Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Now for the Wearing


Hi Knitters,
Now comes the good part, the wearing. I wore my freshly blocked Citron out for some shopping yesterday and I couldn't keep my hands off the beaded edge. I have to do more beaded edges on things. In fact, I think I may cast on and try my hand at a shawl design today with some optional beading and maybe a tutorial or two for that. I will use sock weight yarn for this next one. That sounds kind of fun. I think it will have to have a ruffle, too. I am loving the ruffle. It will be something simple.

I asked my husband to quickly take this back shot of the shawl before he scrambled off to work. Before I asked he stopped and said, "That's cute." That's a lot from him.


I didn't enjoy knitting with the yarn all that much but I am loving the final project enough that I will most likely knit with lace weight again, maybe a Madelinetosh lace next. I can't believe the warmth I feel on my shoulders by this lightweight little shawl.

If you make the Citron I highly recommend making it bigger than in the pattern by adding at least a couple of sections before the ruffle. I would have regretted it immensely if I had not taken the time to make it bigger. Now it is just perfect.


I will most often wear this shawl like this, wrapped up close around my neck. That's my favorite style.

The colorful beads (6/0 Czech glass crown jewels, Royal Ruby) were in a tube I picked up at  Jo Ann's. I used all of the beads in one tube. I used a 1.25mm crochet hook to apply the beads. I bought the hook at Jo Ann's, too, Clover brand. That was all guess work and much to my happiness it was a first time success.

Off to another project or two! Someone is having fun around here.....
best, susie

33 comments:

Catalina said...

Looks beautiful!

Leslie said...

If you weren't so dang nice and talented I would hate how adorable & thin you are! :D That shawl is lovely, but on you it is flat out gorgeous.

Arlene said...

That is awesome. I hadn't liked it on Ravelry, but now I do. I'll have to try it WITH BEADS of course! Thanks for the tips, they are a big help. I never would have tried it without seeing yours.

Rhonda said...

I love it! The beads just make the piece - great job!

And I love glasses on you - so cute!

Susan B. Anderson said...

Ha! Leslie - that is all trick photography:)

Savannagal said...

I've wanted to make a Citron for a long time and your post has reignited my fire to do so. May I ask, how many sections you knit? I'd like mine to be larger as well. I've never knit with beads before and I'd like to try that too. Thank you for posting your notes. I'll print your comments for future reference. Thanks much.

Savannagal said...

I've wanted to make a Citron for a long time and your post has reignited my fire to do so. May I ask, how many sections you knit? I'd like mine to be larger as well. I've never knit with beads before and I'd like to try that too. Thank you for posting your notes. I'll print your comments for future reference. Thanks much.

Susan B. Anderson said...

Savannagal- I made 7 sections before the ruffle. The pattern tells you how to make it bigger by adding more sections and on the ravelry page it gives yarn requirements for bigger shawls.

If you look back over the last couple of posts I linked the beading tutorial I used, too.

Savannagal said...

Thanks much for your guidance. I'll look for the link to the tutorial.

Nickycarp said...

Ohmygosh, I love it! It's gorgeous on you. You make it look so natural to wear a shawl with jeans! :-) Can't wait to try one myself. Lovely.

Nickycarp said...

Ohmygosh, I love it! It's gorgeous on you. You make it look so natural to wear a shawl with jeans! :-) Can't wait to try one myself. Lovely.

Zenitude said...

You've really inspired me to try beading on my next shawl! I love what you've done with your Citron.

Ann said...

Susan, so nice to "see" you so much on your own blog; seem so happy and relaxed-- welcome home!

Kelly said...

It looks beautiful! The ruffly, beaded edge really adds a lot to its charm.

Kristi said...

That's beautiful! I love reading your blog. And I just got your itty bitty books for Christmas!

Suzanne said...

I love the various poses of you in your shawl. I made my Citron as written but now, I am wondering if I might have to make another but bigger. It would make a good foray into beaded edges and that would be good too. Happy knitting today!

mrspao said...

Citron is gorgeous and looks fabulous on you.

Unknown said...

Elegant shawl - looks great on you!

Unknown said...

Elegant shawl - looks great on you!

Kelly-ann said...

Looks awesome! Okay, you have inspired me to get my never-worn Malabrigo lace scarf out of the rubbermaid bin in the closet. I also didn't like the yarn, but that is even more reason to get some joy out of using the item.

Stefanie said...

TOTALLY awesome Citron, Susan! Great pop of color and perfect for the season. I bet you caught many pairs of eyes with that on.
Lovely addition of beads. Would love to see that kind of tutorial from you next as that kind of thing's a bit intimidating to me.

Lisa H. said...

Your husband is right, it is cute! I think that the beads really give it that something extra. I can't wait to try it. That pattern is in my Ravelry queue.

Sam I Am...... said...

Adorable! And look at all the different ways you can wear it! I'm pretty plain-Jane but I love your beadwork on that! Was it difficult? I just had a knitting lesson today...just when I think I am getting better at it..I mess up! LOL! But I'm learning and moving forward so that's good and all your projects motivate me to keep knitting so eventually I can do more complicated projects. Thanks again for sharing! I can't wait to see what you're going to do next! I did 2 scarves, of course, as starter projects and now I am making oven mitts from Purl Bee blog's free pattern. It will get felted which will hide all my mistakes!

Sara said...

Nice! I wear my Citron shawl more than any other lately!

Unknown said...

It's absolutely cute!

pens and needles said...

I love this! Have never beaded with knitting before. Can't think how you do it. Hope you will do a tutorial, please.

Brandi Schoch said...

Lovely shawl, I think i need to make a shawl with beads.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

Beautiful Citron - I am loving the color (what a fantastic color name "sealing wax" -so perfect)

Natalie said...

Hey Susan! If you continue with this beautiful beadwork, you might have a lot of fun checking out Tropic Jewel on State Street. I loved going there when I lived in Madison. It's right on the corner of Broom, Gilman, and State just above Dobra Tea. Beautiful shawl!!

Jennie said...

I too think this is just beautiful, and I too am looking forward to the tutorial. I have always been intrigues (and sort of beguiled) by beads, but I have never tried them...it might be time.

Frankie said...

Susan you are my breathe of fresh air. I am a Nurse Manager and I love to recieve your emails and daily post. It is pure therapy for me and a great stress relief. Your projects inspire me and I am excited daily to see what you have completed. I have several of your books, the Itty Bitty Hats, I make constantly for my two grandson's and for friends and their children. All of my baby shower invitations know they will be recieving a treasured knitted keepsake. Thanks again and keep on keeping on.

flora said...

It's so beautiful on you! I love the colour you choose. Thanks for sharing!

stephigordon said...

Your Citron is so, so beautiful - love the color - it looks great on you! I've been working on one, too... I read your notes about adding sections.... not sure that I can bear the thought - "good on ya" as my friend from Texas would say! Lovely!