oh halldora. this long shawl designed by Hélène Magnússon, the icelandic knitter, has come close to knitting nirvana. made with seventy grams, approximately one thousand yards, of lace weight cashmere. a gift from chuck on a trip to the habu studio and showroom in nyc last year...
suite 804
knitting this true lace was a solitary experience
i'm so pleased to have made this particularly recherché heirloom knit. i may not have the wherewithal to do something as concentrated again (sorry dear husband for not talking to you for three months ;) but now that this shawl is here, so charming and delicate, so soft, warm, so fine...*happy!* thank you Hélène
links:
It's beautiful my dear Lori Ann and so are you!
ReplyDeletethank you very much tracey!
DeleteOh Lori it is heavenly! Such a great achievement! And the pictures, is it close to where you live? Do you have a bit of cold weather this time of year as well as we are?
ReplyDeletewe are about two hours north of where we live karin-ida, we took these photos when we took our getaway last week. it is normally much cooler, but we had been having a bit of a heat wave, with temps nearing 80 degrees (approx. 26 celsius). it was warm! thank you so much for such kind words!
DeleteOh my dear girl.....I have no words that could appropriately describe my awe in seeing the beauty of your shawl;
ReplyDeleteabsolutely gorgeous just doesn't cover it nor is it enough for this creation. Thank you!
:) :) :) thank you!!
DeleteStunning, Lori. My oh my, I'll be thinking about this beautiful lace shawl all day.
ReplyDeleteoh thank you so much allison!
Deletethat is stunning! wow. just wow.
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteWhat a perfect post to capture the spirit of that shawl, I especially love the 4th photo down, it says it all.
ReplyDeleteI am also in awe of the knit. I can't imagine when I will ever have the grit to make it through a big lace knit like that, it truly is an accomplishment!
thank you so much gale, i think you are right, it takes determination (and a bit of a stubborn streak) to keep on with lace. i wanted so much for the photos to honor such a beautiful pattern and yarn.
Deletep.s. you could do this!
DeleteStunning! And such an heirloom piece. I can see it being treasured for many generations. I have two shawls that my great grandmother knit in the 1930s for my grandmother. I treasure them so!
ReplyDeletethank you sonja! oh my gosh that is SO special, how lucky you are, i LOVE that those shawls stayed in your family and are cherished by you. awesome!
DeleteJust beautiful! Gentle & full of grace just like you. I never had any interest in Iceland until the last year or so. Now, I find it fascinating & enigmatic. And I love Helene magnussen's designs. Oh, kind of a funny -- I watched the new Sherlock last night. Sherlock & Watson are puzzling over a knitted hat, and have a short conversation about Icelandic wool vs. Peruvian. Pretty sure that was thrown in for all of us knitting Sherlock fans ��.
ReplyDeleteBlessings & angels,
G
aw gigi, you are so kind, thank you so much. and what a fun show, i would have loved to have seen it, both beautiful wools!
DeleteWOW - congratulations on the knitting feat, it is very definitely an heirloom knit!
ReplyDeleteI had a bit of a laugh when you mentioned that you hadn't spoken to your hubby in a couple of months. My son got married six months ago and I made a beautiful wedding shawl for my daughter in law but it was (hands down) the most DIFFICULT knit ever!! Each row was a pattern row (even the reverse side) and each very different from the previous one. No radio, no answering the doorbell, or telephone, no tv on . . . a very anti-social me for quite a while! I've posted a photo on Ravelry so you can share my pain! http://www.ravelry.com/projects/leanmarc/wedding-shawl
You're the perfect model for the special shawl - wear it with pride!
isabel your shawl is gorgeous! thank you so much for sharing (i've added you as a friend). congratulations on your son and new daughters wedding! one of my daughters was married this summer too. and cape town, such a beautiful place, there are some similarities to parts of california.
Deletethank you for such kind words :)
It's hard to say which is prettier--the shawl, the scenery, or you! You have such wonderful style, and you wear this lovely thing with just the right panache. Well done. :)
ReplyDeletethank you so much kristen! this is one of our favorite spots on the central coast, oh to have a parcel of land and build a little home...
DeleteWOW! that looks so light it could blow away. Amazing knitting, it must have taken so much concentration.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful set of pictures.
thank you emma! it really is almost weightless, but incredibly warm too. :)
DeleteI don't know which I love more, the shawl or your hair.
ReplyDelete:) thank you so much!
Deletethe shawl is beautiful as are you~ i love your dress!
ReplyDeletethank you very much katie, it's very comfy!
DeleteWhat a beautiful treasure! You always inspire.
ReplyDeletethank you so much sylvia :)
DeleteLori it is stunning! I love all your pictures. This is definitely a piece that needs to be shown off by it's maker! I love the rain boots. I think they are a perfect match for a lace wrap :)
ReplyDeleteaw thank you andee. i learned to wear these boots in ny snowy wet weather, they keep you warm dry and cozy! they are pretty nice for tidepooling too ;)
DeleteI have been living in my Boggs. I shoveled snow for six hours today! It looks much nicer there than here.
DeleteSo so so beautiful!! I believe this is an heirloom for the ages :) you look beautiful in the shawl, Lori!!
ReplyDeletethank you so much karen! i love so much the idea that this might be cherished by a daughter, or grands someday!
DeleteSuch a sweet gift of your husband Lori. The scarf you made of it looks amazing on you! It must have been difficult to knit. The wool looks so thin and fragile.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy day!
Madelief x
thank you very much madelief :) the cashmere was extremely delicate, i think i will have to take care with this one, it won't be going camping :)
Deleteit's so beautiful Lori!
ReplyDeletethank you andrea dear :)
DeleteIt's a wonderful shawl! Every time you share something you've made, it spurs me on. I've been knitting for just over 12 months, so one day I hope to be as skillfull as you! Xx
ReplyDeletethat is so sweet, thank you, it is music to my ears! with all the inspiration, love and support in the knitting world now, it is the very best time (in my lifetime so far) to be a knitter.
DeleteFantastisk! Gratulerar dig för ditt tålamod.
ReplyDeletegoogle translate:
Deletefantastic! congratulations on your patience!
thank you very much kerstin!
You never cease to amaze me with your knitting! I'm just so happy to know you, XOXO
ReplyDeletethank you dear susan
DeleteAbsolutely gorgeous! The shawl and the model! :-)
ReplyDelete:) goodness thank you!
DeleteBeautiful, Lori! As usual!
ReplyDeletethank you gail!
Deleteas breathtakingly gorgeous as these photos are…..I can only imagine how unbelievable this masterpiece FEELS!!! WOW.
ReplyDeletethank you steph! it's really incredible. very soft to knit with, but after a soak and block, oh my goodness! cashmere seems to keep softening with wear, and there is that lovely sublime halo :)
DeleteWow Lori ... it's exquisite ... absolutely stunning ... breathtaking. I am in awe x
ReplyDeleteoh thank you annie!
Deletethe shawl you made is lovely! a treasure.
ReplyDeletei also love your sweet & simple linen dress ~ wondering if you made it, as well : )
thank you catie! i did not make this dress, it's an older favorite, wearing pretty thin now :)
Deleteamazing shawl Lori!!! really beautiful!!!! you are an incredible knitter, my dear!
ReplyDeletexxxxxx Ale
thank you very much ale!
DeleteNow here is a funny thing, Lori. Today I helped out in a work location where I used to work and it was fun getting caught up with some of my old colleagues. One of them who knows a thing or three about textiles, particularly Eastern textiles, asked me if I had been to Habu. I confessed that although I know their yarns and have seen them in other shops, I have never yet been to Habu HQ.
ReplyDeleteI promised to remedy that soon. I remember saying the same thing to you, when we met last year.
Well, seeing this wondrous shawl you've knit (and greatly admiring another example of Chuck's gift selecting talents) I do promise to get myself over to West 29 Street ... very soon. Will report back to you.
Meanwhile, let me tell you how beautiful you are in these photographs, and how lovely the shawl is in that sunlight.
xo
i kept forgetting to ask you if you'd been yet frances. there is not just habu yarn, but there is quince (!) and i think a few other companies represented. there is also stunning japanese fabric, buttons, bags, tools...there is MUCH temptation. :) and the ladies were so sweet and helpful, i was taken into the back, behind the mystical curtains! where the space opens up to dozens of shelves holding their large inventory. and then i was shown an even larger catalogue (3 ring binder) filled with everything they make, to be ordered from japan. a bit overwhelming! yes, you HAVE to go!
Deletethank you so much for such kind words!
Oh my, Lori. This is stunning! And, how is it even possible that just 70g of yarn became such a generous, luxurious wrap? Amazing!!!
ReplyDeletethank you jackie :) i know! just incredibly light 1000 yards.
DeleteAlthough I am sure that Chuck appreciates that you are being able to talk to him again ;-), the reason for your not being able to do so is absolutely stunning! What a spectacularly beautiful shawl.
ReplyDeletethank you so much Irene, I think he agrees it was worth it :)
DeleteStunning Lori! I am in complete awe of your skill, even more so today as I've been struggling with the simple lace pattern on Ysolda's Mystery Knit Along...just love your pictures too....Mel x
ReplyDeleteI know that lace pattern, it was very confusing! I hope you've got it sorted, I emailed you! thank you very much
DeleteSo So beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteyou are a star!
thanks Jo, very very pleased with it!
Deleteooooh
ReplyDeleteit's a beauty
as you are ;^))
x
:) thank you so much Patrice
Deletehow beautiful!
ReplyDeleteyour little corner of the world looks so serene ♥
when I knit and use the sweet stitch marker you sent me, I think of you xo
thank you deb, this is one of my favorite spots on earth :)
Deletewow! That is exquisite! What lovely photos of you too!
ReplyDeleteaw thank you!
DeleteSuch beauty...your shawl, the landscape... you.
ReplyDeleteLove it.
thank you so much camilla :)
DeleteGorgeous shawl, so stunning Lori!
ReplyDeletethank you jesse!
DeleteOh, I think you just knitted something more beautiful than where you live. Exquisite! Sublime! Knitting transcended.
ReplyDeleteaw thank you rebecca, i think it is my knitting nirvana!
DeleteAnother stunning knit! You are such an inspiration to me. Project after project, you just turn out SUCH beautiful work. I can only imagine how soft your new shawl must be (and think that it's high time I dig out my own stash of Habu Cashmere!)
ReplyDeletesweet nicole, i can't wait to hug you when we meet! thank you for such kind words, and the feeling is mutual.
DeleteNirvana indeed, Lori. Everything about this post is wonderful. Congratulations on getting through 1000 metres of yarn. That's quite an achievement in my books!
ReplyDeletethank you stephanie :)
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeletethank you karen!
DeleteWhat an absolutely gorgeous shawl. Definitely and heirloom. I need to visit that shop the next time I'm in NYC.
ReplyDeletethank you! i hope you do get to the habu store, it's worth the trip!
DeleteCe châle est magnifique !!!
ReplyDeletethank you very much!
DeleteSimply breathtaking, Lori. It sounds like I may need to wait a bit to knit it though, since an amazing husband and three young kiddos take up a whole lot of time!
ReplyDeletethank you heather, i really did talk to chuck hee hee ;)
DeleteWow such a beautiful shawl! And it looks so great on you. You enhance each others beauty!
ReplyDelete♥M
thank you very much marianne!
DeleteOh Lori this is simply stunning. Everything about it is perfect, including the beautiful weather you have to grace its presence. An heirloom indeed xox
ReplyDeletethank you kate, the weather has been really beautiful, the afternoon we took these photos was truly gorgeous (we were on holiday, romance was in the air...:)
DeleteOh my goodness, your shawl is absolutely STUNNING. It's ethereal! I also have to say how much I love the juxtaposition between your soft delicate lace shawl and the rocky coastline you've taken the photos on... so lovely!
ReplyDeletethank you so much amanda! we were so lucky to have such a beautiful day in a very beautiful part of the coast we were visiting. :)
DeleteBeautiful shawl, beautiful you!
ReplyDeletethank you so much Anastasia :)
DeleteI just had to return for another viewing of one of the most stunning, most beautiful shawls I think I've ever seen. Once again, it brought a smile to my face. And the model, she is beautiful as well.
ReplyDeletethank you very much!! I so appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind message again. really and truly!
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful. Ethereal.
ReplyDeletethank you!!
DeleteAfter months of admiring the loveliness of your blog from afar I felt the need to voice my admiration. This post, the shawl, the photos, are stunningly beautiful...and spoke to me on so many levels. Thank you for your generous sharing...the pure and natural beauty of your blog will keep me coming back for more. :-)
ReplyDeletethank you SO MUCH for such kind words, I'm really touched. gosh.
DeleteI noticed the book was inspired by the Textile museum in Blondos. I pressed my nose to the empty museum door last May..but 1wk too early. The museum opened June 1. So it was nice to see your shawl as well as the other items. Have not explored lacework..yet.
ReplyDeletesorry you missed the opening, perhaps you will get Helene's book? there are lace patterns and fascinating history. have fun knitting lace, it's fairly addictive!
DeleteReally, really beautiful! Congratulations on completing such a time-consuming and mind-consuming knit!
ReplyDeletethank you Kristina!
DeleteSimply amazing!
ReplyDeletethank you Nicky!
DeleteI have just found your beautiful blog and your shawl is stunning and photographed so delightfully - thank you so much for sharing x
ReplyDeletethank you for being here! and for such kind words!
DeleteLori, the shawl is absolutely gorgeous. Gosh, I can imagine the concentration it took. But the result is so breathtaking. I adore how you have photographed it so beautifully! Hugs and blessings, Tammy
ReplyDeletethank you very much tammy!
DeleteGorgeous shawl and lovely pictures. I wish, I could go to a local knit store and buy Habu yarn.
ReplyDeletethank you mette! it was really fun yet difficult to choose from all of habu!
DeleteOh Lori your shawl is the most beautiful creation! I can only imagine how much concentration it took to produce such a gorgeous lace pattern! I love all your photos of it too......you and your shawl look so pretty together!
ReplyDeleteHelen xx
thank you dear helen, that is so kind of you to say!
DeleteGorgeous shawl & knitting! And I love all those pictures of you!
ReplyDeleteNice wellies, too. :)
aw thank you carrie! green = LOVE!
DeleteIt takes a special one to do this sort of project. My friend did something like this for her daughter's wedding ...something like 2000 yrds. It is truly a labor of love. Gorgeous job and beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeletethank you donna :) i tried not to add up the amount of fiber until the end, it can feel so intimidating! i appreciate your kind words very much!
DeleteAlso....I adore Habu textiles!
ReplyDeleteOMG this is amazing! The shawl ( brilliant!) the landscape (incredible!) the pictures (beautiful!)
ReplyDeleteI am in an aw...
Bora from Switzerland