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Anisette

As mentioned earlier in a post, I have been working behind the scenes on Anisette.  It has been satisfying to create this lovely shawl.  Once I created and then actually found an accurate chart (which can be found here) things really started taking off.  Sure we had a few minor setbacks and hiccups, but all in all this project was what I would call a smooth one.  I started on June 30 and by August 15 it was done which is not bad considering all the other things I created during that six week period and how little time I spent knitting (due to doctor's orders, which have now lapsed).  And the hard deadline is August 24, so there was no nail biting for this project's completion.

The yarn is Lang Yarns Merino 400 in two tones of blue with these colour choices foisted upon me.  I started with a 50 gm cake of the darker yarn thinking two balls would be enough; but as I continued to knit it became clear my thinking was off by a very large factor.  So I located a 100 gm cake of the lighter blue and decided to bookend the lighter colour with the darker yarn.  That means there are nearly 200 grams or 7 ounces of yarn in the shawl.  In the end I have merely 18 grams of the lighter and 3 grams the darker yarn left and that is cutting it close enough for me. (The game of yarn roulette is no fun.)  That tonal change in blue works well with the dress, meaning although it wasn't planned the colours might actually look planned.  (All that's needed to complete the outfit is an appropriate pair of shoes and I do have until August 24 to find them.)

The shawl unblocked measured 68"/173 cm by 13"/33 cm.  After it was blocked it measures 75"/190 cm by 20.25"/51 cm.  This size just fits on my blocking mats.  After the shawl was blocked the wool bloomed; thus it has a slight ethereal quality which attracted me to the pattern in the first place.  That size by the way is perfect, long enough and wide enough to sit comfortably on the shoulders, yet small enough to become very compact around the elbows when it isn't needed to keep one warm.

And drum roll please ~~~~~~~~~  Here's a few photos of Anisette in various finishing stages.


About the size of two fists after taking a 20 minute dip 
A section pinned into shape showing off both motifs
Hanging out on the top banister; all 6 feet and 3 inches 

Wrapped around me with length to spare

Showing how long it is even with my arms at shoulder height
The piece de resistance shot with the dress
Sorry about so many photos, well not really.  I am rather proud of this shawl and thought you should see it in all sorts of settings.  It is nice to have finally finished something and have it be so satisfying.  Off now to look for those shoes.



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