A Mystery solved

So what is this? This is a picture of the wrong side of my MS3 stole before blocking (the wing section). I just thought it looked so neat I had to take a picture. It reminds me of the Japanese shibori knitting/felting. When I have some extra time, I really want to make a shibori scarf. For a short tutorial on shibori knitting, check out this link (click here).

But back to MS3. I have finished my stole (yeah!). I am really happy with the finished product. The yarn is light and warm and incredibly soft. These pictures do it no justice as you can’t see the beads or the shimmer of the yarn, but here you go:

The wing:

And the finished stole (click for larger image):

Details:
Pattern: Unofficially: MS3/Mystery Stole 3; Official name: ”Swan Lake” , available soon from Pink Lemon Twist
Yarn: Prism Lace Wool, color ‘Antique”
Needles: US4/3.5mm

What I learned from this project:

1. MS3 was my first knit-along. It was great to be part of such a large, friendly, international knitting group.

2. Working from a chart. I have worked from charts before, but never enjoyed it. I can honestly say that I now PREFER charts to written instruction! Early on in MS3, it all clicked and I couldn’t be happier.

3. Beads: The technique Melanie suggested for bead placement was great (adding the beads as you knit with a crochet hook). It wouldn’t be efficient for large amounts of beads, but was great for this project.

4. Wine and twine do not mix when knitting lace. Okay, I already knew this, but sometimes I forget…

Now that I have finished “Swan Lake”, I will be finishing up some other long time UFOs and then starting a couple of new sweaters. I love fall knitting and can’t wait to start some new things.