my dancing reindeer shawl is finished!
the lovely inspiration for it
oh alaska! i loved it there and now i LOVE this shawl, a wonderful reminder
a baby oak tree i made sure not to step on while getting these photos :)
the shawl wraps around snugly
or closes with an antler toggle button i brought home from alaska
a single crochet loop around the button closes it
the inside. three times this had to come off the needles, since i found a mistake(s) i'd made within the graph, one stitch off changed so much! there were two large charts to follow, upside down, right to left on the right side, left to right on the wrong, because this was back and forth knitting (as opposed to knitting in the round).
this pattern left some of the instructions to the imagination, and overall it wasn't a favorite, but now that it's done, i'm really happy i finished it
this shawl was cast on the week after we returned from alaska, the first week of september. and i have been immersed in the making of it ever since, setting reading aside for the time being. and then... we visited a lovely bookstore in mendocino, where three books came home with me, knitting everyday finery, arcadia and the snow child. love the
knitting book, loved
arcadia, and
the snow child, LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. i didn't want it to end, it was so hard to choose which to do, knit reindeer's or read about this state i fell in love with. the snow child is about homesteading in alaska in the 1920's. magical, delicate, poignant, a beautiful story. and the art work on the cover, LOVE that too.
here is my alaskan bookmark! i bought it from
dorothy, we met her near her home by the yukon river. the bookmark is made of birchbark. i love the tag written in dorothys printing, it says: handmade birchbark book mark of art, sinew, turquiose, saphire, willow trim.
hello reindeer! (fairbanks)
thank you for the inspiration! (denali)
i love this shawl, it's so soft and cozy. i took the (dozens of!) photos myself (fumbling with self timers and remotes) since chuck wasn't here. he summited cotopaxi this weekend, cotopaxi is a stratovolcano in the andes mountains, located about 28 km south of quito, ecuador, south america (
very proud of you honey!).
pattern: dancing reindeer shawl
wool: beaverslide dry goods, fine merino and kid mohair
colorways: mink heather and natural cream
ravelry notes
here
and if you loved the snow child, the author eowyn ivey, has a blog called 'letters from alaska'
here!
joining with yarn along
here
xxx lori
Beautiful shawl. It looks gorgeous, so amazingly snug and warm (and such a neat back side! I'm impressed!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reminder of your trip :)
What a beautiful shawl. I love the feeling when I have several really enjoyable projects on the go and I don't know which one to choose to do first! Your pictures taken with the self timer look excellent!
ReplyDeleteThat shawl is gorgeous! What a work of art...you did well to finish it so fast.
ReplyDeleteNow there you are!
ReplyDeleteWell, you have really done it this time my dear Lori, that shawl really and truly
is a piece of art. I'm sorry it wasn't the most pleasant knit, but what a treasure you now have to wear.
Congratulations to your Chuck, that is an awesome accomplishment, way to go!
Lori, this shawl is exquisite...and yes, those reindeer really do seem to be dancing. It seems a perfect echo to your remarkable trip.
ReplyDeletexo
Gorgeous shawl! What a wonderful way to remember that part of your trip. I also LOVED The Snow Child, such a fantastically written story!
ReplyDeletethat shawl is stunning. wow. i wish i had more words, you are such an artist.
ReplyDeleteThe shawl takes my breath away and looks so right on you and in the trees! I will be adding the Snow Child to my reading list thanks for the recommendation. Congratulations to your honey!
ReplyDeleteWow, two-color knitting back and forth is a challenge--well done! And what lovely, moody colors. It looks so cozy, and it looks wonderful with your long hair. Nobody wears a shawl like you do. :)
ReplyDeleteYour shawl turned out beautiful. We still don't have power here in NJ and it is so cold. That makes your shawl look extra warm to me!!! I love love love it!
ReplyDelete(yes my stupid computer still won't let me leave comments)
how intricate. I can only imagine your fingers moving and how much you had to count to get the stitches right. (is that so?) (you know i guess at things)
ReplyDeleteyou set up photos like no one else on the planet. this is just a gorgeous shawl and a gorgeous post. i always love to see you modeling :^)
but, full disclosure and to be honest, i thought your post title was a tribute to the results of the presidential election. i figured if big bird is dancing this morning, maybe the reindeer are too. :^)
hee hee
love
kj
I have been waiting for this!!!! Seeing glimpses of this beauty in some of your posts has been torture. I am in love! Beautiful shawl Lori.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Lori! that shawl is absolutely stunning! Amazing work!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the most beautiful knitting project I have ever seen! Love love love it!! everything about it is sooo perfect. You look amazing wearing it.
ReplyDeleteI recently read The snow child, it's a beautiful book.
Congratulations to Chuck, I bet he took some great photos!
Lori, oh my goodness. I love everything about this post - your photos are gorgeous, your shawl is gorgeous - and what an awesome reminder of your trip. I recently read the Snow Child too and really liked it. I will have to check out letters from Alaska.
ReplyDeleteThat shawl is stunning. You are a very talented knitter.
ReplyDeleteWow Lori! You never cease to amaze me woman. So happy thst you are able to go on so many adventures.
ReplyDeleteoh cozy! i love it. you look great in it. love the mocs and the baby oak you were careful of. you're a genius with the self timer. the whole time i imagined chuck taking these pics of you. is that trail in montecito? i think i've been there. the trail that leads to the springs? so pretty. i miss it so.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so Fabulous on you! I like the shawl very much, so sophisticated and subtle work! And the book is truly a treasure!
ReplyDeleteIt's really gorgeus shawl, Lori! I love everything on it! That was a wonderful idea as we don't knit lately much pullovers with that kind of patterns, we could enjoy them like you in shawls! Adorable photos again! x Teje
ReplyDeleteOh my word! That is a seriously gorgeous shawl, Lori! So inspiring...!! :D
ReplyDeleteLori, that shawl is a work of art!! It may have been a difficult knit, but it was so very worth it!
ReplyDeleteLori you are amazing ! The shawl is BEAUTIFUL as all your pictures! How do you get so much done. I love your gentle spirit too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!! I just want you to know that I love how your smile and how your smile lights up your face :) Anyways, the shawl is spectacular and I love the neutral shades you picked. And that bookmark is neat!! Gives me some ideas of gifts for people for the holidays.
ReplyDeleteYour shawl is absolutely gorgeous, just stunning in those yarns.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Lori that shawl is gorgeous. You are one clever lady. Glad you like the book. One of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteoh, Lori!! Just another in your long line of fantastic knits, but this may be my favorite!!! We weren't lucky enough to see reindeer when we were in Alaska, but I could pretend (and dream); I just might have to copy-cat this and make one, too (as I'm shivering in my unheated little knitting nook with layers of woolies on--that shawl might be just the thing!) and thanks for the book recommendation, too!
ReplyDeleteIt is SO pretty! What a great work you've done!
ReplyDeleteI love deer...I know I'm strange:-D Your knitting is amazing and I wish I was half as good as you. One day, I'm popping in for some knitting time and of course, I'll bring cookies or cake:-D
ReplyDeleteLori, thank you for leaving a comment at my blog, I've been away for awhile and hoping to find my way back! Your shawl is Amazing, and the photos too! :) Kim
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteG-O-R-G-E-O-U-S shawl!!! I love the pics with you smiling, while wearing it!!!
ReplyDeletexxxx Alessandra
So much beauty in this post - your photos, your shawl and you!!! All of it beautiful! And congratulations Chuck, that is amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful! I love your shawl :)
ReplyDeleteLovely shawl and lovely pictures to go with it :)
ReplyDeleteI just love all your knitting. It is inspiring to me and it keeps me learning and improving my own work. I saw the book Snow Child recently and from what you have said it sounds great. A dear friend of mine lives in Alaska and we hope visit in the near future. What a magical place.
ReplyDeleteI loved that book as well. It's one that sticks with you long after you finish. Your shawl is great. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI must add that book to my list. It sounds wonderful. I love that your shawl serves as a reminder to where you've been. Very inspirational, every bit of it!
ReplyDeleteYour knitting is so gorgeous & inspirational Lori ♥
ReplyDeleteI will look for The Snow Child ~ sounds wonderful xo
Ohh my!! What a beautiful shawl!! It looks soo soft and squishy!!! And I too love that it reminds you of somewhere special! I think I must add that book to my list too, sounds amazing! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for commenting! Blessings to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteErin
Wow..it's sooo beautiful! And you are beautiful too. What a great shawl and such a lovely work to have accomplished.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would like Lori, is just one tiny ounce of your knitting talent!! This shawl is amazingly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLori you are such a beautiful earth angel and your shawl is gorgeous too. It looks amazingly snuggly and is such a beautiful reminder of your trip.
ReplyDeleteI lvoe the hearts between the reindeer, they make it so lovely and happy XXX
What an amazingly beautiful shawl! I love it so much, you are so talented.
ReplyDeleteOh my! Your shawl is amazing and looks absolutely stunning on you. I LOVE reindeer!
ReplyDeleteI have Snow Child sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. Maybe that will be my next read. And, your bookmark. What a lovely little treasure to remind you of your adventures.xxx
BEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteYou are simply clever inspiration wrapped up in pretty lady skin. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shawl, beautiful images, beautiful setting!
ReplyDeleteIt is just too beautiful!!! LOVE; LOVE; LOVE!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Lori,
ReplyDeleteHow very talented you are, I love your Dancing Reindeer shawl, it's gorgeous!!!
xo
What a beautiful shawl, it reminds me of a much loved jumper I owned as a teenager. simply gorgeous, and awesome knitting talent, wow.
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome shawl. well done, Lori!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful Lori ... love it! What a wonderful way to remember the fabulous time you had with your sister x
ReplyDeleteWow, it is absolutely stunning! Great job. What patience you have to fix it three times. It is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe shawl is beautiful (as is everything you make!). I have so enjoyed the photos from your Alaska trip and your recent getaway to Northern California...the redwoods and bed and breakfasts. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Lori, and so are you. :)
ReplyDeletewow. the shawl is simply amazing, and the toggle closure so perfect.
ReplyDeletethank you for the book recommendation - i just added it to my book order!
Oh my! Your shawl is just gorgeous! It doesn't hurt that your photos are so lovely as well.
ReplyDeleteOff to request Snow Child from the library. I love books about homesteading. So, I am sure to like this one. Thanks for sharing!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteYour shawl is beyond amazing....oh my!
Oh, The Snow Child. That story still plays out in my mind, and I can close my eyes and hear the crunchy snow footsteps peeking out behind trees. I was really lost in the tale when I read it. And your shawl is awesome. I love your inspiration, and the pattern is just incredible executed. Love it. Nice work.
ReplyDeletevery impressive, that shawl!
ReplyDeletethe reindeer picture with the dark grey and lush green is fabulous!
ohmyohmyohmyohMY!!!!! Such beauty, both the shawl and the model.
ReplyDeleteI love that Alaska has settled into your heart and your bones.
You do her proud.
xoxo
Lo ♥
How beautiful---the photos and the shawl itself, how you brought so much meaning and memory into it. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful shawl, Lori! I love reindeer used as design motifs and you have knitted these so perfectly....and how wonderful too that you have seen and photographed so many real reindeer, so the memories inspired when you wear your shawl will be extra special. Love the antler toggle...the perfect touch :) Loved reading the Snow Child too....it stays with you somehow...
ReplyDeleteHave a happy weekend!
Helen x
Lori, I think this is the most beautiful thing you have ever made! it looks really hard to do, reindeer are so wonderful and magical. You have the most kind and beautiful smile. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThe sjawl you made looks just beautiful Lori! It looks so very comfortable for the coming months. Have a lovely Sunday.
ReplyDeleteMadelief x
le GASP! Oh, Lori. That is the most amazing shawl I have ever laid eyes upon. And you are just beautiful in it. Whoa.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday. xoxo
This is absolutely beautiful! I love your pictures and knitting - you inspired me to take knitting everywhere:-)))) take care!
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, i was going to talk about the photos, the shawl, the moccasins... but I just can't, because you are such a beautiful woman, you just took my breath away. I just thought "I want to be like her when I grow up..." even though I am already grown.
ReplyDeleteThis is so SO beautiful, and your photos are amazing, and you have a lovely looking home! So glad you found the time to stop by my blog, as I've now discovered yours.
ReplyDeleteJust so, so lovely.
Dear, wonderful Lori,
ReplyDeleteI read your post avidly when you first posted it, felt the usual kick of inspiration and pleasure. Your knitting is exquisite, the photos are AMAZING and I simply wanted to tell you that I am patiently waiting for The Snow Child to arrive on my doorstep. I ordered it on your recommendation and I will let you know what I thought of it.
Wishing you a joyful week, Lori.
ps I am so busy stitching hares and mice for Christmas orders. My goodness what a pity sleep is such a necessary but time-consuming activity :-)
Stephanie
Goodness, what a gorgeous shawl - beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeyond beautiful! You are a wonder with the needles (and the self timers! uggh. Utterly frustrating!)
ReplyDeleteLorri, thank you for passing by my blog, because thanks that I've found yours. The showl you have done is so beautiful, that I can't find words to express it.
ReplyDeleteIt is not just the shawl that is so beautiful, you are very beautiful too. How lovely you look in those pictures and draped in your own shawl. Exquisite.
ReplyDeletesimply amazing ...
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing it with us!
Lori, this shawl wrap is breathtaking! I am so glad you were able to take your memories and make something. What a fantastic job. And thank you for sharing the wrong side of your work. It is so neat and tidy and a great resource to those new to color work. I will add that book to my list of those to check out. Hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteGasp! To have the patience, skill, and tenacity to knit such a detailed shawl is beyond what I can even imagine. GORGEOUS! I love reindeer, and your photos make my heart yearn. So beautful.
ReplyDeleteI think we must have several mutual friends. Stephanie sent me your way! Your reindeer shawl is gorgeous. I aspire to knit something as beautiful as this one day.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you often since I saw this post a few weeks ago. This sweater is amazing, it has just been stuck in my imagination. You are so incredibly talented and beautiful, you must be really please. Congratulations! I've also been thinking of you because we visited the butterfly preserve during Thanksgiving weekend again this year and it was delightful and magical, even more than expected. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season so far. I just finished knitting my first blanket. Check it out:Paper Pie
xo,
Liz Scott
Lori this shawl is amazing! I have the snow child on my to read list as well! I love your pictures and the scenery.I wish I could take a walk there right now.
ReplyDelete