I was skeptical when I started knitting the new new shale cowl. I just wasn’t sure that the dark variegated silk was the right match for this pattern, but I’m glad I stuck with it, because I think this is beautiful, and a great fit for my mom. I hope she likes it. (Remember, this is a Christmas present. She picked the yarn, which I wrapped up for her, and then she chose the pattern.) I’ve decided not to block it, so that my mom can decide if she wants to stretch/open up the lace a bit more — if I were keeping it, I think I’d leave it as is.
This was my first time knitting with Blue Moon Fiber Arts Luscious Silk, and my, oh my, was it a pleasure. I used just over half the skein (to my eye, anyway), which means I’ll have to figure out what to do with the leftovers. (I know, tough life.) I followed the pattern to the letter on this one — needle size (6), length, pattern, etc. The pattern was easy to memorize, and the repeats felt rewarding, you know? A very pleasant knit, and one I’d consider making again, for me — maybe in handspun?
Also, I’ve got another soup recipe recommendation for you. Last night I made this red lentil soup, though I made mine with those neat-looking French (blue) beluga lentils. I think that’s what they call them. Anyway, super tasty — and more complex in flavor than a basic lentil soup. I don’t know if it was that I used homemade stock and added some homemade canned tomato puree instead of tomato paste, or just the addition of lemon juice and cilantro at the end, but this was really fabulous, and I’m looking forward to eating the leftovers for lunch. (Cooking note — I simmered my soup about 10-15 minutes longer — I just think the lentils I substituted needed more time. Also, I left out the water.)
Time to pour the coffee and get back to the books.
barefoot rooster 
Great cowl! I’d go with unblocked too!
The soup looks wonderful. Thanks for the link. I have Aleppo pepper from Penzeys too.
The cowl is beautiful, and I’m intrigued by the yarn! The soup sounds awesome — one of my tricks for lentil soup is to finish it with a healthy dash of balsamic vinegar, as it gives it a nice complexity and a little bite.
Beautiful cowl! I’m sure your Mom will love it. Thanks for the soup idea!
Cowl looks gorgeous! Your Mom is one lucky recipient. I love the way your yarn turned out–can’t wait to see it all knit up. At that lentil soup? Definitely making it today. ;-) Happy Sunday!
Pretty! The cowl really looks great in the variegated yarn and extra cozy. Good luck with the reading … at least there are delicious leftovers to look forward to!
Sometimes, it’s really nice not to deviate from a pattern. Not something I do too often though. :)
Nice cowl. I like in it’s unblocked state.
Very, very pretty. Love the rich color.
The cowl is lovely and the color-YUM!
Now that soup looks fantastic. Ironically I have been looking for some tasty new recipes and you have been delivering. Thank you!
Shiny cowl! What a great colour! It’s soup-weather here, too.
OH the cowl is beautiful! What a lovely gift that i’m sure your mom will treasure for a long time to come. Okay off to check out the soup recipe, thanks have a great week!