My apologies for taking so long to get this pattern published. Life has been pretty hectic since school ended for the year. Three kids with jobs, two kids with band rehearsals in NYC, golf with DH (hey it's practically the only time we get together these days) & other summer activities keep me running in a million directions. Another reason for the delay is explained below, please read on.
The Problem
Just as I was getting final revisions from my trusty test knitters a comment on Ravelry alerted me to another, very similar shawl - the Show Your Colors Shawl by the talented Amy King of Spunky Eclectic fame. When designing I try my best to avoid creating projects that are too close to those that are already out there. I check the Ravelry pattern databases, but with close to 4,000 shawl patterns listed on Ravelry it is difficult to check every one. Somehow I missed Show Your Colors.
By this time a lot of work had already gone into creating the pattern for Lavalette and a number of you were asking when it would be ready. After a few days of angst and emails to trusted friends I came up with what I thought was a good solution. I felt there were enough differences between the two patterns that there is room for both Show Your Colors and Lavalette, but wanted to make sure Amy agreed. So I wrote to Amy explaining the situtation and proposing my solution. Amy was very gracious in her repy and agreed to my idea.
The Solution
As you may know from my efforts with Dr. G's Memory Vest, raising money for Alzheimer's and dementia research is a cause I really believe in. I am very proud of the amount we have raised so far - a little over $4000. My father would have been 80 years old on July 22 and I would very much like to hit $5000 by that date.
I will offer Lavalette for free but would like to suggest that you make a voluntary donation to Alzheimer's and dementia research. You make make a donation by going directly to the Fisher Center website. There is no need to email me to receive the pattern. The download link is at the bottom of this page.
Heartfelt Thank Yous
A huge thank you to Amy King for her understanding and kindness.
Thank you also to my test knitters - Melissa, Andrea, Mai, Elizabeth and Julia for being thorough, patient and most of all volunteering their time and energy to help me make my patterns the best they can be.
Lavalette
Sizes: One size
Finished Measurements: 64” across top edge, 28” from center back to bottom point, blocked.
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) or size to obtain gauge.
Gauge: 14 stitches and 26 rows = 4”(10cm) in stockinette stitch, blocked.
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Cashmere-Silk; 45% Mongolian Cashmere, 55% Silk; 400 yards per 55g. Skein; Colorway #19 Robin’s Egg, 1 skein. (The coral shawl in the photo above is Lacey Lamb in colorway NY214.)
Additional Materials:
Crochet Hook Size 4mm
Tapestry needle
Scrap yarn
Place Markers
