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March 22, 2007
Seraphim Shawl
I finished my Seraphim shawl in record time - only 2 weeks from start to finish! I had the perfect opportunity to wear it Tuesday night as Dale and I were going to give a talk on Civil War reenacting at a local library. I insisted that we squeeze in a photo session before we left the house.
Here's a smirk only a husband can appreciate.
While I don't intend for this shawl to be exclusively for reenacting, I do think it goes very well with my red day dress. And because I know someone will ask, no I did not make this dress myself. My dear friend Wendy made it for me. I did put on the trim, though.
The yarn, as you may recall, is my handspun from an Indigo Moon blend of merino, silk and alpaca. I knit one less pattern repeat than called for as I was worried that I would run out of yarn - and I would have. But the shawl is plenty big as it is so I'm not sorry about making it a wee bit smaller.
The stockinette portion went very quickly and the lace charts are easy to follow and make a really beautiful pattern all along the edge of the shawl. Miriam is an excellent designer and this shawl is just one of many gorgeous patterns available on her web site. Just sayin'.
I really love the way it comes together at the point in the back.
It's very warm and very soft and very cozy. I spun it myself and I knit it myself and I absolutely love it!
Posted by Carole at March 22, 2007 7:00 AM
Comments
It's stunning! And you made the yarn -- I'm clapping with adoration! :-)
Posted by: Kathy at March 22, 2007 6:51 AM
That's a shawl to be proud of. I love the dress, the hair style, the whole ensemble.
Posted by: Lucia at March 22, 2007 7:17 AM
Amazing. Your shawl is stunning! It is perfect. The whole look. Amazing.
You didn't tell us, how was the talk? Could anyone pay attention or did they just stare at the shawl?
Posted by: Karen at March 22, 2007 7:24 AM
Carole.. you must be so proud. It's wonderful and it's all yours, start to finish!
Posted by: Judy at March 22, 2007 7:25 AM
Ooohhh...pretty! You look great all "dolled up!"
;) Kate
Posted by: Kate at March 22, 2007 7:34 AM
It looks wonderful! Well done :)
Posted by: Donna at March 22, 2007 7:45 AM
Your shawl is beautiful!
Posted by: Shannan at March 22, 2007 7:46 AM
That is a beautiful accomplishment, and couldn't BE a more perfect use of some beautiful handspun. Lovely.
Posted by: Norma at March 22, 2007 7:55 AM
Oh Carole! It is magnificent. Just breathtakingly beautiful. You look maaahhhhvalous, too!!
Posted by: margene at March 22, 2007 7:58 AM
It is absolutely beautiful! And you must be so proud of your accomplishment.
Posted by: brenda at March 22, 2007 8:00 AM
Absolutely stunning Carole! It does look warm. Was your handspun plied or singles?
Posted by: Manise at March 22, 2007 8:15 AM
It's PERFECT! And handspun! I really really really want to make something with some handspun. It's lovely!
Posted by: Miriam at March 22, 2007 8:15 AM
That shawl is amazing! I can't believe it only took you two weeks.
I love the whole outfit; you look great.
Posted by: Julie at March 22, 2007 8:19 AM
Your shawl is a piece of art and it looks stunning with your red dress.
Posted by: Chery at March 22, 2007 8:19 AM
It's just fab! I'm itching to do some lace myself but definitely have some socks and a sweater to finish up first. Darn. :)
Posted by: Julie at March 22, 2007 8:20 AM
Handspun!! You're amazing.
Posted by: susan at March 22, 2007 8:21 AM
Wow-That's gotta feel great! It's just gorgeous!
Posted by: Carol at March 22, 2007 8:24 AM
Too bad people don't waer dresses like that everyday now.... nice way to hide 'amplness' in the bottom region.
LOVE the shawl. You rock.
Posted by: Cece at March 22, 2007 8:31 AM
Gorgeous, someday I hope to be as talented. You did an absolutely amazing job
Posted by: britt at March 22, 2007 8:31 AM
You look terrific! Wonderful job, Carole.
Posted by: Vicki at March 22, 2007 8:32 AM
Looks great! Seraphim is a great pattern for your own handspun.
Posted by: Cara at March 22, 2007 8:34 AM
It's fantastic!
Posted by: Mindy at March 22, 2007 8:35 AM
That is beautiful! Who knew, when you were spinning and plying, that it would do all that!
Posted by: Laurie at March 22, 2007 8:36 AM
How beautiful!
Posted by: Liz K. at March 22, 2007 8:38 AM
WONDERFUL shawl. And you look so ladylike in your period costume!
Posted by: Wendy at March 22, 2007 8:42 AM
LOVE IT...LOVE IT....LOVE IT!!!! Love your dress too, did you make it? I probably be wearing my "fat" dress this year!
Posted by: Robin in VA at March 22, 2007 8:43 AM
Wow! The shawl looks wonderful. I'm so impressed that you spun the yarn too. It looks marvelous.
Posted by: hillary at March 22, 2007 8:44 AM
Wow that is just a piece of art! And handspun too! Great job.
Posted by: PumpkinMama at March 22, 2007 8:46 AM
lovely, lovely. i can't believe that is you. then again i only saw you irl for a few minutes and you kinda blew me off. ;)
Posted by: Kathleen at March 22, 2007 8:51 AM
Both the shawl and you are beautiful!
Posted by: Kate at March 22, 2007 8:55 AM
It DOES look fantastic with that dress. Although I'm betting it is beautiful just by itself too. :)
I think I know what you said either right before or right after that first picture was taken.
Posted by: Anne at March 22, 2007 9:05 AM
You look so beautiful! It must be so awesome to wear those fabulous dresses once in a while. The shawl isn't shabby either :)
Posted by: grumperina at March 22, 2007 9:10 AM
Carol not only is it stunning, it compliments your beautiful dress perfectly!
2 weeks?? Grrl, you must have been knitting morning noon and night! Well done!
Posted by: Kim at March 22, 2007 9:10 AM
Oh, well done, Carole! It's beautiful--and so are you in your reenactment costume.
Posted by: Marcy at March 22, 2007 9:10 AM
You both look absolutely gorgeous together! That's it. When my woolee winder comes my next project is shawl yarn. You've inspired me! :)
Posted by: Jessica at March 22, 2007 9:22 AM
Beautiful! The shawl is pretty stunning, too :o) All your handspun - that is awesome!!
Posted by: JessaLu at March 22, 2007 9:28 AM
It's gorgeous! Don't you love it! I think it's a perfect shawl for handspun. And yours looks fantastic on you!
Posted by: Cheryl at March 22, 2007 9:32 AM
It's beautiful and you look amazing! My first seraphim was grey suri alpaca and I love it, love wearing it!! I am working on a second one, in red suri alpaca now. Great job, especially because it's handspun :)
Posted by: Inky at March 22, 2007 9:35 AM
The shawl is gorgeous and compliments your dress perfectly.
Posted by: Lynne aka Witchypoo at March 22, 2007 9:38 AM
Your shawl is beautiful.
Posted by: sandy at March 22, 2007 9:43 AM
your shawl is beautiful
Posted by: sandy at March 22, 2007 9:44 AM
What a gorgeous, lovely shawl! And you look like you just stepped out of an old photograph. Very nice. How often do you and Dale do the reenactments?
Posted by: Mindy at March 22, 2007 9:46 AM
Beautiful!! And PERFECT in handspun!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: pippi at March 22, 2007 9:51 AM
ma'am, i do believe that that is one beautiful shawl. now go beat some rebel ass!
Posted by: maryse at March 22, 2007 9:53 AM
Fabulous! Both the dress and the shawl.
Posted by: Brenda at March 22, 2007 10:02 AM
That outfit looks great on you. You are now a vertically integrated fiber-to-yarn-to-clothing processing machine!
Posted by: claudia at March 22, 2007 10:02 AM
I am so delighted to see your complete outfit! What a perfect combo... this is a great shawl, but I am making mine shorter too, as neither of us is going to set any height records, and it looks like it comes out just right on you... Dale must be proud to have such fine arm candy at the re-enacting events:)
Posted by: Birdsong at March 22, 2007 10:11 AM
You look beautiful! I think of you everytime we see the reenactment people in a parade - like we did last Saturday at our St. Patrick's Day parade.
Posted by: Lisa at March 22, 2007 10:14 AM
Wow! You look lovely, and the shawl is stunning. I am so impressed with everything! Another pattern to add to the queue! Congratulations.
Posted by: Kathleen Fivel at March 22, 2007 10:15 AM
Oh - what fun getting all dressed up like that - Your Seraphim is the perfect finishing touch!!!
Posted by: Pat at March 22, 2007 10:16 AM
Stunning is the only word! Handspun and handknit?? An heirloom.
Posted by: jillian at March 22, 2007 10:24 AM
Wow - the shawl is stunning and what a perfect compliment to the red dress! It looks fantastic -
Posted by: Esther at March 22, 2007 10:27 AM
That is amazing and beautiful! Wow!
Posted by: keri at March 22, 2007 10:30 AM
That is some very fine work!
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round at March 22, 2007 10:30 AM
You must be so proud! The entire outfit is amazing.
Posted by: Jan at March 22, 2007 10:38 AM
The shawl is beautiful, and I think it's amazing that it is truly a "from scratch" garment.
Posted by: nova at March 22, 2007 10:39 AM
Lovin the shawl. Sure do look purty all gussied up.
Posted by: sue at March 22, 2007 10:40 AM
Oh Carole what a satisfying and beautiful project. From sheep to shawl, virtually. Roving to shawl is close enough for Civil War reenacting. heh Just lovely. I know Miriam must be almost as happy and proud as you are. :)
P.S. I'm so jealous of the dress!!!!! I hope your shoes are just as awesome and not too uncomfortable!
Posted by: Laura at March 22, 2007 10:40 AM
Beautiful shawl!!! You look fantastic!!
Posted by: Susan at March 22, 2007 10:44 AM
Stunning shawl and it goes perfectly with the dress. (I love clothing from that era; just plain fascinated by American and English 19th century garb.)
You look beautiful in the whole outfit!
Posted by: Alison at March 22, 2007 10:49 AM
Wow, that's awesome! It's perfect with the period outfit and you look beautiful.
How satisfying to be able to say you spun AND knit it yourself. :)
Posted by: Cindy in Oregon at March 22, 2007 10:57 AM
Oh, oh, oh, Carole, LOOK at you!... :-) You're stunning in your period costume! And the shawl does compliment your red dress beautifully.
Any idea how much yardage you used? I can't tell at all that you left anything out.
Posted by: Beth S. at March 22, 2007 11:14 AM
Gorgeous! I am currently working on that big red circular shawl in Vintage Lace Today, the one that starts in the middle and kinda fans out... I can't WAIT to get it blocked and see the finished product because it's my first lace product that I think I might actually finish!
Posted by: Jennifer at March 22, 2007 11:35 AM
Beautiful shawl and you look great your Civil War attire!
Posted by: Kelly at March 22, 2007 11:36 AM
Fabulous!
You, the shawl, the dress, the hair. Everything! Well done.
Posted by: Cookie at March 22, 2007 11:38 AM
Seraphim is simply stunning, Carole!
Posted by: caitlyn at March 22, 2007 11:39 AM
Stunning...and well you should be proud of it. Love it when you share your re-enactment photos - and your new shawl will work well in both worlds!
Posted by: Sara at March 22, 2007 11:57 AM
It's beautiful! Congrats on your first handspun handknit shawl! And, of course, you look fabulous all done up. :)
Posted by: Monica at March 22, 2007 12:07 PM
The shawl (and the handspun) are beautiful!
Posted by: Jenny at March 22, 2007 12:16 PM
Beautiful! Mim's designs are the best. I'm working on Hidcote right now.
Posted by: Jenny Raye at March 22, 2007 12:16 PM
Absolutely stunning. I thought I was time traveling for a minute there!
Posted by: Chris at March 22, 2007 12:27 PM
That is gorgeous, Carole! I love it in the handspun. I may some day have to make another form handspun....
Posted by: Kristi aka Fiber Fool at March 22, 2007 12:33 PM
That is absolutely gorgeous! I love the dress and the shawl together. I think you should wear it all the time together :)
Posted by: isela at March 22, 2007 12:38 PM
Do you ever just wake up one day and feel not worthy? That's me, today, looking at you!!! Wow...just...WOW!
Posted by: Deb at March 22, 2007 12:53 PM
Bee-you-tee-full! I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I turn a bunch of fluff into a lovely wearable piece. Well done, you!
Posted by: visionsister at March 22, 2007 12:54 PM
Bravo, it is a beautiful shawl.
Posted by: Angie at March 22, 2007 1:13 PM
Bravo, it is a beautiful shawl.
Posted by: Angie at March 22, 2007 1:16 PM
That is truly a thing of beauty. :)
Posted by: Kelli at March 22, 2007 1:20 PM
Holy shit that's beautiful!
Posted by: scoutj at March 22, 2007 1:32 PM
Carole, you look adorable and the shawl is perfect!
Posted by: Debi at March 22, 2007 1:47 PM
That's beautiful, congratulations!
Posted by: BigAlice at March 22, 2007 2:19 PM
Gorgeous! It looks great with your dress, and I'm sure dresses up jeans nicely, too. A perfect shawl!
Posted by: Janelle at March 22, 2007 2:52 PM
The shawl looks fantastic. I can't believe you finished it in two weeks. Impressive.
Posted by: Kat at March 22, 2007 2:52 PM
Gorgeous, and what an accomplishment! And the dress is also beautiful!
Posted by: Megan at March 22, 2007 2:56 PM
The shawl is gorgeous! And goes perfectly with that red dress.
Posted by: Laura at March 22, 2007 3:07 PM
Oh my that is lovely! How wonderful that it is made with handspun too.
Posted by: Maia at March 22, 2007 3:26 PM
Obviously you can tell by the gazillion comments that we all LOVE it. It's the perfect combination of beautiful handspun in a gorgeous pattern on a lovely woman. Too bad we couldn't have seen a photo of you & Dale together though.
By the way, what's your secret to responding back to all these fabulous comments, reading & commenting on all our blogs AND writing your own blog? How in the world do you do it all? Especially since you have a job AND a family. You are AMAZING!
Posted by: ~Kristie at March 22, 2007 3:37 PM
Absolutely stunning. If it weren't for electricity, hair conditioner, and a few other things, I bet you wished you lived way back when....
Posted by: Leah at March 22, 2007 4:00 PM
Beautiful Carole, just beautiful!!
Posted by: Romy at March 22, 2007 4:53 PM
There is no better way to say gorgeous, fabulous stunning so I'll have to stick with all the other adjectives already used!
Posted by: ck at March 22, 2007 5:12 PM
90 comments! Holy crap! You look really great, Carole. Kudos.
Posted by: Ann at March 22, 2007 5:41 PM
Carole that shawls looks so fabulous and you look fantastic in it and that dress! I love the fact that you and Dale do these enactments and are so dedicated to the history of your community. Up here in Canada we don't usually have those types of things. The dress is beautiful. The shawl and the dress compliment each other so well1
Posted by: Cynthia at March 22, 2007 5:55 PM
I was wondering when you were going to post about this! :) It's gorgeous, and wow, you were right about it still being big enough even though you started the lace early. And it's in your homespun, that's just freakin cool.
Posted by: Jackie at March 22, 2007 6:01 PM
It's so lovely!!
Posted by: Sue at March 22, 2007 6:21 PM
Oh, Carole, it--and you!--look just fabulous!
Posted by: --Deb at March 22, 2007 6:46 PM
Love it!
Posted by: Monika at March 22, 2007 7:16 PM
OMG. You and your shawl are just gorgeous! What a fantastic outfit to model the shawl, and how great that your shawl is 100% Carole made. (Too bad you didn't own the sheep!)
You are such an inspiration.
Posted by: meg at March 22, 2007 8:22 PM
Wow, Carole, you look awesome in full attire! That is SO cool. Really. And the shawl really fits the look. I'll bet your hair was a tough one to have done at the parlor. Great stuff.
Posted by: Dave Daniels at March 22, 2007 8:49 PM
Hey Carole, the shawl is perfect! I have to say, the color looks a bit more like something you would wear on my side of the MD? I love it that you guys do the living history. What a great way to learn. It has to wonderful to spin, knit and wear something.
Posted by: Donna at March 22, 2007 10:14 PM
That is a stunning hand spun hand knit! WOW :)
Posted by: Carrie at March 22, 2007 10:22 PM
I NEVER comment on posts with this many comments, but your pictures are so stunning that I had to. You look so authentic in that dress and shawl that it is eerie. Are you sure you weren't a Union wife in a previous life?
Posted by: kmkat at March 22, 2007 11:11 PM
just look at you!!!
Fabuloso - definitely gorgeous.
what a great shawl - and it looks perfect with your red day dress too. (I predict that it will also look marvelous over a turtleneck and jeans :-)
Posted by: Teyani at March 23, 2007 1:42 AM
My heavens that is perfect! I love the shawl and the dress, and it makes it even better that you spun in (in amazing fashion I might add!)
Posted by: duchess at March 23, 2007 5:22 AM
You look absolutely beautiful. I know you say that you don't mean for the shawl to always be a part of your reenactment clothing, but I do love the idea that a handknit item, as it would have been created in the past, is a part of your outfit. You could seriously have a little Civil War era knitting group and make socks for the soldiers.
Posted by: Michelle at March 23, 2007 7:51 AM
I can't add anything else, other than BRAVO!!! I'm in awe.
Posted by: elizabeth at March 23, 2007 10:29 AM
As good as it gets. Five stars.
DD's studying the Civil War at school right now, so seeing you in your reenactment clothing is a real treat for her.
You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Sylvia at March 23, 2007 11:17 AM
That's frigging GORGEOUS!!!!!!!
Really!!!!
Posted by: christine at March 23, 2007 11:27 AM
Bravo! It's beautiful!
Posted by: Chris at March 23, 2007 11:34 AM
Your shawl is beautiful. I love the whole ensemble, it goes with that dress perfectly.
Also - I made your stroganof recipe last night - and now my pants don't fit. That is my absolute highest compliment!
Posted by: Macoco at March 23, 2007 11:37 AM
Your Seraphim shawl is beautiful! It looks REALLY soft and warm, too.
Posted by: Martha at March 23, 2007 12:08 PM
Oh Carole, that is beautiful! I can't believe you knit that in only 2 weeks. That's amazing. It makes it all the better that is made from handspun too.
Posted by: Karen at March 23, 2007 12:36 PM
oh. my.
Just gorgeous - congratulations on a wonderful shawl (spin & knit) !!!
And you look great in your "red day dress."
(((hugs)))
Posted by: knitnana at March 23, 2007 3:22 PM
Pretty as a painting! :)
Posted by: frecklegirl jess at March 23, 2007 6:36 PM
It is nothing short of remarkable. Congratulations on such a gorgeous culmination of such an impressive amount of work.
Posted by: Rachel at March 24, 2007 12:04 AM
Fantastic. Just fantastic. I can only imagine the looks on someone's face when you tell them that you spun AND knit it yourself.
Posted by: elizabeth at March 24, 2007 7:25 AM
Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Heather at March 24, 2007 8:08 AM
Great Shawl! Looks wonderful on you too.
How are your socks(Madtini) coming along? :D
Posted by: KnittyOtterk at March 24, 2007 10:15 AM
Beautiful shawl and great get-up, and you spun the yarn, too!!!? Gorgeous.
That's one of the nicer shawl patterns I've seen. Not too lacy. Not too plain. Just right.
Posted by: Siri at March 25, 2007 2:16 AM
Your shawl is simply beautiful and really finishes off the dress.
Posted by: Barb at March 25, 2007 4:14 AM
Your shawl is simply beautiful and really finishes off the dress.
Posted by: Barb at March 25, 2007 4:15 AM
The Seraphim is breathtaking, and really does go beautifully with the red dress. But, I must know ... how many yards of fabric are in that dress?
Posted by: Cassie at March 25, 2007 9:33 AM
What an incredible accomplishment!
Posted by: Theresa at March 25, 2007 10:13 AM
Miz Carole, you look fetching in your new shawl! I have that pattern waiting for me to knit it, this is pure inspiration. You look great in that shade of red, btw.
Posted by: gale (she shoots sheep shots) at March 25, 2007 11:26 AM
Oh, wow! Fabulous! the shawl looks amazing, you look amazing in the dress, too - brava, dearie!
Posted by: Liz (the crazed weasel) at March 25, 2007 4:03 PM
oh carol it's beautiful—and you look just adorable in it with the red dress.
Posted by: anne at March 25, 2007 8:05 PM
What a gorgeous addition to your lovely outfit! The shawl is perfection, but I'm swooning over the giant rickrack, too. :-)
Posted by: Jan at March 26, 2007 8:29 AM
That is a lovely shawl. Nice dress, too.
Posted by: Paula at March 27, 2007 9:06 AM
Amazing! You did a fantastic job and I'm still amazed at it only taking 2 weeks. Gulp! Oh that dress is sooo cool too.
Posted by: Kimberly at April 2, 2007 3:40 AM
This is the most beautiful shawl ever! And it looks fab over your gown. The pattern, colour and size - all just great! You're making the kind of stuff I'm aspiring to do, as long as I can make it through all the beginners' stuff first! Wow - what a boost and kick of inspiration you gave me! Thanks.
Have a great week!
Posted by: Artinreality at April 23, 2007 12:00 PM
hello
Posted by: margaret@gmail.com at April 30, 2007 6:55 PM
hello
Posted by: margaret@gmail.com at April 30, 2007 6:55 PM
hello
Posted by: margaret@gmail.com at April 30, 2007 6:55 PM
hello
Posted by: rice@gmail.com at May 1, 2007 7:25 AM
oh..so wonderful... you've knitted it really wonderful.... compliment!
Greetings
Magdalena
Posted by: Magdalena at June 2, 2007 3:28 PM
Beautiful shawl and it does look nice with the red dress!
Posted by: DawnK at August 1, 2007 7:15 PM
