Let’s see how long can I extend this device: there are scores of people besotted with Anne Hanson’s beguiling Bee Fields Shawl or the rectangular presentation of the Honeybee Stole. Whether they’re actively participating in the knitalong or keeping a watchful eye on the action from the sidelines, the Bees are swarming all around.
From what I’ve observed, many of those knitting either the stole or the shawl have opted for (at most) fingering weight yarn to maintain the light, airy feel of the finished product. I debated doing the same, even after purchasing the DK-weight Briar Rose Fibers “Celebration”. I knit up a couple of swatches in the merino / bamboo blend and in a finer weight Handmaiden SeaSilk for comparison.
After mulling it over, I went with the Briar Rose for a couple of reasons: 1) the wool content will allow for better blocking options and 2) I just like the more rustic, autumnal look of the emerging stole. Granted, I’m only 20 rows into the Beehive section, but what do you think? You start to see a beautiful texture emerge.
(First 20 rows of Beehive section with provisional cast on)
While I take my time on this, I am pondering what to do with 2 bags of Ice Blue Rowan Polar Wool in stash. Anyone have any thoughts on French Girl’s “Fantine” or “Anise” from the cover of Rowan’s Fall design pamphlet, NewShapes? I’m really drawn to both of them for some reason.
That shawl is going to be beautiful!……..your color/s are fantastic………
can’t wait to see what comes of the rowan………….I do love the anise!
I have never knitted a shawl. Have the lace yarn so maybe I will make a simple one to start off with.
This one is really beautiful. The design is amazing.
The yarn is great for this. Great choice. Oooo… you have Polar in your stash? So jealous! I was bummed when that yarn went away…
I like the yarn you chose for the Bee Fields Shawl. It looks beautiful.
That will be a beautiful bee stole!
Fantine looks like a great pattern. I’d go for it.
I love that yarn! It’s going to be gorgeous in Bee!
(((hugs)))
I can’t wait to see how your shawl knits up with the DK weight yarn. The colors look very pretty.
I like Anise better than Fantine. And I like Caraway better than Fantine. I don’t like Fantine at all..too short and bulky for my taste.
The shawl is gorgeous – and I just clicked over and ordered Fantine. Cute and quick – the perfect combination.
Nice beginning on the lace, the colorway is very pretty. I like the Anise, while double breasted has never been my favorite thing to purchase, if knitted right and fitted well it would be stunning, plus I’ve seen the look of Fantine everywhere.
I think you made an excellent choice for you stole. The colour is rich and vibrant and the texture looks smooth and buttery. I look forward to seeing it progress. 🙂
Oh, my – gorgeous yarn choice, it looks luverly!
I really like Fantine. The double-breasted Anise, I don’t know. I shy from the double breasted lately because I’m afraid it might make for a visual widening. I don’t want wide anymore.
I love the BEE Shawl, and your yarn is fantastic: both the gorgeous color and the way it looks knitted up.
Most of the bee shawls I have seen are in some sort of honey color but I love your blue/green. The thicker yarn texture is really nice, I’ll bet it feels good to touch (can you tell I am a tactile person?). I am not a shawl person, I never wear them but if I were I would make the Icelandic Shaw from knitting daily. I am in love with it and may make it for myself and start being a shawl wearer.
oooh, i love the new briar rose yarn . . and certainly a warmer bee shawl will be lovely in december, when a bit of summer will be welcome!
The start of your bee stole is beautiful Karen! Great yarn choice.
The yarn in the shawl looks delicious. Not following the crowd when you reaaly want to do something different and for good reasons always makes sense to me.
The sweaters fall at the opposite ends of the scale, don’t they? They both look like good examples of their style. I do tend to lean toward the Rowan, but probably because it would look better on me.
I like Anise a lot better, personally. Small and bulky seems weird to me. Your mileage may vary. And your stole really is looking gorgeous! I think it was a great yarn choice.
You’ve chosen a lovely yarn for your bee stole. Can’t wait to see how it progresses!
Thanks for the link to Fantine. That’s a very tempting design…
I think Fatine is totally cute! Go for it! Love the Bee beginnings 🙂
Fantine has been in my pattern collection for a while–I think you should do it!