Bluebirds at the Beach

Well this one is out of some more of the ColourMart Exotic Cotton - this time in River Sand (or according to the beastie cream of wheat cereal)! My Auntie is allergic to just about everything but I'm guessing this one will actually cause no itchy-scratchies! I used a US size 5 needle but I'm guessing I'd have been more happy with a 6! I used some seed beads rescued from Grace's old rosary in a bronze color (they are definitely metal cause I used a magnet to pick them up out of the carpet after a little excitement with the dog). Final measurements are 22" x 68". The pattern is by Romi called "Bluebird". Made a few adjustments - 31 repeats of the center diamond, added an extra repeat of the "big wings" section, added beads to the spine of the leaf motif, and added flowers instead of the small wings, slipped the first stitch of each row to allow easier blocking.

Now since everyone asks - knit it right off the cone while still oiled (I'm lazy). When finished put it in really hot water with some Dawn dishwashing detergent - followed by a good rinse - followed by a second plunge in Dawn and hot water, followed by a good rinse, followed by 10 minutes in a really hot dryer. Pinned out using wires run thru the slipped stitch at the beginning of each row.

Now I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you to check out Romi's pins that she makes to go with her shawls - they really are spectacular!!!

And now for those of you who know me well - this gift was actually done 4 weeks ahead of time - I believe I may be growing up!