Ocean Waves

I had no idea it would be so hard to take a picture of a rectangle. *sigh* Thank goodness knitting isn't as hard as photography. This is my non-knitting daughter's Christmas present, a lacy shawl to wear when she's out in her little black dress.

Yarn: 2 skeins of Trekking XXL bought at the wonderful Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas (I had planned to use 3, but she stopped me, declaring it quite long enough - more socks for me!)

Pattern: Wave and Shell Shawl (wonderful easy lace pattern, I would make it again in a heartbeat)

This shawl was the reason I bought blocking wires. I've gotten away with not blocking most of my knitting life, primarily because I started out knitting acrylic (the blocking of which is about as pointless as sweeping a mud puddle), and then moved to socks (seriously, who blocks socks?). But I knew lace was a different story, and was worried about driving myself 'round the bend trying to make the pins line up perfectly. (think Monk - I'd still be at it). Fortunately the knitblogs had introduced me to the concept of blocking wires. They worked as advertised and I was very pleased.

Which is a good thing, as I have another lace project or two on the needles. Meanwhile the knitting daughter's
vesttopshort-sleeved object is almost done. I'm using this pattern as a jumping-off point, since it is exactly the shape she had in mind. I just sized it up a little, since she's not quite my baby any more.

But there's a baby shower at work tomorrow, and I have a baby gift to finish...