Saturday, August 25, 2007

Bee-witched!

honey bee graphicLet'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.

Begin a Honeybee Stole
(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.

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20 Comments:

Blogger Angela said...

Fantine has been in my pattern collection for a while--I think you should do it!

8/25/2007 05:17:00 PM  
Blogger Debi said...

I think Fatine is totally cute! Go for it! Love the Bee beginnings :)

8/25/2007 07:00:00 PM  
Blogger Bonnie said...

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...

8/25/2007 07:24:00 PM  
Blogger bellamoden said...

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.

8/25/2007 08:51:00 PM  
Anonymous KarenJoSeattle said...

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.

8/26/2007 03:21:00 AM  
Blogger Karen said...

The start of your bee stole is beautiful Karen! Great yarn choice.

8/26/2007 05:53:00 AM  
Blogger anne said...

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!

8/26/2007 09:10:00 AM  
Blogger Donna Lee said...

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.

8/26/2007 09:11:00 AM  
Blogger lv2knit said...

I love the BEE Shawl, and your yarn is fantastic: both the gorgeous color and the way it looks knitted up.

8/26/2007 10:05:00 AM  
Anonymous meg said...

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.

8/26/2007 12:24:00 PM  
Blogger Opal said...

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. :-)

8/26/2007 02:40:00 PM  
Blogger misslunablu said...

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.

8/26/2007 02:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Virginia said...

The shawl is gorgeous - and I just clicked over and ordered Fantine. Cute and quick - the perfect combination.

8/27/2007 07:29:00 AM  
Blogger monica said...

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.

8/27/2007 09:57:00 AM  
Blogger KnitNana said...

I love that yarn! It's going to be gorgeous in Bee!
(((hugs)))

8/27/2007 01:28:00 PM  
Blogger Brenda said...

That will be a beautiful bee stole!

Fantine looks like a great pattern. I'd go for it.

8/27/2007 01:42:00 PM  
Blogger WandaWoman said...

I like the yarn you chose for the Bee Fields Shawl. It looks beautiful.

8/28/2007 11:29:00 AM  
Blogger Wendee said...

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...

8/29/2007 08:56:00 AM  
Blogger KnitPastis said...

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.

8/30/2007 05:23:00 AM  
Blogger a friend to knit with said...

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!

8/31/2007 09:17:00 AM  

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