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March 12, 2008

Three Cornered and Long Shawls

First off, Congratulations to Cathy, KSee and blogless Rhiannon who won the various skeins of mis-dyed yarn!

I finally caved and bought a new camera on Monday, and it's been so nice to take some nice clear pictures.

Pics of Twinkie of course.

And of Emily.

And of course, Hyrna Herborgar.

This section is much easier than the last. There's a nice clear centre stitch, which helps, and it's a very easy 4 row pattern repeat, so it's flowing much better now.

I've had a few questions about this book, Three-Corned and Long Shawls by Sigridur Halldórsdóttir. (ISBN 9979-70-032-7)
I got my copy from Schoolhouse Press, and it came with an English translation by Marilyn Keppel. It isn't cheap, but there are patterns for 27 different Icelandic shawls and scarves inside, and they're all lovely.

Here's a better picture of the back cover, which shows all the shawls.

(click for big)

If you'd like an even better look at the pictures of the shawls, I've uploaded all 27 to Flickr here. When I was trying to decide whether to buy the book, I found it really hard to find pictures of all the shawls included, so I hope this helps some one else to decide.

Personally, I think it's well worth the cost. The English translation is not extensive, but I don't know if it's the translation, or if the book itself didn't have a lot of detail in the patterns. Between the translation and the charts though, it's not too hard to follow.

There's a nice variety of rectangles and triangles, and there are single coloured shawls as well as shawls with some different colours incorporated.

Most of the shawls in the book are knitted in Icelandic lace weight, but I think that as with most patterns, you could substitute another yarn at your discretion. Gauge isn't essential in a shawl or scarf, so it's entirely up to you. The yarn I'm using for Hyna Herborgar is a heavier lace weight, and so far it seems fine. On Ravelry it appears that Hyrna Herborgar has been worked in a variety of yarns, and they're all lovely.

Do I recommend the book? Highly! Although I would recommend that you have some experience in lace and reading charts first.

Posted by Donna at March 12, 2008 10:49 PM

Comments

Such lovely pictures of Twinkie is all her splendour!!! I love the first one best of all!! The shawl is looking fine: even if it is not garnet, brown or orange!!!!

Posted by: 2paw at March 12, 2008 11:52 PM

Yay for the new camera!

Posted by: Wool Winder at March 13, 2008 12:11 AM

The photos from the book are lovely, but I have to admit the styling on one of them confused me. "Why is she naked under the shawl???"

And congrats on the new camera!

Posted by: Cathy at March 13, 2008 12:12 AM

ohhhhhhhh so pretty,now I just need them to magically appear and me not to loose a single yarn over.
That is how lace knitting is done isn't it?:P

Posted by: Carol at March 13, 2008 12:34 AM

Good use for your new camera!

Posted by: monica at March 13, 2008 02:11 AM

Twinkie is so cute. Love the shawl. Of course, a new camera is great fun.

Posted by: Suzanne at March 13, 2008 10:24 AM

Twinkie looks sleepy. :D

You've been tagged for a meme.

Posted by: Kessa at March 13, 2008 11:32 AM

God I wish you'd stop going on about that book. Talk about rub it in!

Posted by: Ailsa at March 14, 2008 10:56 AM

My goodness that particular pattern is absolutely GORGEOUS. It will be stunning.

Posted by: Terri at March 14, 2008 11:02 AM

Love that book!!!I really need another camera,no closeups for this one now after I dropped it,want want want a Cannon Rebel!
By the way you're tagged!!

Posted by: cathy at March 14, 2008 08:08 PM

Now I know that I absolutely need to buy that book. I've been looking at it for a while. Thanks for showing the photos.

Posted by: Agneta at March 15, 2008 05:31 PM

Great pictures. Have fun with the camera. I am delighted to have won one of your mis-dyed yarns.

Posted by: KSee at March 16, 2008 11:19 AM