it’s off the needles—finished up the shawl last night instead of working on the pattern, because i realized i couldn’t finalize things til i knew how the necked worked out.
also, i’ve picked up some kind of sore throat thing and by 7 pm, it was all over between me and the computer; i needed to huddle someplace warm (good luck with that) and knit.
i took this picture this morning while i was measuring it all over pre-blocking. then i put it on for a good soak while i did my bookkeeping and around noon i started pinning it out
the yarn has such wonderful coppery highlights and streaks of dark red that give the fabric a moiré or watered-silk effect.
i pinned out the hem scallops by hand instead of using the wires—they really needed to be able to spread and round out more than the wires would allow, due to their size. i opted for an organic, asymmetrical shaping on those (but you can mold the fabric lots of different ways in the blocking)
the shoulder shaping looks like the windows of a gothic church, heh.
i do like the way they turned out—it was worth the struggle i had, getting that shaping to work out on paper (two days of staring at the screen to make the numbers work, ugh, can you believe that?? ok, i was coming down with something, but still . . .).
the problem was that central column of faggoting—i wanted that to run right up the center of the shoulder, dammit! (btw, if you clicked that link, try this one, too—absolutely fascinating—the things you can learn from knitting . . .)
but it was throwing the section on either side off kilter, so that that they weren’t centered. and, as you can see, the patterned panel is not a symmetrical motif either which threw another monkey wrench into the mix. it was either make a chart that was 110 sts (about 20 inches) wide or think of something else. well, i did finally think of something else, but it took a while.
oh well, there’s got to be a hurdle somewhere, and this was the sole hangup for this pattern, so i can’t complain. now to see if it all works—i’ll pass the baton to the test knitters in the next day or so and let them work their magic while we wait patiently (no worries, i have plenty of other entertainment planned for the interim).
ok, ok, i know—you want the payoff shot, right?? here you go
now. time to name it. i’m really getting strong vibes from it for something like “sugar maple”—is it too weird? i still like “autumn mantle” too but that has a monastic ring to it that bothers me a little.
at any rate, i am greatly relieved and elated that it will, indeed, be winging off on monday to kim and a trip to SPA. if you’ll be there, you can visit, say hi to kim, and get a closer look at the woolen rabbit booth. i wish i could be there, too.
ok,now—i have a pattern to finish up.
108 thoughts on “awww, sugar, sugar”
Fabulous Fabulous finally a shawl that elimates all the things I hate about triangular shawls. I do actually have a whole separate stash for knitspot patterens and yarn.
wonderful….and i hope you will finish the pattern soon. Windows of a gothic church, yes! Before reding your text which i do after looking the photos (for this i do not need any english) i thought only Engelflügel (wings of an angel)
i am really happy to know your blog, i love your patterns. thanks anne. but sooo far away
It will be an honour to follow this pattern…
Wow, anne!!! the shawl makes me want to weep! SOOOOOO beautiful! and i agree with petra- it does look like wings… i have thought of it as autumn mantle for the whole time you have featured it- hard to think of it as anything else though i know you will find the perfect name as you always do.
take care- hope you feel better soon- wish i was close enough to bring over soup!
THANK YOU! I’ve been eagerly anticipating this post, and the shawl is lovelier than I ever hoped. Your hard work has paid off and then some. Can’t wait for the pattern.
I also see wings and immediately thought of Monarch, as in the butterfly. Or maybe chrysalis. Whatever you name it, this is a beautiful shawl!
Wow, the moiré effect on the tailwings is stunning. Could you call it something involving “tailwing”? I too had a butterfly, not a tree, reaction.
The people who get to think up names for colors and things have to have one of the fun jobs in existence. I really DO like sugar maple, also burnished elegance, charred persimmon, maple chrysallis, I could go on forever, but you see I get weird after the first two. It’s a really beautiful shawl.
that’s so pretty! the stitch pattern in the bottom section reminds me of aspen leaves, like this one.
I’m not sure I’m going to be able to be sufficiently patient. I will try waving my current shawl project in my eyes as a distraction…
oooooh baby, this *autumn mantle* is lovely! Exceeds what I’ve come to expect from your artwork! Take care of yourself, and hug my admiration to yourself! kattO
Anne, you’re amazing! It really is breathtaking! Where do you find such endless creativity? I’m impatiently awaiting this one!
Your shawl looks like wings open in flight- maybe an owl’s or a hawk’s.I can’t quite put my finger on it , but it’s beautiful! Looking forward to seeing it in person at SPA.
My lace needles have been empty and waiting with baited breath for this one! As someone else mentioned, the one thing about triangle shawls I do not like is that point, pointing to my arse…but this shawl….perfection!
I agree with the others,”WOW” It is great! I need more knitting time to knit all of these shawls. I like the “sugar maple” name. I hope yu are feeling better and found a warm spot to sit.
I agree… it really is beautiful. I see wings too (a red tailed hawk perhaps?), although I love the idea of something like red maple as well. The color really is perfect. I wish I had the ability to make lace projects like you do… I’m still on the first section of my Honeybee stole.
I definitely see a butterfly, too — also half a chrysanthemum. Monarch, maybe? I’m drooling over here…
that is absolutely breathtaking! you are a genius.
Hmm,it looks exactly like a moth to me.
What a beautiful shawl! When I first looked at it I thought of the pheonix, the fire bird. Or maybe Phoenicia?
Wonderful job Anne.
Phooey, of course I spelled it wrong. It should have been “phoenix”!
Lovely. I too see it as wings or cloaked. Love that center panel.
I have to say I see the wing thing too. Maybe something like “the wings of autumn” or “autumn wings”
Wow, I love it, and I definitely agree with those who see wings of some kind. Did you know that hawks perched with fresh prey will do a move called “mantling” in which they open their wings like a cloak and let them hang down and forward to cover their prey while they get ready to eat… “Autumn Mantle” might actually work on the levels of both color and wings…
on the other hand I really like Bonnie’s suggestions related to Firebirds and Phoenixes. Weren’t there some really good names that went by when we were helping to name Irtfa’a and Simurgh? Maybe one of them would be relevant here?
This is the most beautiful shawl. Wow. Just wow. The pattern reminds me of leaves, but with the color reminds me of driving through the hills in the early morning in the fall. The light catches the red of the leaves and almost looks like fire. Great job!!
“Sugar Maple” is a colorway from Cherry Tree Hill and it’s been around forever. I think it’s one of the first colorways they came up with.
It would be a great name for the shawl, except that a lot of people would think first of the yarn. Somehow, I don’t think that’s the mental association you want your shawl to have.
This is so lovely. I am not an orange fan, but this is much more complex than orange.
It reminds me of ‘Blood Orange’, ‘Marmalade, ‘Monarch’ or Phoenix, born from the fire.
What a pleasure at this still bleak time of year – we are having yet another snowfall just north of Toronto tonight!
I think I will have to order this as soon as it is ready and also the yarn for they are perfect together.
I like the suggestion in one of the other comments “Phoenix”. The yarn color suggests fire and flames to me.
Or, what about “Autumn Flame” So pretty!!! Yet another wonderful pattern. I don’t know how you do it 🙂
How pretty! I’ll be keeping an eye open for this one…
!! LOVE this pattern! I’ve been seeing the leaf motif ever since you designed the first pattern. What if you combined your two name ideas for ‘Autumn Maple’? I’m an earthy girl all the way, so the tree motif really speaks to me. 🙂 Can’t wait to get started on my own!
I was also reminded of wings when I saw it. It is just beautiful as always! Love, love that shoulder shaping too. I am loving the color. That Kim is something. 🙂
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous.
And for some reason, the word “catalpa” came to mind. I googled it and the leaves do have that sort of feel…but it doesn’t turn the right color. I do think it’s fun to see what comes to people’s minds when they look at these works of art.
Mostly waht comes to my mind is “Me want!”
So beautiful! And, to be honest, I like “sugar maple…”
I’ve been looking everywhere for laceweight yarn to use! I’d like to use something different, but yours is so perfect.
There is a sugar maple strain of tree called “Autumn Blaze.” That might be a good name. The shawl is so beautiful. It just looks like it is poised to take flight.
another absolutely gorgeous design. I love the detail in this one.
Oh, I love it. It’s perfect. Got to do this one for me!
It is lovely. A giant copper Moth! One of your best efforts!
reminds me of a moth or cicada….
Oh so lovely!! Looks so much like a moth or a butterfly. Do you have one called Lunar (like the moth)? Maybe Japanese Maple? Well it doesn’t matter what you call it, I call it gorgeous.
That is just lovely, Anne. You continue to amaze and inspire me. 🙂
2 completely amazing shawls churned out in no time at all… that is just sick, wonderfully sick and beautiful.
Lovely shawl! It reminds me of a butterfly’s wing…so I researched some orange butterflies and came up with “Lustrous Copper.”
Oh…there are also some lovely orange butterflies called “Frittilaries.” Then, of course, there are your typical Monarchs.
angels wings…truly beautiful once again.
Oh love, can’t wait to start on it! I’m liking the Phoenix strain of names, esp Phoenicia. I see some sort of bird wing myself, feathers. I’m not so creative with the names thing.
I see wings and swirls–Maplewing? Swirling Maple? But I too like the Phoenix/Phoenicia/Firebird train of thought…hmmm, tough call on this one.
Cheers, Barbie O.
Awww, honey, honey!
Love, love, love this!
As for a name : I like “Maple Honey” Or “Copper Honey” (a play on coper penny).
I really enjoy the irregularity of the edging, very unexpected and fresh – a must do.
I’ll have to get to my Cluaranach first in the Wellington Mohair purple overdye – I really need to send you a picture of that yarn, you’ll croak!
I bow before your talent, as always.
Leslie
It’s very very beautiful!!! I love seeing all the pics of patterns in progress, it is very inspirering and helpful for a would-be-designer like me.
As for the name, I have two thoughts. One is something with fractals, because it looks like something out of a math book (in the very good way). Autumn fractals, maybe?
The other is Icarous, as it reminds me of wings and sun beams and well…
Anyway, it’s gorgeous!!!
It looks like it is about to take flight 🙂 Just beautiful!
How about autumn wings, or butterfly wings? Or phoenix? It sort of looks like wings on fire.
It looks fantastic. So beautiful. Looking forward to the pattern comes out.
How about leaf peeping?
Just when I think you have maxed out on gorgeous shawl pattern, you come up with this one, Anne. It is breathtaking. Yarn from Kim is already in my stash. Cannot wait for the pattern. No pressure, though. Take your time. Your health comes first, say your adoring fans.
It looks like a soaring bird to me. can’t wait to see it in person at SPA!
If it looks like a sugar maple, and it walks like a sugar maple…
Just when I think I have seen the most beautiful shawl ever,you top it! I can’t picture it in any
other color combination,so a generic name is difficult to come up with. The shawl reminds me of the autumn walk thru the woods behind our house.
Um. Wow!
Ah,now I have it! Either Autumn’s Light or Chanson de automne-Autumn’s Song.
The shawl is really beautiful. When I first saw it, I thought of a Luna Moth:
http://www.freewebs.com/amandazygutis/MothLuna%5B1%5D.jpg
I had one of these on my garage door, once. Beautiful. It’s shape reminds me of your shawl. You’d have to picture it without its looong legs, of course!
I love its maple goodness. Yet, if it were knit in pale green, it would be so Luna Moth. It’s a beauty; I started to complement the parts I liked most, and then realized I would be doing a commentary on the entire shawl! VBG!
Congratulations on realizing your vision – great job!
Wow, I really like it, above all the hem scallops. The shape reminds me of some kind of moth or, with a little more fantasy, a willow which is spreading its branches and leaves out. But I like the idea of a moth better. Look http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Argynnis.paphia.male.2616.jpg
Oh, the link cut of the rest of my comment. Anyway, in German this butterfly is called “Kaisermantel”, which means “Emperors cloak/coat”. The similarity is astonishing 😉
Hi! Maybe combine the two and call it Autumn Maple?
When I hear the word mantle, I think of the first line of the introduction to the song “Winter Wonderland”: “Over the ground lies a mantle of white…”. Sounds pretty cozy and not monastic at all (IMHO). Just a thought.
It is gorgeous!
I agree with Petra & Sheri, it looks like wings. You should name it Wings. It is beautiful. I can’t wait to buy the pattern.
I have an ex-boyfriend who’s becoming a monk – it’s the happiest he’s ever been about a choice in the many years that I’ve known him. I think that autumn mantle sounds like some wonderful mystical ritual garment for welcoming the new season. Monasticism isn’t all repression and judgment. 😀
Oh my, you have outdone yourself on this one! So very beautiful and I also have some Woolen Rabbit yarn in my stash that has been waiting for something as elegant as this.
Stay warm, and get well, Anne.
That is absolutely gorgeous! I am trying to wait patiently to buy this one, but it is definitely a must have. I have to say the first thing that came to mind when I saw it was phoenix. It also does look like a butterfly in flight. Stunning.
i agree with malin. this shawl looks as though it is ready to fly away on its own.
So pretty! I’ve been following your progress on this piece and look forward to the pattern release. Congrats!
where do I get in line for this beautiful shawl? You never cease to amaze!
That. is. so. gorgeous. It is exactly the colors of a Japanese maple, like someone said above, but “Japanese maple” seems kinda clunky. I wonder what the Japanese is?
*pause for lookup*
According to wikipedia, the tree is called “irohamomiji” How about “Osakazuki” (one of the vivid autumn cultivars)?
When I look at this, it reminds me of angel wings. It is very beautiful.
Anne,
I don’t know how you envision this? I just don’t—the yarn is gorgeous and the intricate design is amazing!
I’m throwing Winged Maple into the hat-
It’s just beautiful! Another pattern to add to the queue, definitely.
This is a stunning shawl! Really, it is truly gorgeous! If you didn’t already have so many other fabulous designs in your collection, I’d be tempted to say that you outdid yourself on this one.
As for the name, what about Samara (or Samaras), as in the fruit from the maple tree? That’s what the shape of the main stitch pattern reminds me.
I LOVE it! Can’t wait until the pattern is available — great combination of yarn and design.
I love this beautiful shawl Anne. I think Autumn Maple would be a good suggestion. The shape reminds me of a slightly wrinkled leaf that has fallen from the tree. You could also think of Liquid Amber – that tree also has beautiful red autumnal colouring.
It is so beautiful, but I think there can only be one name. From the moment I looked at the first picture, I got a very strong impression of a butterfly and the last picture,the bottom of the shawl looks like the edge of a lovely ruffled red butterfly wing.
It’s beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing how it looks when worn.
Must. Have.
Anne, even though I don’t knit lace I find myself in constant awe of what you’re able to do with sticks and string. You have a gift, and I’m jealous!
It’s beautiful. My first thought was “moth”, so I’m keying in to the wing theme along with everyone else…
Anne, this is the most original, fluid, masterpiece I have ever seen in a shawl. When I saw the blocked out shot, I thought of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes, and I saw someone else had the same thought. This is a must make. Your creativity and execution is awe inspiring.
That is absolutely beautiful. Okay, I know what I want my next lace project to be now!
Unstretched, it is gorgeous. Stretched it is beyond gorgeous–the color and the design!!!! You’ve outdone yorself. It makes me think of wings–birds, angels…are there any orange butterflies that aren’t monarchs?
So, I Googled “orange butterflies” and clicked on “images” and found several :
A common species in Buenos Aires province, the nice and orange Agraulis vanillae maculosa
The Gulf Fritillary, Agraulis vanillae, a striking, bright orange butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Heliconiinae
…bright orange butterflies are called Julia Longwings.
Cruiser butterfly (Vindula erota), an orange butterfly on forest floor in Borneo
I kind of like “fritillary” as a name.
Wowowowowowow!That is gorgeous! I’ll bet it will be even more lovely when it’s on! It was really fun to follow this project from start to finish.
Winged Autumn? It reminds me of falling leaves floating through the air to the ground. If you are waffling on Autumn Mantle, what about Autumn Cloak?
ooooohhhh….that really turned out pretty! i can’t wait to see the ‘action’ pics. i hope you’re feeling better – there’s a nasty bug that’s been going around.
Its just, sugar maple describes the yarn, as much as the pattern. If someone did it in, oh lets say blue it would be odd to say its called “Sugar Maple” if the color has nothing to do with the color of sugar maples.
Other then that, its a good name.
Beautiful! Reminds me of what a fairy of the maples might wear as camouflage while flitting through forest canopy. Gorgeous work!
Gorgeous shawl! Brava! When I saw it in it’s blocked glory, I immediately thought of Margarita Consuelo, aka Rita Hayworth, in Blood and Sand with Tyrone Power. And you know she wore a mantilla in the movie…and doesn’t the color and flow resemble her hair, kinda? Very exciting!!!
what a beauty!
BEe-youuu-tee-ful! That’s gonna be my next one. I finished Caricia within abuot 10 days. LOL I just got around to blocking it last night tho. I went with the 9 repeats. But I digress…
How about Autumn Sun?
i like sugar maple for a name. go for it. and i can’t wait to get my hands on this pattern sometime.
Very pretty! I like Sugar Maple. Feel better!
name :winging it
I too think it looks like a butterfly pinned out like that. With that organic depth of color as well.
I saw you’re teaching at Sock Summit…
Faerie. Absolutely Stunning. My 4 y/o stashy girlie would flit and float around in that all day – and culminate by cuddling up with it under chin.
Wow! That’s so beautiful!
Oh it’s just beautiful!!!
It’s not the same when you are sick. Feel better soon and we will too!
Late to the party again, but it’s absolutely gorgeous in any case! Bravo!
I’m in the bird wing camp. Kind of reminds me of a robin red breast, except upside down. Or a Vermillion flycatcher…except upside down. I can’t think of anything that’s actually orange on its back…maybe we’re looking up as it flies overhead?
Another gorgeous creation. and I can hardly wait to buy this pattern., regardless of the name (though the leaf shapes also remind me of the little helicopter seeds).
Fabulous!
What a beautiful shawl….the color is absolutely glorious…WOW !
Aww! So Pretty! I think that it does remind me of a butterfly or moth (a pretty one) wings. Another great pattern!
SO gorgeous.
breath-taking, truly.
My first thought on seeing the payoff shot was ‘moth’. Don’t know what sort of moth has that gorgeous color, though.
The whole is quite beautiful, and is definitely calling to me.
Wow, it’s beautiful! It looks like a majestic bird in flight.
Comments are closed.