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!

Comments

[Pat K]

Congratulations on finishing! It looks wonderful, and so does the scenery. We did go to the north rim once; thanks for the memory jogging pictures. And the wind can be pretty wild, indeed!

[Wanda]

Absolutely beautiful Margene. Great job. I'm sure you're thrilled Joho is finished!

[Lucia]

Joho looks like she's about to take you on a soaring flight, way, way up into the blue. Great work!

[Margaret]

Wow! The big debut was worth waiting for. Joho is lovely and looks like she will be a pleasure to wear this winter. And what fabulous views at the Lodge.