Knitting another Tie Shawl

I started another Danish style Tie Shawl over the Holidays. It is a perfect project to carry along to knit in the car. This one is on #9 needles, the yarn is a soft rose pink, Merino Frappe from Crystal Palace. I cast on 12 sts and knit 10 rows then picked up 5 on each edge to begin the shawl. This shawl has a wider panel down the middle (12 sts. ) with a cable chain running down the center panel. My previous versions had only 4-6 stitches in the center. This is my 6th tie shawl and it is for me to wear over the Holidays. The #9 needles will knit up quickly. This pattern will work with any size needle or weight of yarn. My first version was knit on a size 2 needles with fingering weight yarn. It is still my favorite. The key to the pattern is to increase 6 stitches every other row to create the wide round shape that will wrap around your body. There are two increases on each edge and two in the center one on each side of a center panel. I love knitting this shape of shawl. My next tie shawl might be knit with lace weight yarn and mostly seed stitch with perhaps a lace border. I have a lot of lace weight kid mohair yarn in my stash that is waiting to be knit. I will wait till after Christmas to knit it. I like to plan my next projects while I am finishing the one I am knitting. The possibilities are endless. Making the right choices takes time and l lot of planning. Some project will remain in the planning stage for months before I find the right yarn and stitch pattern to proceed.

I love knitting and wearing this type of shawl. It is perfect for keeping the chill off my shoulders around the house. Once the shawl is tied on it feel like a vest and is very comfortable to wear in the kitchen and doing chores around the house. I can see why it was popular with working women a hundred years ago. You will see ladies wearing these shawls in kitchens and in the market place in old period movies like Weathering Heights and Jane Austin films.


Below is the sample version of the Traditional Tie Shawl I knit for my workshop at Knitters Fantasy in OHIO last April. It fits perfectly on this doll. I will knit a couple more of these for Teddy Bears. This would make a nice gift for a little friend.


Well Thanksgiving is over and I have a lot knitting to finish for the Holiday Gift Season. I finished three pair of socks and have a forth pair with both socks on circular needles knit past the heels so they will be done soon.

I found homes for two of my kittens. I placed posters with pictures in several stores around Mercer and Grove City. We still have three kittens that need a home. One black female and two grey males. The kittens were born on Sept.3 and are ready to go. Please if you know anyone that would like a free kitten please call me. my cell: 724-877-1082 The kittens are litter trained and very sweet and loving. They purr all the time. I wish I could keep them but 4 inside cats is really two more than I should have. I hope I can find a home for these little guys I would hate to have to put them back outside with the strays for the winter. The kittens are confined to my bathroom for the time being. I posted pictures on my previous post. I will email pictures if you want to see more. my email: spinningotter@gmail.com I will even deliver them to your home if its within 20 miles of Mercer.

5 Kittens looking for a home

I have 5 lovely kittens that need a home before winter. I cannot keep them I have way too many to care for. I have cared for them and played with them every day so they will make someone a loving pet. call my cell: 724-877-1082 or 724-662-0271

Knittreat at Bedford Springs Nov.5-8 2009

I am still unpacking from the Knittreat at Bedford Springs Resort. Above is the hall outside of the classroom where I taught spinning.
This is a view of one of the cozy areas in the lobby where knitters gathered to knit after dinner.

What a wonderful experience. Great food, an elegant environment, beautiful weather and four days of spinning and knitting with inspiring teachers. I had a wonderful time. Below is a view of knitting friends in the lobby from the stairs above. I wish I had more pictures of the exterior of the beautiful historic hotel.