Frida

Inspiration comes in many forms, whether pictures, words (written or spoken), patterns, or ideas from friends. Everything mixes together, bit by bit, like a good recipe, and with a dash of this and a handful of that, not too much effort is needed to create a one of a kind project. The biggest ingredient is time.

One piece of inspiration, which spurred my choice and helped named this shawl, was Barbara Kingsolver's new book, The Lacuna. Frida Kahlo is a large player in the story and the description of colors, textures, and art, along with Frida's spirit, fueled my imagination. The day before the "meltdown day" I visited Shelley in the LYS and told her of the imagined project. I just couldn't justify the purchase of more yarn, but knew the idea would eventually come to fruition.

But, once the meltdown, and the resulting intervention, come about Shelley, Cheryl and Smith urged me to follow through. They decided the best way for me to make it through this challenging time was a return to the basics and what better way than an elegant, simple garter stitch shawl?

Cheryl suggested a shawl inspired by Mustaavillaa, and her many beautiful garter stitch shawls, and since the yarn and colors had already been planted like seeds in my brain, it was easy to water and fertilize the new idea and make the first steps on the journey of renewed discovery, new pathways for my brain to engage in the process.

Cheryl Oberle's book Folk Shawls is full of basic, beautiful, elegant shawls, and Tehri used the Wool Peddler as the basis for her ruffled shawl. I also remembered seeing Kay Gardiner's Theri inspired shawl and searched through her archive to find it. The basis of Kay's shawls was Feather and Fan, a design to fit the shoulders more securely due to its longer tails.  Kay didn't knit the eyelet pattern, keeping the body in garter, but I went ahead and added the eyelet rows for a little interest. 

The original intent was for a ruffle in blue, but as I knit, I felt as if a little transition of color would be a good idea and three rows of blue were added followed by one last eyelet section.  The number of stitches has now been doubled to create the ruffled edge.  This shawl may now go on forever.

(More info on Ravelry)

Comments

[Laurie]

You have such smart friends and husband. Sounds like the therapy was well guided.

[Kym]

What a perfect January knit! Garter stitch can be so soothing. Rhythmic, substantial, and comforting -- all at the same time.

[CindyCindy]

I love your creativity, girl!!! It's a beautiful and elegant shawl. Oh, and yes, the ruffle will take forever, but will be so worth it!!!!!

[Suzy]

A shawl of inspiration, and it seems to me -- process! Beautiful!

[Carole]

I love a project like that. The knitting is so enjoyable!

[Wool Winder]

The color transition is a good idea. I like the way it looks!

[jill]

The literary genesis of this project is inspiring. You've been channeling Kingsolver, Frida, or perhaps both!

[Vicki]

Oooh, that's going to be amazing!! The transition is genius. I remember, when I was little, whenever I had to color in a woman's dress in a coloring book it would be blue and red. I thought of that immediately when I saw your photos. *smile*

[Anne]

How pretty! I love the colors together and I'm so happy you found a project that is making you content. :)

[Debbie]

I am currently reading "The Lacuna" and you have captured the colors I imagine when I read the sections about Frida. Knitting the ruffle may take long, but knitting garter stitch can be calming...almost like breathing. Enjoy!

[Kim]

Plain old stockinette stitching is my most favorite. I find it very soothing. Chery and Smith were very wise to suggest you start with something basic again...and the resulting shawl is going to not only be lovely but very special as well.

[Barbara-Kay]

Garter stitch shawls are the best for snuggling. You'll enjoy this one!

[Chris]

So, it might actually be a ranch house and not a shawl? ;)

[Susan]

The colors are so beautiful. And Frida...so easy to find inspiration in her work and life I think. She's one of my favorite artists. I hight recommend the movie and the soundtrack...both are divine. :-)

[Cayenne]

It's absolutely wonderful. Love the colors.

[Lisa]

What a great way to regain your footing!

[Norma]

Heh, from a shawl to a BLANKET, maybe. :D

[Cheryl S.]

Yes, it will take a while. But it will be worth it! No more eyelets, just knit, knit, knit. Yes, a bit boring perhaps, but soothing in its own way.

[stephieknits]

Very nice!

[Marijke]

Colourful, soft, comfortable, soothing knit.

[Trista]

Your colors have such energy and cheer. I imagine this with a long Frida skirt and lots of big silver jewelry! This is a recipe to chase away any winter blahs. She's really lovely Margene.

[Heather Joins The Round]

So pretty! I forgot to ask what you were knitting last night.

[Cookie]

I am so glad you listened to all of them and went for it.

[Hillary]

That looks great so far. The colors really work and the garter is a vey strong element.

[Kristin]

It looks very cozy!