Hanalei "Frisson": My Tropical Completion

For the past couple of weeks, I've been away working on getting my never ending coursework, our 2013 taxes, and other things done which has left me little time for knitting. I joined Ravelry's 12Shawls2014 group last month, and after knitting  Surprise "Spring is in the Air" and Spring "Wave". I was feeling stressed because the goal is to knit 12 shawls by the end of 2014 and we are now in April. Fortunately, there was a Game of Thrones watchathon last week and over the weekend I had long periods of power knitting and finished knitting this, my 3rd shawl.

Hanalei "Frisson"
Pattern by Brittany Wilson
Photo and Hand Knitted:
Knitted Candy Diva

Why this yarn and pattern?

When I was looking for my next knitting project. It was either between this Brittany Wilson shawl/scarf pattern or Sue Schreuder' Sea Leaves. Brittany's Frisson won out because one of my 2014 goals is to learn new knitting techniques. This is my first sideways shawl. But as I was knitting this, I wasn't knitting sideways in a traditional sense in which you knit to an increase point with half your yarn then knit decreasingly with the remainder of the yarn. It was more like knitting diagonally each of the 13 points. Pretty much used up 98% of the hand-dyed skein. I would definitely knit this easy-to-remember garter mesh lace pattern stitch Frisson again and add it to my Go To Gift Knitting pattern library.

Ths shawl is HUGE!  92 in x 15 in
Photo and Hand Knitted:
Knitted Candy Diva

I had Brittany's pattern in my Raverly library when she was so kind to have Frisson free for a short time during her last February's patten release. I originally was going to knit this using a hand-dyed variegated blue merino skein, but at the last minute changed my mind and knitted my Frisson with this Hanalei Strings Merino Bamboo Fingering because it felt right.

Hanalei Strings Merino Bamboo Fingering
4745 Blue Green, 450 yds
Photo: Knitted Candy Diva

In general, I really enjoy taking the time, and it can be months, sometimes years, to find the right pattern to go with the right yarn. The day before I got married last September in Kauai, I purchased this soft-to-the touch hand-dyed Hanalei Strings skein at their unique yarn and ukulele store. I was really drawn to the vibrant shades of blues and greens. The colors remind me of Hanalei, itself, the bay and the lush tropical green mountains surrounding it. I love the harmonious auspicious results. It's like having Hanalei wrapped around me!

Feeling the tropics around my shoulders.
Hanalei "Frisson"
Photo and Hand Knitted: Knitted Candy Diva

To read more about my knitting details, please visit my Raverly Hanalei "Frisson" page.

Close-Up, Garter lace mesh stitch
Hanalei "Frisson"
Photo and Hand Knitted: Knitted Candy Diva

NOTE: My next shawl knitting project will be the FREE Sea Leaves because I've wanted to knit with this.

Madelinetosh Merino Light, Jade
Photo: Knitted Candy Diva

 If you would like to join me, please do.

Love to hear from you: What is your yarn pattern decision making process? Do seek out yarn stores when you travel? Do you have any favorite shawl/scarf patterns you would like to share?