The Secret is Out.

Now that I have FINALLY given my mother her 50th birthday present - I can post about it! My very first lace project, the Flower Basket Shawl from Interweave Knits, was always meant to be for my mother. She celebrated her 50th birthday on March 8th. Unfortunately, we were on vacation. I wanted to make her something that was very special, as she is to me.

The lace was a fun project, challenging and beautiful. This was also the first time I used silk yarn.

You all saw several of my progress pictures. When I finally completed it and took it off the needles, I was left with a crumply heap of yarn.



I ordered a new set of blocking wires and wool wash from KnitPicks.com and went to work. Each point needed to be blocked. I also had to measure each side to check for symmetry. It took up most of the bed when it was all stretched out.





I finally understood why it was called a "flower basket" shawl when I noticed this shape.



I love the simple elegance of it. It is as light as a feather, so it just lies over your shoulders like a breath of air. I'm sure it would look great with a casual white top or a formal gown.





My family met in Lansing on Sunday to have a belated birthday lunch. My mom seemed to like the shawl and has plans already to wear it to a nice dinner with my father's co-workers. I hope to see pictures of the shawl in action!



Happy Birthday Mom!