Elizabeth Socks and Yarn

First, an announcement. In honor of the fourth anniversary of River Knits, I've designed a new sock pattern: Elizabeth Socks! The pattern is, of course, available at River Knits or through the website. These are lovely socks that were great fun to knit. The lace pattern is elegant and easy to memorize. The pattern is written for a variety of sizes, knee or ankle length, and short-row or heel-flap heel. There's something here for everyone.

While we're talking about lace, let's talk about the wonderful new yarn available at River Knits: Jade Sapphire Lacey Lamb. When we saw this yarn at TNNA, I fell instantly in love. It's so soft and fine and perfect. It is also available in a wide variety of fabulous colors. So, last night, despite having four shawls on the needles already, I cast on for this, the Swirled Pearl Shawlette:

We saw this shawl on display last year at TNNA, but didn't order the pattern. It haunted me all year, and I was thrilled when they had it on display again this year. So, I asked Elizabeth to please, please, please order the pattern. I snatched it up as soon as it arrived, bought my yarn on Saturday morning, and cast on the shawl last night after I got home from teaching the sweater class. Here's what I have so far:

Yes, those are beads in the little dish. No, I don't have to string them all on before knitting. They are attached as you go with a little bitty crochet hook. Much easier (and more fun) than it sounds, I assure you.

I know a lot of people have been intimidated by the fineness of the Lacey Lamb yarn. It is extremely fine. However, this shawl is knit on size 7 needles while holding two strands of yarn together. It makes it quite easy to knit. I'm also using rosewood needles, which makes it even more luxurious. I encourage you to give this yarn a try. You could easily knit a scarf using one ball, with the yarn held double. And, if you are curious about knitting with beads, keep an eye out for the fall class schedule.