I have had the yarn to knit this shawl for several years. I have tried to start several times but got frustrated each time. It was the color changing that was the big issue. So when @salmonmac posted a link to a Roxanne Richardson video on intarsia color change, after viewing, it made more sense. The problems would start from “the get go”. A yarn over with the first color change on row 1. So I did what Roxanne recommended (tie new color to previous color the first time). The next info that’s helped immensely is always hold the old yarn in left hand and new one in right hand. Ok. So just checking, so when I’m knitting and time to change colors that color is in the front, so what I’m doing is bringing that yarn to back, then moving the old color to my left hand and pick up my new color with right and following instructions. I’ve done 10 rows and at least things are not falling apart. I think as this shawl grows it will become easier to see. Now I’m repeating rows 7-10 and I think there will be yarnover holes along either side of color transition. Does this sound right?
Have it both ways knit shawl
That all sounds good. You don’t want to see holes at the transition from one color to the next. Just be sure to cross the yarns over and you’ll be fine.
Intarsia is fun and very rewarding to work as long as you keep the yarn cross in mind as you change colors.
Great graphic on this shawl!
It sounds like you are having great success witht the intarsia technique.
The yarn overs make an eyelet type decoration which is separate from the technique of intarsia so whilst you don’t want holes caused by the colour change you will want the decorative holes of the yarn overs in the pattern .
This pic shows it if you are able to zoom in enough
Well at least I’ve gotten further than any attempt previously. But I think I’m going to start over. One side of the eyelets are great but the other side, the opening is too big. Thought I’d be able to live with it but after sleeping on it, I’ve decided I can’t. At the point of a color change and the first thing to do is a yarnover, I feel I should be pulling this more snug. I’ve tried it last couple of rows and I think it’s making a difference. I am not a big fan of redoing something but it’s so early in the process that I know this would continue to irritate me until the time invested would keep me from starting over but I would never be happy with result.
I haven’t done it myself but it sounds like a more tricky tension to control if you are also not all that practised with intarsia. Possibilities are to practice with a narrow swatch maybe just 10 stitches of each colour so you get a good practise with the yarn over and colour change on as many rows as needed to get the technique in your muscle memory before moving on to the shawl.
It’s painful to rip out and start over but I’ve almost always been happy I did (almost). It’s going to be lovely when you finish and fun in the making. A friend has made this one and it is a beauty.
Well literally you only cast on 3 stitches so it’s pretty small at first. So before I chickened out, I just cut off what I’d done. I am struggling a little because tiny, very few stitches and yarn on metal tips quite slippery. I probably should use wooden one but don’t have correct size. So multiple start overs for multiple reasons (stitches slipping off needles etc) but finally got to where I’m starting 4 row repeat. The eyelet holes 100% better so I’m sure it will get easier as size increases. I do find sense of accomplishment when try something new and have reasonable success.
In another thread I just read it (a completed vest) it was brought up about pattern being labeled as “easy” which is what this shawl was labeled and I remember thinking just yesterday “wow that sure is a misrepresentation” at least in my mind. I guess it’s relative to each person but also can be very misleading. But it was interesting others feel the same way at times,
I actually brace myself when I see a pattern designated “easy.” It is almost always a flag that it isn’t. With the exception of the designer or editor it’s invariably a less than easy pattern.
I’m not at the point of needing to do this but reading ahead I’m confused with this “easy” pattern. Says continue until 24” deep. Finish on 7th row (I guess it’s saying this will be last row completed before moving to next step). Which says next row cast off all B stitches then proceed with A only to completion. But looking at schematic how does that area from 24” line to dotted line get done. Makes no sense to me. Does someone else see something I’m not seeing? Once again got some time before I get to this point but I’m one these be prepared and know what is coming up next.
Good question.
The schematic is a bit misleading. It helps to look at the photo of the scarf below the schematic. The rows are V-shaped because of the yarn over increases down the center of the shawl (the join of the two colors). Finally the V is formed by the cast off line of the B color and the dashed line in the A color. It’s easiest to see in the photo rather than the schematic. When you cast off the Bsts, that side of the V ends and the scarf continues from the dashed line in A
The 24" line is not along a row, but is measured across the width of the scarf. This is one of those “trust the pattern” moments.
Thanks so much. I can see what you are saying. Even while knitting this project it naturally forms a “v”. I would have thought to measure across the stitches on needle but I now see to measure as from one end to the other as it naturally falls. Hope that makes sense what I’m saying. I then can see exactly how l get to the next point. Anyway you are truly amazing at what you do, that you can look at something, read a pattern and interpret and then able to relay this info in easy to understand instructions. I feel so lucky to have someone like you and others here to reach out to. The one independent yarn store closed where I live this year and now only have”big box stores” so not a good resource for questions. This site and the people an indispensable resource to so many of us to try to improve our ability with this craft!!
It’s so sad to see the independent stores close. They are an invaluable resource. I’m so glad you found us. We all help each other out and it works quite well. Love to see this shawl when you finish!