetland motifs. AND fancy enough for a special occasion wedding shawl! Use the lovely Silky Alpaca Lace by Classic Elite.
Fiddlesticks Garden Shawl by Dorothy Siemens. (Wow. There are a lot of garden shawls out there.) JaggerSpun Zephyr wool/silk, of course.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garden-shawl
I’ve had my eye on this one for a while.
Drat. Now there is another lace shawl in my queue, and one for which I do not have enough yardage of anything!
The Dancing Cranes stole is what I imagine a wedding shawl to be. It is a stole not trangle or cresent but it is soft and beautiful and light.
http://www.elann.com/Commerce.web/product_freepatterns.aspx?featuredID=126165
It’s a repetitive patttern that should go quickly once you’re in the swing. Just change # of repeats to customize the size.
Elann.com will also sell you the yarn Silken Kidd, their equivalent to KidSilk haze. I haven’t knit with either, but i expect you have.
oh yes this one is it beautiful!
One cannot go wrong with any of Gladys Amedro’s Shetland shawls and this is quite pretty:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gibbie-shawl-cw102
The yarn might be Jamieson & Smith cobweb (or live a bit and use a two-ply) or Jamieson’s Ultra Lace.
Cheers, Karen
You didn’t mention preferred shape – this is a rectangle and appears do-able in 6 weeks. Zephyr in solid color would be lovely.
The sample is in variegated yarn; I think some of the projects in solid yarn really show the THISTLES.
I don’t know what-the-heck happened to the link. Let’s try again…
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scotch-thistle-lace-stole
Flukra: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flukra Gudrun may cal them snowflakes, but they look like posies to me. Garter stitch + lace = nothing not to like.
What a fun contest!
My own preference is for crescent or rounded shawls, so I am biased that way. I think triangles can point to a feature many women would rather not emphasize, and can cover important design features of the dress.
I was looking for a shawl with back interest, a vertical pattern, and an indication it had been knit fairly quickly by at least some of the knitters. Initially I was going for a thistle theme. I found many lovely shawls, but I narrowed it down to Stellaria by Suzanna IC. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stellaria-2 The lace border reminds me of thistles and it’s a very feminine design. The garter stitch section could be knit in stockinette for a more formal look, and one knitter finished it in 36 knitting hours. I would add beads for weight and glamor.
One of my very favourite yarns is 2/8 Mulberry Silk (fingering weight) from Chamomile Connection. http://chamomileconnection.com/silk-fingering.html It’s $16 for 100 grams/435 yards. One skein might do it, but I would buy 2 to be safe.
So many beautiful designs and yarns! It will be a tough choice. Lucky bride – my best wishes to her.
I have always loved the Shetland Tea Shawl, and knit one for myself – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-tea-shawl. The recommended yarn is Morehouse Lace, which is available in white – http://www.morehousefarm.com/KnittingEssentials/Yarn/Lace/. I’m looking forward to seeing what you choose, and how it turns out.
That was fun looking through my ravelry queue. I added a ton of shawls for my daughter to choose from when she got married, and now I can look through these comments and add some more!
Based on your description of the bride, Trousseau if you want a big shawl [http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trousseau] or Westport is similar but a little smaller [http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/westport-shawl].
My daughter chose Hanami [http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hanami-stole] for her wedding in a beautiful gray-blue Madeline tosh lace called “mica” — but it is a rectangle and asymmetric, which my daughter loved.
Sorry I don’t know how to link the patterns, it works when I do it for emails but not here.
I love the idea of the Harlot’s snowdrop shawl for wedding and christening:
with this yarn:
You can do it, Kay!
then there is always this one too vey pretty!
What the hey?
Again:
Harlot snowdrop shawl:
Yarn:
AAAAARGH.
Snowdrop shawl.
Valley Yarns 2/10 Merino/Tencel Colrain Lace.
Sheesh
The Snowdrop is a beautiful choice
Goodness, if you’re going to go wedding shawl you’d might as well go all out.
Barring easy access to Niebling patterns, perhaps Happily Ever After (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/happily-ever-after-2) would be fancy enough.
As luck would have it, I knit the lovely Celtic Knot stole (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celtic-knot-stole) for my daughter’s wedding last fall. The wedding was very Scottish –kilts were worn, hand fasting sealed the deal, bagpipes played the recessional. I knit the stole (which is a better shape for a bride because it doesn’t obscure the back of the dress, from a Blue Moon Fiber Arts silk and wool blend in laceweight.
My favourite design for a wedding shawl is one with a centre motif and then two wings – you can make the wings as long and dramatic as you want. Best thing is once you have the centre doily complete – the wings are super duper fast to knit. You can also add beads to wings for that extra special extra sparkle.
favourite yarns – claudia hand painted silk lace, handmaiden lace silk and for a true white – try classic elite silky alpaca lace. Silk is lovely to add a bit of drama.
shawls – try designsbyromi
madrona – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/madrona (about 1000m)
firebird – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/firebird-2 (about 750m)
fiori autunnali – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fiori-autunnali (about 1000m)
have fun!
What a great thought . . . just ask everybody and look at all the fabulous, varied suggestions! As an Eileenophile, I always gravitate toward the simplest designs, and after looking at all the favorites here would vote for either Bamboo or Whisper patterns. Both gorgeous and simple enough to enhance the dress without grabbing center stage. BUT maybe wouldn’t match the bride’s style??? Decision time!
I like the Quill Shetland-style hap shawl at
http://brooklyntweed.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_4&products_id=120
There are two versions of this square shawl – a single color small size or a multi-color large size. The yarn is Brooklyn Tweed Loft.
Yay for wool!
I vote for Marriage by Po Lena, in Handmaiden Lace Silk. http:// http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/marriage
an ethereal and elegant shawl:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-12th-of-never
and it looks doable in the time available (comes in a smaller and a bigger version!).
use the yarn that is recommended.
enjoy!
This is it!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/eva-shawl-2
The Shetland supreme yarn is very fine but surprisingly strong. The shawl will last for generations.
Never mind that you have to order the kit, I can assure you that it is worth all the trouble! Also, it was much easier to knit than I could imagine.
By the way – I am another AnnaM than the AnnaM who suggested a square shawl.
Purl’s Bamboo Wedding Shawl: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/5/15/whits-knits-bamboo-wedding-shawl.html. I made it as a scarf in Jade Sapphire cashmere, but you probably want it to be draper, so the suggested Habu Bamboo 21/12 would be great, or a mostly silk blend of some sort. A really fun knit and definitely doable in 6 weeks!
What about Jared Flood’s Rock Island http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rock-island
or Patusha’s My Heaven http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-heaven?
Both use Shetland lace motifs but since a lot of the body is garter stitch do not take too long to knit up. Also I think the style for both is very classic, fancy but not so fancy you couldn’t wear it post-wedding.
Hi, I knitted Mystic Star http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mystic-star
Lovely in zephyr silk – I used white
The Bressay Hap Shawl by Sharon Miller in Rowan 42!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bressay-hap-shawl
Use BT Loft! (Or you could use Rowan Fine Lace as per the revised, free pattern on the Rowan site.)
Me again.
Another shawl I’d love vicariously to see knitted since I’ll never get around to it is Muir (Scots for moorland and Scots Gaelic for sea). c.
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTmuir.html
One of my fav other blogs to read — Jean’s Knitting — is currently knitting a bridal shawl that is just lovely. It is: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unst-bridal-shawl and she is knitting it with the recommended yarn, Jamieson & Smith 1 Ply Cobweb, which she actually got on her trip to the Shetlands! I don’t know how doable it is in your time frame … but Jean is lives in Scotland so you already have proof that the Scots approve!
Good luck choosing a pattern–all the suggestions are beautiful. A yarn not yet named, how wear, is Jupiter Moon Farms Findley. 50/50 merino/silk, with a true white as well as more than one choice of not quite white shades.
Auto-corrected *however* to “how wear”. Anyone who retweeted that “Your welcome” nightmare had to go on record with a correction to her comment.
So, HOWEVER, etc.
Isn’t Autocorrect just an intrusive, annoying little thing?! I love Findley, too, although I must declare a CSA shareholder bias. It has a very soft halo. http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/juniper-moon-farm-findley
love love love!!
http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/88-spring-summer-2011-patterns/867-trousseau-by-carol-feller
For a rectangular shawl what about the Gothic Leaf Shawl which is lovely with or without beads. And if Celtic credentials are a must there is always Ishbel of course, and I think that would be achievable in the timeframe. It has a stockinette section which would speed it up, plus a lace section as large as you like which will look fancy and feminine. It would look beautiful in a floaty fine Shetland lace. And 12970 examples on Ravelry mean that there will always be help somewhere!
Hope this helps!
Sally
The Aeolian Shawl is in my favorites list on Ravelry – Squares are more traditional for weddings, but that’s a lot of knitting for something that so often is folded in half – and the end of May is SOON, even for you. I have some Sundara yarn that I love, so I’m suggesting that, but their availability is sometimes an issue – any wool/silk combo, fingering or laceweight, would be a good idea. White? Color?
Good luck!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aeolian-shawl
http://www.sundarayarn.com/collections/lace-silky-merino/products/natural-lace-silky-merino
I would put in a vote for Cloud Illusions by Boo Knits. ( http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cloud-illusions ) Boo Knits has a bunch of lovely shawls, also the Sweet Dreams shawl, but that is only available as part of an ebook. They seem fairly quick because they are more like shawlettes, but they have beautiful lacey edges perfect for beading. Lots of drama. And for a wedding, probably Kid Silk Haze. Good luck! I need to get to work on my own wedding shawl/veil!
When I first saw this shawl pattern, I said in my head “wedding shawl” although it was just called something like “shawl.” Later it was renamed “Wedding Shawl.” Is it doable in 6 weeks? Maybe, if your kids like pizza and you don’t need to do tons of laundry. (If you go this route, let me know and I’ll send you the crazy chart I drew I up. Pretty sure I still have it.)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wedding-shawl
I think this:
(http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/temptress-2)
Knit in Juniper Moon Farms Findley would be absolutely gorgeous! I love the drape and sheen of that yarn. (I’ve made some smaller lace projects with it.)
How about this one – brand new pattern on Rav, so perhaps no one will have one like it? I like it because it isn’t a triangle shawl, has some pretty lace and nupps.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winged-estonian
They suggest DROPS lace, but it might also look nice in Sundara 100% silk lace.
good luck!
hi kay,
i think that you need to ascertain first from the bride what shape she wants to wear. there are many lovely triangular designs but some people find that shape too staid. this needs to be something she is delighted to wrap up in, not equivocating whether it looks too old fashioned.
my personal preferences are for crescent (not half circle, don’t sit well) or a stole and i heartily agree with a previous comment that an item that can be worn on anniversaries is a lovely idea.
good luck, am looking forward to following your progress!
Aphrodite by Sivia Harding:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aphrodite-5
Here’s the one that inspired the thought:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/MissScarlet/aphrodite
in Sweet Georgia Cashsilk Lace or Handmaiden Mini Maiden or Silk Cashmere
Anne Hanson of KnitSpot.com does fabulous lace.
How about Sonnenblume:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sonnenblume-5
Or Squall:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squall-2
Or Pine and Ivy:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pine-and-ivy
Or Zinfandel:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zinfandel-2
All the yarns listed for Aphrodite would work well. Or Anne’s suggested yarns are usually perfect.
I think this would make a pretty wedding shawl – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ceili-shawl. And I’m pretty sure I could finish it 6 weeks. It calls for Shibui Knits Staccato.
I suggest anything by brooklyn tweed! stonecrop knit in loft color 23 fossil would be lovely. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stonecrop
I recommend the Edwina Shawl designed by Dee O’Keefe: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/edwina-shawl knit with Malabrigo Lace
I would suggest snow peacock by Tonks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snow-peacock
Its a veil pattern, but makes a really nice shawl. Simple (I think I did mine in 2-3 weeks), but elegant results. I used Fiberspates Scruptious Lace and which blocks like a dream. (I’d also second Juniper moon Findley lace). I wore it as my veil, but then took off the comb and I wear it as a shawl more than I thought I would.
I second the comment on Trousseau — It’s beautiful, and knitted on US 7’s and 9’s (what could be better or faster!!) 298 people have projects on ravelry, so there are sure to be good tips.
Link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trousseau
Things to consider: Lifelines!! ; Beads at the edges.
Yarn suggestions: Fyberspates Scrumptious DK, it is very soft and has a nice sheen.
This is a beautiful shawl.
http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/projects16.html
Just to bundle the recommendations for this particular shawl together, I want to chime in with a recommendation for it. I made it back when it was a fancy kit, with samples of all the gossamer yarns to test. I used the CashSilk gossamer for it – it’s amazing because it’s a lot stronger than yarns of that weight often are. The strength is very important to me, because I tend to have rough hands, and managed to tear the 100% wool gossamer yarn. The shawl has a lovely halo, but it’s quite warm – I wore it with a summer-weight dress for a Christmas party. (It wasn’t that cold, but there was some snow). If you need a less-warm option, then Heirloom Knitting does have a cotton yarn. It was nice, but nothing special.
To give an idea of how long it would take – I did it in under a year when I was in undergrad, with about four or five other projects done at the same time, and I’m not a fast knitter. Getting the knitting done in your time line is quite plausible (especially if you make it a little bit smaller), the bigger challenge is the blocking.
A natural choice might be Carol Feller’s Trousseau:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trousseau
I made this from Swans Island Fingering weight yarn (three hanks — do not be fooled by the pattern — Purl Soho had to save me from my choice of discontinued/stashed yarn). At any rate, it worked up quickly, the pattern is lovely and clear, and the end product really pleased the recipient. Finally, while Carol F is not Scottish, she is Irish and also one of my knitting heroes.
Alrighty — I hit send, then saw that others also like Trousseau. It’s a great choice! (And lifelines are the best.)
How about http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aberlady-stole sorry if it is here already. In Sundara fingering silky merino or cashmere merino?
http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/images/Snowdrop_Shawl_v1.0.pdf
The snowdrop shawl, by Stephanie Pearl McPhee. Simple, but very bridal I think! I like Knitpicks Lace yarns myself.
I’m in a similar situation. I’ve opted for a simple repeat that can be worn again. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pebbly-mesh-lace-wrap–scarf a
And given the crazy weather in the northeast, I suggest Jade sapphire’s Slyph, 50 cashmere / 50 linen. Lovely stuff!
I made a Myrtle Leaf shawl by Jane Sowerby for my cousin, for her wedding last summer. It is gorgeous, and very symbolic for a wedding. Also it doesn’t take too long (May is soon). I used Manos del Uruguay Lace which is also gorgeous. This is a rectangular shawl, and is not too big, so won’t overwhelm a petite bride. I plan on making more, see what you think!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/myrtle-leaf-shawl-with-willow-border
I thin that Jared Flood’s Permafrost would be a lovely choice but I don’t know about six weeks. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/permafrost-2
I like the Josephine shawl – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/josephine-7 – a lovely stole using Shetland patterns. I’d use JaggerSpun Zephyr, just because it’s such a great lace yarn (and available in so many colors). (And I already have the pattern, so I don’t need to be in the contest – just wanted to make a suggestion.)
Ok. So I’ve settled on making Titania for my own wedding shawl. It’s very customizable, you can do the main part in stockinette with just a lace border, or the whole thing in lace. It even offers the option of beading, showing you where to place the beads in the lace. Personally, I decided on it because I could do it as a square (again options! You can do it as a small triangle, medium triangle, triple triangle, or square) with the center being stockinette. In the future when little ones come along, it will be used as a christening blanket for them. (See what I’m doing here, family heirloom!)
I’m using Juniper Moon Farm Findley for the yarn. It’s a lovely yarn that is working up very light and airy.
I love it!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/titania-shawl
http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/juniper-moon-farm-findley
I have long admired the Forest Path Stole, which combines beautiful lace with entrelac construction. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-path-stole Choose the pamphlet one for the pretty edge, not the simplified version in the Interweave book. You could do it in Fyberspates Scrumptious Lace, and it would be, well, scrumptious.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/icarus-shawl I made this shawl for my own wedding, and used KnitPicks Gloss Fingering for it. I was very happy with it, the bind-off is a neat and clever joy, and I still use it to this day, almost two years later. Good luck choosing!
I have made Stellaria by Suzanna IC http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stellaria-2 in Kidsilk Haze, and it just flows and glows looking great all the time. Like jewelry, but better and a little warmer. It is not a giant thing, and knits up quickly, with no extra picking up borders, and enough repeats of each row that it can be memorized.
I really like this Fountain Pen shawl: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fountain-pen-shawl!
Anne Hanson’s Cluranach gives you the thistle pattern http://knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/cluaranach-lace-wrap-or-scarf-p-72.html . I knit it for my mother in laws 70th and it was relatively straightforward.
For a triangular shawl Icarus has the wow factor with the main body having a simple design…. and if you run out of time you can do fewer repeats before starting the edging. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/icarus-shawl
I would use Rowan Kidsilk haze for either project, it is thicker than some laceweights but still lacey. You could get close the the suggested gauge and you can make it white or cream or light grey if the bride wants a white colour.
I would make the Granny Cheyne’s Shetland Shawl, http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granny-cheynes-shetland-shawl, from Wrapped in Lace. Id use laceweight wool or alpaca with some silk in it.
SCOTCH THISTLE LACE STOLE. ravelry.com designed by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer download pattern for $6.50 .diwnlosd pattern from heartstrings. They have ysrn suggestions, or use whatever speaks to you (how about Gloss lace wt?). Love Diane
I hope you are really soaking up all the great respect people have for your knitting skills! The Unst Bridal shawl in 6 weeks-why the heck not!
I agreed with those who thought a stole would be more elegant.
You can always do a log cabin out of lace weight on big needles. (no, I really didn’t mean that)
Off to light candles and say novenas for you!
Nothing says fancy to me like Estonian lace (whether you are Scottish, Estonian, or something else entirely), and I think is one of the nicest.
The pattern gives options for different sizes and different yarn weights which might give you an option that is doable in the time available.
some people have done is to knit the body solid and just do the 2 fabulous border patterns (which would speed things up).
Also skipping the beads would save time (I did mine without beads and it still looks great — if I do say so myself ;).
I used Misti Alpaca Lace yarn for mine, but for a special occasion I think a silk blend would be lovely. My favorite silk/cashmere blend isn’t in production right now, but some good substitutes might be Madeline Tosh Pure Silk Lace or Halcyon Gemstone Silk Yarn.
I’m afraid I attempted to use html tags and didn’t do such a hot job. Here’s a repost with just URLs and no links that might be better:
Nothing says fancy to me like Estonian lace (whether you are Scottish, Estonian, or something else entirely), and I think Aeolian (www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php is one of the nicest.
The pattern gives options for different sizes and different yarn weights which might give you an option that is doable in the time available.
Another option some people have done is to knit the body solid and just do the 2 fabulous border patterns (www.ravelry.com/projects/feministy/aeolian-shawl)which would speed things up.
Also skipping the beads would save time (I did mine without beads and it still looks great — if I do say so myself ;).
I used Misti Alpaca Lace yarn for mine, but for a special occasion I think a silk blend would be lovely. My favorite silk/cashmere blend isn’t in production right now, but some good substitutes might be Madeline Tosh Pure Silk Lace or Halcyon Gemstone Silk Yarn.
Echo flower shawl hands down! The only shawl I have knit more than once. It is truly MUCH easier to knit than it looks. Use 50% of the yarn and then start the border! The first one I knit with Jade Sapphire cashmere silk blend. Which is obviously a good choice for an heirloom.
Not Scottish but lovely and do- able in a short time . You need a silk lace , sundara or MT . Pattern link
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seascape-stole
My Shetland Border Shawl, knit in Handmaiden Sea silk. Definitely do-able in the amount of time you have!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-border-shawl
Love this shawl that would be easy to keep in place.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/song-of-the-cranes
With GARNSTUDIO Drops Lace
Russian Lily has many beautiful shawls but I just love the shape of this one.
I also am of Scottish heritage and the thistle is a symbol of Scotland. According to Wikipedia, the Scottish thistle is ” is an ancient Celtic symbol of nobility of character as well as of birth.” I am recommending http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scotch-thistle-lace-stole knitted in Madelinetosh Pashmina in color Logwood, if that fits with her color scheme. Otherwise, there are over 100 other colors to choose from. Pashmina is a slightly heavier yarn than the fingering called for in the pattern, but 1) it is a rectangular shawl so you can easily adjust the number of repeats both widthwise and lengthwise; 2) it will knit up faster than fingering or lace weight yarn; 3) it is a beautiful yarn. I think rectangular shawls are easier to deal with (require less fussing to keep them in place) than triangular and can actually keep your arms warm if the weather or air conditioning are too cool.
Boo Knits’ Sweet Dreams – eminently doable in 6 weeks, lots of feminine lacy-ness, elegant beads, an area of stockinette for a rest, good charts and instructions too!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-dreams-17
I knit a friend’s shawl last year – here are the suggestions I e-mailed to her. She chose the Dancing Cranes stole, and even with the extra fiddling needed to add in beads it only took about 2 weeks of March Madness basketball knitting to finish. I used Icelandic laceweight from stash, but a few years ago knit a shawl for my sister using a mohair blend from Habu – they have lots of choices (e.g. http://habutextiles.com/A-73). Good luck!
– Edith
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-knitted-veil-in-pyrenees-wool
A simple lace middle section but lovely borders
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/large-rectangle-in-leaf-and-trellis-pattern-with-trellis-border
Leaves to keep with the garden theme
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/madlis-shawl
Estonian lace with a twig motif
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rose-lace-stole-2
This has a simple middle section, so maybe wouldn’t clash with the lace of the dress, but lovely deep flowers on the border edges
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/facing-lilies-stole
More Estonian lace with a lily of the valley pattern – the ground is a little more solid than some of the others
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dancing-cranes-stole
This is a little more abstract (I don’t really see cranes) but there’s a picture of someone wearing it with a strapless wedding gown so I thought it might be inspirational đŸ™‚
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/print-o-the-wave-stole
This pattern looks kind of like hearts to me, so I thought it appropriate
Flagrantly flaunting the rules to offer another suggestion that I cam across. It is screaming Kay Would Make This:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tender-9
in something wispy, and wider than shown. It’s got the You Need Grit to Grind It Out quality while also being lovely and lacey but not too fussy.
(I hope you choose soon. I’m worrying about this poor shawl-less bride.)
xoxo
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/back-to-the-garden-shawl Here’s the link to BadCat’s Back to the Garden Shawl. It is beautiful. She gives good yarn suggestions with out so I will defer to her. Actually, any of her shawls would be gorgeous.
Under these circumstances I’d suggest the EZ Anniversary gull wing shawl:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ez-100th-anniversary-pi-shawl-gull-wings
It can be worked as a full pi or half pi shawl, it is a well written pattern that is easy to execute while still being beautiful, and it pays tribute to Elizabeth Zimmerman.
I’d suggest using the Fibre Company’s “Meadow”, a heavy laceweight that has a bit of silk that catches the light beautifully.
I am so addicted to shawls and say this post and could not resist writing a comment. Two of my favorite shawls are in a book (available via Amazon & other vendors) Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby. The two shawls that I like the most and I think both would be excellent for a bride are: A Knitted Veil (pp. 68 & 69) and Three Cornered Shawl in Clover Pattern (pp. 138-139) – I made both using hand-spun silk but actually most 2-ply yarns would work well, possible a baby merino?
How about something simple like: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barley-straw knit with Madelinetosh Tosh Sock Yarn – Antler perhaps?
How about something simple like this: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barley-straw knit with Madelinetosh Tosh Sock Yarn – Antler
I would knit this shawl, “Aime” by Quince & Co, in a heartbeat. Designed by Ann Budd, it has been on my list for a while!!!!
http://quinceandco.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_14&products_id=179
I wouldn’t knit it in the “frost” but for a wedding, that colour would be PERFECT!!
Well, I do not know your bride, but here is my idea for something elegant, girly and a little bit modern. The hanami stole was my first big lace piece.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hanami-stole
I think it would be lovely in Valley Yarns Alpaca silk.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/shetland-halos — Shetland Halos by Lisa Pearce.
I’d use the yarn the designer used, Grignasco MerinoSilk, as one skein has plenty of yardage for the design.
May I suggest that you ask the bride what shape she would like. A “chic, elegant” woman is probably comfortable with a long rectangle like a pashmina, which might be a good place to start.
I would recommend http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/northmavine-hap because:
“This pattern is part of Kate’s new Colours of Shetland collection which is now available to purchase in print, and/ or digital editions.
A warm hap, with dramatic waves of colour, inspired by the bright greens and blues of the rocks and water which shape the rugged landscape of Northmavine.”
All the best to the bride and groom!
I’m knitting the Tibetan Clouds Beaded Stole by Sivia Harding for my own wedding. As a young, somewhat fashion conscious woman this pattern is my personal favorite. Staying true to local yarns and designers (I live in Portland, OR) I’ll be knitting it in Marine Silk Fingering by Blue Moon Fiber Arts.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tibetan-clouds-beaded-stole
I just wanted to add that this is an amazing contest! I’ve gotten to see so many wedding shawl ideas for my own upcoming wedding. I don’t think I’ll change my own choice from Tibetan clouds, but there’s nothing like getting lost on Ravelry!
I made this Kimono shawl in fingering white wool lace. Really elegant folk shawl by Cheryl Oberle. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kimono-shawl
I would rather perform a DIY root canal on myself than knit a lace shawl so please don’t count this as a contest entry but this site has a number of beautiful patterns, but not too many to look through quickly.
http://www.heirloom-knitting.co.uk/free_pattern.html
Wonderful source of patterns. The Dove Shawl is elegant and gorgeous!
The latest issue of Interweave Knits includes, O’Kelly’s Chapel Shawl.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/okellys-chapel-shawl
The pattern calls for Vijay Fibers Grandioso 100% silk. This would be a lovely wedding gift. The designer actually created this as an”heirloom bridal piece”.
I recently added De lentetuin to my favorites. The best feature being that I can stop after any repeat. I’m a big fan of the Valley Yarns 2/14 Alpaca Silk for shawls of this type.
I saw this on the Internet a few years ago and have made it for two brides…and it was as breathtakingly beautiful as they were! Swallowtail shawl – knit with Jagger Spun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18 – used 1 skein in vanilla and substituted Swarovski crystals for the nupps…they glistened in the light and made the shawl so elegant (look for them on Ebay – much less expensive there).
Good luck choosing…but then “get a wiggle on” and get knitting…brides can wait for no shawl! It’s totally doable in the amount of time you have!
I made the Spanish Christening Shawl from Folk Shawls for my new grandbaby last summer. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spanish-christening-shawl. I am not a big lace knitter, but this project was quite pleasant to do and turned out beautifully. I used Madelinetosh tosh merino light and the single strand yarn gives it a bit of a halo, which I thought made it soft and cozy looking. I think using the Madelinetosh sock with multiple plies would also be soft and might have a crisper look.
The Orkney Shawl. This is one of my very first favorites from Ravelry. It would look lovely in a pretty soft white lace weight…
Orkney (Scottish Gaelic: Arcaibh) also known as the Orkney Islands, is an archipelago in northern Scotland, 16 kilometres (10 mi) north of the coast of Caithness.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/orkney-pi
I think it totally depends on the dress. That being said, I absolutely fell in love with Snow Peacock , by Tonks, which, though knit as a veil just screams wedding to me and would absolutely work as a shawl. I would knit in Juniper Moon Farm Findley which has several shades of white/cream and silver from which to choose.
Although maybe you need look no further than Birch?!
But my vote is for Snow Peacock!!
How about Susanna IC’s Tendrils in the crescent shape (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/zuzusus/tendrils-2) with Juniper Moon Findley.
I know I’ve missed the contest deadline, but I’m so taken with this pattern and with your quest I just had to add Shirley Paden’s new shawl, designed with an heirloom bridal shawl in mind. It’s in the Spring 2014 issue of Interweave and is called ‘O’Kelly’s Chapel Shawl’. It’s lovely in the Vijay Fibers Grandioso in the model, but could certainly be done with Jamieson’s DK for the Scottish connection. Will try to link
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/okellys-chapel-shawl
i know, i’m too late for the party, but i love this pattern. also the yarn it is shown in Lost City Silk is so beautiful. i hope you will consider it. i can’t wait to see which pattern your choose. good luck! http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lafitte-shawl
http://lostcityknits.com/lafitte/
This comment can’t count towards the random draw because I’ve already commented.
You might be aware of this but I just saw the list on the Rav home page of “latest guided tips”. There is one on Remember and Compare. You might need that for all these ideas? Looked easy as far as I followed.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-flies
I knit this in Malabrigo Pashmina and it is soft and amazing. The various textures are fun to knit. It is quite dramatic when finished!
After Hours: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/after-hours-shawl-2
Done in fingering with beads on large needles, you can extend the body if you want it longer, and it avoids the Jemima Puddleduck effect. Edging is a bit fiddly with all the beads and large needles, but worth the effort. I did mine in a wool/silk and I definitely recommend using some silk – several done in Handmaiden Sea Silk look lovely.
I suggest http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monicas-shawl – you just have to go to another link to get the English translation: http://kudumishoolik.wordpress.com/the-clues-of-monicas-shawl/
I’d use Jaggerspun Zephyr 2/18 laceweight in the 50% wool / 50% silk blend in white.
My vote is for Trousseau by Carol Feller. I knit it in indigodragonfly MCN lace and it’s wonderful, delicate, lacy in a modern way and the yarn is scrumptious.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/trousseau
I recommend the Peacock Feather Shawl by Dorothy Siemans http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/peacock-feathers-shawl , which has apparently been chosen by lots of knitters aas a wedding shawl (myself included). It’s different on every row, but the pattern is very clear with excellent charts. I made mine from some random laceweight, but the zephr wool/silk would be lovely. I used that yarn for the Creatures of the Reef by the same designer and loved it.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tree-of-light…..I like this one for its lovely drape, and for the defined pattern…believe it or not it’s not hard to follow the repeats.
I’m too late for the contest? Too bad. I have the best answer anyway: Forest Path Stole
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/forest-path-stole
In Jaggerspun Zephyr, white or off-white of course. You’re welcome.
P.S. If you decide to knit this shawl you might contact me. I made a couple of modifications and have used it for a wedding shawl twice, with 2 different edgings.
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTshipwreck.php This would be my choice for something fast, fancy, and feminine.
In case anyone was looking for this pattern after reading the comments, or if Kay is considering it, the pattern for the Swallowtail Shawl is available here, for free:
http://www.evelynclarkdesigns.com/pdf/Swallowtail.pdf
I made Boo Knits Sweet Dreams , which is super romantic and wedding-y. I used Yarn Chef Buttercream, but it looks like her shop is closed at the moment. I think Swans Island Natural Colors Merino Silk would be a gorgeous yarn for this, and the colors are all soft and pretty for a wedding.
BTW did you see that Jack White is coming out with a new album on June 10? There is a sample listen on thirdmanrecords.com/news. Cheers!
I read this on my kindle but didn’t look at the date and spent all day chortling to myself about how this was the worlds BEST knitting April Fools joke. I even told my one knitting friend, I would have told everyone, but non-knitters wouldn’t get “the joke” of knitting a Shetland shawl in under 6 months. Then I get home, check the web site again and see that you posted it THE DAY BEFORE April 1st. All I can offer is this tip: LARGE NEEDLES. SIZE DOES MATTER. And may God help you because sleep is not something you will be seeing soon.
Now that the contest deadline is over, I want to say how very touched I am by the knitting collaboration between auntie and neice. Another great great family heirloom, making lasting memories. Such a great sweater, too.Enjoy!
LoveDiane