Day Sixty-One

I guess, technically, this is day sixty-one.  I finally was able to block it.  The problem was that I needed a large, clean space where I could pin it in position for several days.  Then I wet it down and just let it sit and dry.  The only place I had was my king-sized bed.  Since I am going out of town for the weekend, I figured this was a good time to put my bed to another use.

Day Sixty

IT"S FINISHED!!!  I can't believe it.  It still needs to be dressed which means stretched and blocked.  That will sharpen the points and corners and flatten it out.  I won't do that until I get back from Baton Rouge this weekend.  I can't believe I got it finished so soon.  I mean I know it took over 200 hours which is 5 40-hour work weeks, but I didn't know if I would still be working on it the week of the wedding.  At the minimum wage in Arkansas of $7.25, the cost of labor would be over $1500.
    I love it.  I want to start another one right now, but I have many other things to do before the wedding.  I do have a couple of left over skeins of yarn and maybe after I've got all the wedding stuff done, I'll knit myself a lace scarf.
    Now, let me say at this point that this was entirely my idea.  Natalie never asked for it.  I know it is highly unlikely that she will wear it at the wedding or the reception.  And I'm okay with that.  I told her I would just like one picture (or two) of her with it.  Maybe she can use it on a table or something.  Whatever she does is fine with me.  It's her day, not mine.  Besides, like most things I make, this was about the process and not the finished product.  And I thoroughly enjoyed the process.
    I'll try to continue to use this blog to document the things I'm working on.  I'll have to be careful though about talking about gifts that I'm working on.  But then I don't know if anyone is actually reading this.
   And now for some pictures.  Remember this hasn't been blocked yet...

Laid out but unblocked

Another view

One corner

The Ocean Wave edging

The Pineapple border

The Lace Leaves middle

Day Sixty knitting time...9 hours

Total knitting time...209 hours!!!

C'est Finis!!!

Day Fifty-Nine

I may actually finish the shawl today.  I'm so excited.  As of yesterday's session, I have been knitting for 200 hours.  That's a long time.

Day Fifty-Nine knitting time...6 hours

Total knitting time...200 hours

Day Fifty-Eight

I am so close.  I think I will probably finish it tomorrow.

Day Fifty-Eight knitting time...8 hours

Total knitting time...194 hours

Day Fifty-Seven

Day Fifty-Seven knitting time...7 hours

Total knitting time...186 hours

Day Fifty-Six

I've been spending a lot of time knitting lately.  That's because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I think I just have a few hours left and I am so excited.  I don't want to do anything else.  But...this being the first of the month I do have to take some time to pay bills.  However, as of yesterday...

Day Fifty-Six knitting time...7 hours

Total knitting time...179 hours

Day Fifty-Five

Day Fifty-Five knitting time...8 hours

Total knitting time...172 hours