Unattainable love

One of the other projects that got cast on during this bout of startitis was the Layla shawl.

Yes - that's the Continental Cat I was using for my Queen Street cardigan. It just happened to be the absolute perfect shade of red needed for this particular project, which is the other reason the cardigan got frogged.

Layla, which is designed by the uber-talented Denise Bell of Lost City Knits, is actually a square shawl. I do have enough yarn to make the full square - however I don't think I have enough time. This shawl has a deadline, so I'm just doing half of it and making it a triangle.

I've knit a couple of Denise's designs (The Monarch Shawl and the Lafitte Shawl) and as always, her patterns are fantastic. She loves nupps and star flowers (as do I) and her patterns have great tips on how to execute them. I know it's probably counter-productive to endorse another hand-dyer - but she's also a fabulous hand dyer too with a great line of yarns - check her out!

The shawl is also beaded - though I'm adding more than the pattern calls for - I love the weight and drama they add to a shawl.

 I'm using the same pearl beads that I'm using in my Mistress Anne shawl design (I really have to go get a couple more tubes!) I love a nice contrasting bead. The outfit this shawl will go with has a theme of pearls and garnets, so it's appropriate.

And have I ever mentioned how much I like knitting leaves.... well maybe you've noticed... here, and here, and here, and here, and here... I think I may have a problem...