Thank you for all the kind comments ladies. I'm loving having a bit of body and bounce in my hair, but alas curly hair is hard work. You see I am usually a wash and wear kind of gal. It's fun though for a change. Well excpet for when I burned my neck this morning using the curling iron - ouch!
So I have an FO for you. It is the Iris shrug from Rowan 35. I finished knitting the pieces and seamed everything before we left for the US in May, so I guess it has only taken me about four months to get around to attaching the sleeves to the body. I'd only done it a couple of times before so I was nervous. I pulled out every book I had with directions and the best one was one of my how-to-knit Japanese books - thank goodness for all of their wonderful illustrations. I am not convinced I did that great a job with the sleeves, but I still feel pretty accomplished. I finished weaving in the ends on the bus to the onsen yesterday, and I can tell you this, it is super warm and cozy. I used the famed merino worsted weight from handpainted yarns in Uruguay, and although all of the skeins differed quite dramatically colourwise, I don't really care. It's soft and perfect for the drab cold weather right now. Not sure what I'll do about the closure, but right now it's a piece of black cord. I did an impromptu photo shoot last night - no head as I was just about to go to bed.....
That looks great! Also, love the hair. Perms are different now! I had one done in the 80's... fab mistake, of course.
Posted by: Jess | October 11, 2005 at 05:27 PM
that is beautiful! so much better than the pattern pic, which i've never really liked much. the yarn is lovely.
Posted by: kris | October 11, 2005 at 08:24 PM
great job on that shurg, kat. fits you perfectly.
Posted by: Sandra | October 11, 2005 at 08:24 PM
that shrug is great! If I didn't have to stop myself from knitting shrug after shrug I'd make myself one too! And I like your perm a lot!
Posted by: biglug | October 11, 2005 at 11:22 PM
That FO is really pretty. I love the details along the neckline and the simple closure, if it is a permanent one looks pretty good too. The soft pink is pretty too. I'll have to inquire about that yarn.
Posted by: Miss Twiss | October 11, 2005 at 11:46 PM
I like it a lot! That color is great, too. You can't tell from the picture that that the shades may be different. I never looked twice at that pattern before, but now I must revisit that mag. Great Job!
Posted by: Angela | October 12, 2005 at 12:23 AM
mmm, looks so and warm.. and i actually kinda like the black cord. maybe you can do something similar with a leather tie or go feminine with a beaded pin?
that onsen looks right toasty and relaxing! any pictures?
Posted by: gleek | October 12, 2005 at 02:56 AM
Jealous of the onsen visit. Your new FO is very pretty. The shape and color both suit you well.
Posted by: Amy | October 12, 2005 at 05:56 AM
gorgeous...
Posted by: kathi | October 12, 2005 at 08:57 AM
Loverly - how about a lovely pinku ribbon, or a selection of brooches to suit your mood and coordiates?
Posted by: Sarah | October 12, 2005 at 04:22 PM
It's really beautiful. I love the neckline decreases too, it's such a nice detail. I like the informality of the black cord (or a leather thong, or a pink ribbon), but you could do a pin or a knit flower as well.
Posted by: MJ | October 13, 2005 at 07:54 AM
ohhh your're so cute in it !
good job !
love the color, especially this month ;o)
Posted by: karen in Toronto | October 13, 2005 at 11:47 PM
looks so nice, love the 3/4 sleeves, nice touch, prettier than the rowan original!
Posted by: lily | October 14, 2005 at 03:16 AM
Beautiful Iris - I loooooove the handpainted malabrigo! And I'm with Lily - the 3/4 sleeves were a great call.
Posted by: Sarah | October 14, 2005 at 05:18 AM
Cute shrug! And of course, its pink... It looks nice and I love yer new hair-do too by the way.
Posted by: dana | October 14, 2005 at 08:19 AM
Soooo cute! are you going to the knit-out this weekend?
Posted by: Anna Dilemna | October 14, 2005 at 10:12 AM
love your posts! i live my onsen experiences vicariously through you...
Posted by: kathi | October 14, 2005 at 04:20 PM
Hey - congratulations on being in the Asahi Shimbun this weekend. Now you are a knitting celeb!
Posted by: Amy | October 17, 2005 at 05:13 AM
you did a great job! the fit is perfect, and it does look better than the one in the rowan magazine :) i've checked out the site for the yarn, but am having trouble figuring out which wool you used, as they don't have "gauges". i love the color selection!
Posted by: graylagran | October 25, 2005 at 12:57 AM