On the Road with Langsjal Jóhönnu
The word of the day was not Grand (or Canyon), it was not gold (the color of the aspen trees), it wasn't even Jóhö. It was WIND! Our trip through the Kiabab National Forest, towards the Grand Canyon, was stalled twice by wind-felled trees. 
We were able to drive around, or move (Smith strong armed one), the very dead trees out of the way. Alas, the wind was the reason we saw little of the canyon, as the scenic roads were closed due to more felled trees. The Lodge was the only destination we could visit, but it is a fabulous Lodge with impressive views...views almost overshadowed by the magnificent sky.
Jóhö was a able to show off her beauty despite the adverse wind conditions. She thought about taking flight, but I held on to her for dear life. We took a few photos and then headed to the Lodge for lunch, a delicious lunch with more fabulous views. Our time on the Rim was short yet awe inspiring. We must return for further exploration and a longer stay.
Pattern: Langsjal Jóhönnu from Three-Cornered & Long Shawls - by Sigridur Halldórsdóttir
Yarn: Plain and Fancy Lace Weight Singles apx. 500 yards– Violet Blue, purchased at Estes Park 2005, now discontinued
Time to knit: May 19, 2006-September 26, 2007
What did I learn? First, everything happens in its own time. Jóhö was on the needles for a long, long time, but she was finished when the time was right. The yarn kept me going because of its beauty and the pattern was interesting, even if difficult (in the beginning). Second, this is the most complicated pattern in the Halldórsdóttir book as there is patterning on both front and back rows. The symbols are for the right side only, which means every backside row the symbols must be 'flipped' in your head as you work. Eventually the brain catches on, the eyes see the pattern and the work goes more quickly. Third, I, the Kitchener averse knitter, grafted 125 stitches to attach the second end to the main shawl and survived. Keeping the tension consistent was the main challenge. Langsjal Jóhönnu is a very rewarding design to have under my belt and I'll love wearing this soft, warm wool against my face this winter.
Thank goddess the weekend is here already. It's been tough to get back in the swing of things after our wonderful trip. Enjoy your weekend and I'll share more of the trip next week!
It's wonderful! The lessons you learned will serve you well, too.
Posted by: Carole | October 12, 2007 at 04:14 AM
Joho is gorgeous and so is all that wonderful scenery
Posted by: Kelly | October 12, 2007 at 04:21 AM
Grafting?? How unfair! It's supposed to be 'knit, knit, knit, block, enjoy'!
Joho was well worth waiting for - so lovely. I love your canyon pics - what a shame you were only able to see so little of that awe-inspiring place.
Posted by: DebbieB | October 12, 2007 at 04:41 AM
Beautiful! Love the last photo- the winds seems like it vanished in that one. Kitchenering 125 st?! Wow! Brave woman!
Posted by: Manise | October 12, 2007 at 04:51 AM
Absolutely beautiful! I'm really impressed - that is a major piece of knitting.
Posted by: Beth | October 12, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Phenomenal shawl! Worthy of all the effort and time!
Posted by: Pat | October 12, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Gorgeous! Completely worth it, I think!
Posted by: bellamoden | October 12, 2007 at 06:07 AM
I can feel the wind from your photos -- hang onto Joho! Incredible shawl! Great work!
Posted by: Ann | October 12, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Wonderful knitting Margene! You look so cute - all windblown!
Posted by: Cara | October 12, 2007 at 06:38 AM
it is stunning Margene!
Posted by: ann | October 12, 2007 at 06:58 AM
Joho is gorgeous!! What a beautiful location for the photos.
Posted by: Kirsten | October 12, 2007 at 07:06 AM
Masterpiece! Nice view, too.
Posted by: Marcia Cooke | October 12, 2007 at 07:15 AM
when the student is ready; 125 stitches will be grafted.
marie in florida
Posted by: marie in florida | October 12, 2007 at 07:21 AM
I am always fascinated by the colors of the Grand Canyon. I've tried to catch them in watercolors. Will have to try dyes next. Glad you enjoyed your time, except the tree thing, that's really 'wild'.
Posted by: Helen | October 12, 2007 at 07:22 AM
It's good to have you back. I need my daily mountain shots, and project shots.
I've made a shawl from that book: Triangular Shawl (Halfskak). I've got a pic up in my notebook on Ravelry. Used 2 colors,and it is my all-time favorite shawl. And I'm going to wear it to Rhinebeck, even if it's way too cold. I don't care. So there!
Posted by: ruth | October 12, 2007 at 07:29 AM
She's gorgeous! The color is just marvelous, and I like how she looks great as either a scarf or shawl.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | October 12, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Joho is beautiful and so is the canyon! Great work :)
Posted by: Lauren | October 12, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Joho is absolutely beautiful. I love the pictures and am enjoying coming along for the ride. Thanks and have a great weekend.
Posted by: CindyCindy | October 12, 2007 at 07:46 AM
I would've been terrified to photo Joho in that wind! You're brave! Joho is lovely and worth.every.stitch, I'm sure!
Posted by: elizabeth | October 12, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Just gorgeous! Good for you for sticking with it - because now you have a beautiful FO to wear just in time for the winter months!
Posted by: Anne | October 12, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I couldn't wait until today to see Jojo but I waited to read your post until the very last one because I knew I'd want to savor it. It's just so - almost beyond words. First how you describe the process and the story and then seeing it in "person". It a work of art. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: deb | October 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Of course, your shawl is beautiful and worthy of reveal amidst such grandeur! Beautifully done, Margene!
Posted by: Lynne | October 12, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Such pretty views. Joho is so lovely. What a great place to show her off.
Posted by: Tonia | October 12, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Gorgeous shawl and canyon pictures! We went to the North Rim right after Sept. 11 and it was a lovely quiet retreat from the crazy world. We stayed at the Kaibab Lodge cabins and I highly recommend their restaurant. :)
Posted by: Alex | October 12, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Gorgeous Joho, just the perfect match to the beautiful North Rim, I love the photos with the clouds hanging over the canyon. Have a great weekend.
Posted by: Rachel | October 12, 2007 at 10:23 AM
wow. c'est fini! it's lovely
Posted by: kathleen | October 12, 2007 at 11:24 AM
OMG, the lodge is gorgeous, as is Joho! The idea of grafting that many stitches with even tension chills my blood. I applaud you!!
Posted by: Leah | October 12, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Joho is lovely and a major accomplishment! Congratulations.
Thank you for the new entry in my places I want to visit list. Super photos!
Posted by: Angie | October 12, 2007 at 12:11 PM
It's all very beautiful! So glad you held on to Joho. It would have been tragic if she would have flown away.
Posted by: Wool Winder | October 12, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Joho is lovely, of course. And so is the Grand Canyon (aka "Big hole in the ground"), but that picture of you at the end is just great. Definitely one that needs to be up on the walls.
Posted by: Lynda the Guppy | October 12, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Beautiful pictures and beautiful wrap. Nice job!
Posted by: Annie | October 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM
It is lovely! I need to get to work on mine. I just love the yarn you used.
Posted by: Lorette | October 12, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Ahhh! Joho is beautiful! So glad you stuck with it.
Posted by: mishaele | October 12, 2007 at 02:52 PM
Breathtaking shawl! I admire your perseverance. It sounds like and looks like you put a lot of hard work into it.
Posted by: Opal | October 12, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Oh Margene, even more beautiful than your Joho are those skies! Ominous and beautiful all at the same time!!
I am so happy to see that you have finished Joho and she is every bit as beautiful as I knew she would be!
Posted by: Kim | October 12, 2007 at 04:11 PM
It all looks just so lovely . . . the scenery, the beautiful shawl, and that happy, knitter's face!!
Posted by: --Deb | October 12, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Gorgeous country, gorgeous lodge. I can see me staying there, but I'd need more than a shawl on a day like that!
Posted by: Sharon | October 12, 2007 at 05:46 PM
stunning joho - great views.
congrats on completing such a complicated knit. applause, applause!
I'm glad you had such a wonderful trip.
Posted by: Teyani | October 12, 2007 at 07:13 PM
You look beautiful in that.
Posted by: claudia | October 12, 2007 at 09:57 PM
Wow, if I didn't think Joho was impressive enough - 125 kitchenered stitches!! You go grrl!
Posted by: Debi | October 12, 2007 at 10:05 PM
What a beautiful, magnificent setting to show off one of your most complex undertakings... and you look pleased with yourself and Joho too. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Birdsong | October 12, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Hi Margene!
It's been so interesting to read the ups and downs w/Joho but at the end of the day it turned out incredibly beautiful :-) You never gave up on this project when many would have...CONGRATULATIONS ~ Thanks for the inspiration!!
The Grand Canyons is just as beautiful and majestic as when I was there twenty plus years ago :-)
Have a great weekend...Happy Knitting!
Posted by: Debbie | October 12, 2007 at 11:32 PM
Joho's beautiful, both a triumph and a relief. Can you imagine it sailing across the canyon like a magnificent leaf? You HAD to grip hard.
Posted by: Laurie | October 13, 2007 at 04:32 AM
Joho is GORGEOUS! I am impressed that you chanced a photo shoot on such a windy day with such a flighty shawl! Congratulations for finally finishing.
Posted by: Zarah | October 13, 2007 at 07:26 AM
That shawl is incredible! If anyone is up to that challenge, it's you :)
Love all the sky and scenery pictures!
Posted by: jillian | October 13, 2007 at 08:21 AM
YEAH!! It is beautiful. The yarn was a fabulous choice. I think that's why I kept bugging you... it was the yarn calling out to me. You did a great job with the kitchenering. I couldn't even see the seam. See, no reason to be a hater. :D
Reading Laurie's comment just gave me a panic attack! ACK! Just the thought of poor Joho sailing away.
Posted by: Stacey | October 13, 2007 at 08:24 AM
That shot of the lodge and the clouds is amazing. Maybe you and Smith need to travel with a chainsaw?!
Jóhö is, of course, spectacular!
Posted by: Chris | October 13, 2007 at 04:40 PM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Sarah | October 13, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Beautiful Joho! And you look so lovely and happy wearing it :)
Posted by: Danielle | October 13, 2007 at 10:24 PM
I am so impressed with Joho! And impressed with you too for persisting and kitchenering all of those stitches!
Posted by: jackie | October 14, 2007 at 05:18 AM