How The West Was Spun: Seraphim Shawl

Seraphim is finished! I'm really pleased with how this project turned out. Of course, I'm a fan of Mim's patterns, but the combination of this design and the Silky Wool yarn are going to be a perfect match for my mum's birthday request. She wanted something "not too lacy" and substantial enough to actually be warm, so she can wrap up in the shawl while she drinks her tea in the mornings. When she and my Da were out to visit for Thanksgiving, she appropriated the big "bunnies leaping" shawl Cathy made for me, but said she wanted something a little smaller and triangular.

Project Specs

Pattern: Seraphim Shawl by Mim of Mimknits.
Yarn: Silky Wool (50% silk, 50% wool) in Red.
Needles: 3.75 mm (US 5) Knitpicks circulars
Modifications: None.
Summary: This actually turned out even better than I expected. It blocked out (without very strenuous blocking - just enough to open up the lace pattern) to exactly 72 x 36. Not too big, not too small. The heavier silk/wool yarn gives it a reassuring heft when you wrap it around your shoulders, and while I think my mum is fully planning to wear this mostly around the house in cooler weather, she could dress it up if she wanted to. I've read some comments where a few folks found the stockinette to be tedious, but I really didn't. It was a nice soothing knit, and since you add the lace slowly as you reach the end, it'd be a nice way for a new lace knitter to get accustomed to the yarn and needles before having to worry about keeping track of the lace pattern. I will store it for a couple of months until it needs to make the trek eastward for her birthday in June.

The artsy shot:

All for now......

July 2008

Comments

Oh, how pretty! What a nice job showing off the lace in the artsy shot. You are delightfully inspiring with lace.

Posted by:Chris | March 29, 2008 at 02:19 PM

Loverly! I've got to do a Seraphim one of these days, I really do!

Posted by:Marcia Cooke | March 29, 2008 at 02:35 PM

Wow. That is stunning!!! Your mom is going to love it!

Posted by:Sheepish Annie | March 29, 2008 at 03:27 PM

What a great result! I loved making this shawl, and mine is draped on the back of my favorite chair...

Posted by:Birdsong | March 29, 2008 at 04:00 PM

It looks great. How many skeins did you end up using?

Posted by:Suzanne | March 29, 2008 at 04:45 PM

It is beautiful, your Mom will love it.

Posted by:Judy | March 29, 2008 at 08:10 PM

oh anne, it's just beautiful!

Posted by:anne | March 29, 2008 at 10:03 PM

It's beautiful~ I really LOVE the last picture!!

Posted by:Kim | March 30, 2008 at 05:53 AM

It looks fabulous and will be exactly what she wanted! The silky wool is so nice and soft and light when worn - really cozy but not heavy at all. And I'm finding my SW Hypoteneuse is holding its block better than expected, even though it's spent a lot of time crumpled in a tote bag. Must be the silk keeping it crisp. Love the red, it will be so cheery in the mornings!

Posted by:Margaret | March 30, 2008 at 09:12 AM

It's lovely Anne! I'm glad you liked it and hope your mom loves it :)

Posted by:Miriam | March 30, 2008 at 09:12 AM

It's gorgeous and your mother will love it!!

Posted by:margene | March 30, 2008 at 04:34 PM

Nice use of Silky Wool! It will be more substantial than many. You are a very very good daughter.

Posted by:Laurie | March 30, 2008 at 07:11 PM

Wonderful! I bet you get the "Bestest Daughter Award"

Posted by:Cathy | March 31, 2008 at 06:52 AM

Lovely hand work Anne, your mother will be so pleased with such a beautiful gift!

Posted by:cyndy | March 31, 2008 at 02:16 PM

Aw, what a great daughter you are!