Ishbel turned out to be one of those projects that was impossible to put down. Once I cast on last Sunday, I was a knitting fiend, putting in some time on a row or pattern repeat whenever possible. It must have been the perfect storm of yarn and pattern, because both were equally pleasing to work with. Ysolda writes a wicked clear pattern that was a joy to follow, and the Madelinetosh sock yarn kept me smiling throughout.
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Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
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Yarn: Madelinetosh sock yarn in Lettuce Leaf, approximately 300 yards
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Needles: US size 6/4mm Addi Turbo Lace
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Mods: None. I knit the size small as written. See my notes on Ravelry.
When I finished binding off it seemed small. I knew that it would grow during blocking, but I wasn’t sure it would be big enough to wind around and wear like a scarf. The pre-blocking measurements were 13 x 35 inches (depth x wingspan). I soaked it for a few minutes, then pressed it in a towel and pinned it out on my yoga mat. The dimensions grew to 18.5 x 38.5 inches. It’s still a bit skimpy as a scarf, but I am really enjoying it as my new spring accessory!
If I were to knit this again (as I am feeling wont to do) I would probably knit the large stockinette pattern with the small lace section, or vice versa. First, I only used about 3/4 of the skein, and I loathe having that much yarn left over. Secondly, it is just a little bit shy of wrapping around so that the ends dangle without sliding off over my shoulder.
I love this scarf and would totally marry it if I weren’t already spoken for!
This was my first lace shawl, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. In the past when I saw lace charts I would instantly feel intimidated. But there was just something about this pattern that spoke to me and said: “Don’t be afraid. You can do this!”. Maybe it was that the pattern called for sock yarn and started out in stockinette. Or that I knew what all the symbols meant and simply needed to pay a little bit of attention every other row. Most likely I’m just a more experienced and less fearful knitter than I once was, especially when it comes to lace. Now I’m looking at some of my sock yarn with a certain lace lust that wasn’t there before…
Now that it’s off the needles I can admit this out loud without ramifications: when it came to the lace section, I didn’t count stitches or use life lines!!! ‘Cause I like to live on the edge like that.
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Very b-e-a-utimous! It looks like wings “I believe I can fly!”
Beautiful! I also love the idea of blocking knits on a yoga mat. I’ll have to try that.
That is positively beautiful! I love the colors. I say this over and over – you have the most even stitches I’ve ever seen. I want to watch you knit sometime!
amazing!! =)
It’s beautiful! And now it’s all your fault. I just purchased the pattern. Knit, knit, knit!
So pretty!
It’s a beauty!
On your recommendation, I may just give this a try with some yarn I am nearly done spinning! My three ply came out a bit heavy for socks, so it should make up nicely as a scarf/shawl. Stay tuned.
“I love this scarf and would totally marry it if I weren’t already spoken for!”
Funniest thing I have read today!! It looks fabulous, well done. Very impressed 🙂
Oh that turned out just gorgeous!
You can count on other knitters to understand how you feel – I saw a vest pattern in a catalog last year and declared that I wanted to “marry it and have it’s little cable babies”!
By golly….that could have been me a little while back….I feel exactly the same about my Ishbel! It gave me the courage to attempt things I never thought possible…hence last night I BO on a Gail (aka Nightsongs) the notoriously ‘difficult’ pattern – but I had no issues with it….thanks to the confidence I got from Ysolda’s Ishbel 🙂 LOVE LOVE LOVE your green yarn too
I think I’ll knit it too! I have Ysolda’s booklet and you have me motivated. That beautiful green color is my fave too.
oh you sound so pleased, sizing issues notwithstanding. It’s so lovely to see you!
I did my first lace with sock yarn (Forest Canopy shawl) and I couldn’t agree more with what it’s like to step into it feeling somehow like yep, it’s something I can do. You have described my experience exactly!
And I agree so much with the 3/4 of a skein left over. It’s not helpful is it?
And…. now I’ve bought the pattern.
At least my madelinetosh is a different color, so no one will know I’m copying you!
It’s gorgeous…I may have to raid my sock yarn shelf soon!
Your blog came in SUPER handy at CT sheep and wool. I am hoping to make this same pattern out of one of my finds (check out my blog, it is from a shop in Colchester that becca and I are going to be stalking a LOT their stuff is SOOOOO nice, and the owners are very cool)