My apologies that the blog has been silent for a while. I was away for a couple of weeks, and then both busy and sick when I got back. However, there has been some knitting progress.

The beautiful blue Swallowtail, made from luscious Sea Silk given to me by Theresa, is now finished and blocking:

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark. Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk

It’s not large – it’s made to the pattern, more of a scarf than a shawl – but I’m very happy with it. Unblocked, it measured 92cm wide by 42cm high (36.2 inches x 16.5 inches); Blocked measurements are: 123cm wide by 61 cm high. I replaced the nupps with size 5.0 glass seed beads, and also beaded the yo, K1, yo columns on the border edge (including the centre spine). Here’s a detail f the beading:

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark. Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk

I couldn’t do any fine knitting while we were travelling in the outback – hundreds of kilometres of bumpy dirt roads aren’t conducive to sharp points and complex patterns – however, I did finish the sleeves of the shawl collar jacket I’ve been making for a while. I now just have to finish an inch or two on the collar, block it all out, and sew it all up. And find some suitable buttons.

While travelling, I also started knitting the sleeves for a variation of the popular Bianca’s Jacket. Because of my size and shape, I’m planning on making it longer, without the curved fronts. There’s also another swallowtail on the needles, this time in a plum-purple pure wool; I started it while visiting my Dad in hospital, as a relatively mindless pattern I could work on and relax while talking with him. I hadn’t meant to start another swallowtail so soon – I really will knit some other lace patterns! – but it was the only pattern on hand at the time.

Winter has settled in here; today is cold, and although we have periods of sunshine, there are a lot of grey clouds overhead, and intermittent rain that is trying to be snow. A good day for curling up in hand-knits, drinking hot chocolate, and knitting… except I do have to do some work, as well, somewhere in there!