A Very Special Shawl

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Apr 04 - 11:10 AM

Um.........

I wish I had everyone's email addy so I could send y'all some info privately as a simple group-mailing... please drop me a line at the address below if you see this.... I'll PM everyone I do not hear from.

Thanks,

~Susan
[e-mail]
SUBJECT LINE: Mudcat

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 12:15 PM

roger wilco!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 12:12 PM

Leo, please keep a nice photo of this shawl, laid out in all of its glory, so that once it has been sent and received you can then post it so the rest of us can see what it finally looks like.

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Áine
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 11:28 AM

Hey MMario, just wanted to let you know how beautiful I think that last picture was. Cack-handed or not, darlin', you have a deft touch.

All the best, Áine

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 11:14 AM

it took me *FORTY YEARS* to learn how to do the purl stitch.

Is that sufficiently cack-handed?

Nine rows to go - if I counted right.

And if that doesn't mollify you - I have witnesses who are willing to swear to the truth that I frequently find it difficult or impossible to count to two. ('struth! I have demonstrated this lack of arithmatic ability in public performance)

Being unable to remember my name is my own fault.

Owain Cramp - the pre-minstrel

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Morticia
Date: 13 Apr 04 - 10:57 AM

dammit all MMario, I 'spose with all your talent, you can afford to be modest but since I couldn't do what you are almost effortlessly doing in a million years, spare a thought for us cack handed ones, willya? It's looking just lovely by the way....

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 07:34 PM

*grin* there's a REASON I have that bodrhan track on there - he's able to make me SOUND like I'm keeping time! Truly - the knitting and crochet is what I do to KEEP from thinking (though I've been doing some active meditation on THIS particular shawl/afghan - whatever it turns out to be)

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Tinker
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 07:29 PM

Mario !!! Now you're just leading us down the road so we have to venhemently deny your statements and praise your skills. Brainpower, skill and rhythmn???? I've got three shawls and one CD that disprove each claim....Pashaw!!!

Love Ya,

tink

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 07:22 PM

it's just one stitch at a time ladies...if it took any brainpower or skill I'd be hopeless at it. (and thank god it doesn't take Rhythm! of which I got none.)

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 06:03 PM

Oh, Jeri, we'd look so.... fetching together! Mine does have the leaves, and it's exactly the color of new spring maple leaves the day they pop open (not that I've seen any such leaves yet, here in the still-frozen north).

MMario is the master. I think every Mudcat lady needs a shawl of his!

Allison

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 05:18 PM

MMario, I'm trying to imagine how it looks all spread out, and I can't. This is probably a good thing, since if I could, Heather could too, and it ought to be at least a little bit of a surprise.

All I know is that if another shawl appears in the FSGW auction in that pattern that looks sort of like leaves (that I think you said you got from a doily) and is in shades of green or fall colors (isn't that Allison's shawl?), or possibly other colors, folks had better bring the big bucks! I ought to have money this year. If it's too similar to Allison's, I promise to avoid wearing it when she's got hers on.

You do some gorgeous work, MMario!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 10:36 AM

Okay, I see--it's like a huge sack right now, suspended from the needles. I was trying to understand how it looked in the photo.

You work fast--and apparently blindness hasn't hindered you.

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 07:58 AM

no - start at the CENTER and work OUT - but I *do* know when I'm going to stop...maybe. sorta.

got the new glasses friday - for the first time in a year able to see close and far at the same time without having to take glasses off or put them on. Made working on this much nicer. Have about a dozen rows left to go - at this point over 600 stitches in a row

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 05:58 PM

So you started from the OUTSIDE and worked to the INSIDE? Is that how this goes together? I thought with the stitches you were adding that you did it the other way, from the inside out.

Or maybe I'm blind or read all of this backwards. It's allergy season--everything is a little confused right now! :)

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 11 Apr 04 - 01:33 PM

down to a dozen rows left to go. 'course they are taking a lot longer at this point...

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Ebbie
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 12:48 PM

How lovely. Please count me in- I'd be happy to share a spot.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: black walnut
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 12:20 PM

It looks very cozy. Thanks again for doing this.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 12:10 PM

It's just beautiful, Leo.

~Susan

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 10 Apr 04 - 11:40 AM

It grows larger.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 09 Apr 04 - 02:31 PM

just to let you all know it continues to grow - I *will* get a picture sometime this weekend.

SRS - used the a row of the variagated on either side of the blue from Carly - really adds to it!

Working with some alpaca right now - crossing my fingers that there is enough of it - but if not - the design is STILL fluid!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 08:33 AM

I'm actually on the homestretch now - all the names of everyone (ojkay - initials) are coded into the knitting. (as "mistakes" or variations in the pattern) - nothing obvious - but they ARE there. I *can* add more if anyone else wants to chime in.

Hope to get another picture up in the next day or so.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Carly
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:55 AM

Stilly River Sage, that ball of purple yarn is gorgeous!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Carly
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:51 AM

Both the blue and green color mixtures I sent are wool and silk, dyed with chemical dyes; the dark grey skein is from a "black" (any color but white) sheep, with flecks of silk flake carded in. The gold silks were dyed with onion skins.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Apr 04 - 12:21 AM

I'd have to guess that the blue/gray/purple is a blend of acrylic and wool. I picked up others at the same time that had a 75/25 mix.

Post us another photo when you can!

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 02:05 PM

What about the blue-grey-purple? I'm knitting with that right now - and boy do I have plans for that silk!!!!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Carly
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 01:47 PM

Thank you for the picture. You HAVE been busy, and the results so far...well, it looks as soft and comforting as I know some of those yarns feel. I look forward to seeing how she grows.

By the way, for anyone who is interested, the golden yarns in the baggie are silk, and the white is angora rabbit (and before anyone panics, rabbits shed naturally, so not only is the rabbit not harmed, but they never lose all of their fur at the same time.) You can tell I spend altogether too much time explaining spinning techniques in public forums!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 05:50 AM

Beautiful, Leo.
Allison

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Apr 04 - 01:30 AM

Leo, your work will certainly add dignity to that little bit of yarn I sent! Thanks for posting the photo.

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 08:52 PM

Wow, you've been busy! I was expecting to see more of a heffalump, but that's a LOT!

Oh that red! Stronghearted red. And the others..... it's going to be warm to the touch, the eye, and the soul.

And strength. I see strength.

~Susan

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 07:02 PM

a picture of what is currently "the lump" plus some yarns.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Apr 04 - 11:56 AM

counting Cleigh and "the boys" 108 signed on so far.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Clifton53
Date: 02 Apr 04 - 06:05 PM

Very nice gesture all

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 02 Apr 04 - 04:05 PM

Carly - the yarn arrived. yum! If I didn't have a very special 2nd birthday party to go to I'd be working with some of it tonight!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,jay rosen
Date: 02 Apr 04 - 06:11 AM

count me in

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 01 Apr 04 - 09:10 AM

Rick is one of those people whose influence is going to be felt for years (if not decades) beyond his passing - so having good thoughts go into this project from a newcomer is entirely appropriate.

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: joanna
Date: 01 Apr 04 - 09:06 AM

As im new to Mudcat and have only chatted to afew people I dont know any of you (yet) but I have been so moved by this thread and the amount of love being passed on I hope you dont mind a bit of love from a stranger being added to this shawl (what a super idea ) please count me in somewhere in your craftwork thanks

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 01 Apr 04 - 08:44 AM

You can count me in.

Big RiB

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 02:34 PM

I just sent a raft of PMs to folks-- I HOPE I got everyone who'd written me (and didn't miss anyone or send anyone eight copies!).

If you had thought you would be getting some info by PM from me and did not, please, PM again!

You can email me here: [e-mail]. Please put MUDCAT in the subject line to get past the spam filter. It WOULD be easier to give updates via email.

Thanks,

~Susan

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: darkriver
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 03:15 AM

please add me as well.
beautiful idea. thanks.

doug aka darkriver

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 04:22 PM

well - in a piece of circular knitting you usually increase 8 stitches every other row.

1-8
2-8
3-16
5-24
7-32
etc.

as I said - there is some fudge factor. instead of doing regular increases I am inserting a design that both increases and decreases the number of stitches - but when I've stopped and checked to see if I need to change something to come out close to the theoretical I've been right on the mark. Haven't had to apply a fudge factor! (Too few stitches and you end up with a bowl shaped piece -the edge pulls in -- too many and the edge turns into ruffles

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 04:15 PM

I'm glad that makes sense to you, MMario!

Hold onto those when you're through if anything is left. Don't feel obligated to use any that doesn't work. We're glad to find a good home for the yarn!

SRS

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,flabbergasted MMario
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 01:16 PM

wow. *SOME*-one is keeping an eye on this project I can tell you -

now you have to understand three things:

A)- I am making up the design as I go along.

B)- In order to make a cirular piece of knitting you have to increase the number of stitches on a pretty regular basis - there is some "fudge factor" room - but especially during the initial phases it isn't huge.

C) The design I'm working out is based around the number 5 or 10 depending on how you look at it - and circular knitting is based around the number 8 (trust me on this)


*TWICE* I have stopped and checked my number of stitches per row vs number of rows worked and have been spot on the theoretical match !!!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 08:52 AM

will do!

"Baby" is about 90 grams in weight at the moment - a hair over three ounces if I am converting properly - about 30 inches in diameter. the central motif is almost done - the secondary motif that surrounds and divides the center is started. a few more rows and then other design elements start getting added - and some colour changes.

SRS - the variagated looks like it will work! - may be able to work the Aran in somewhere as well - design continues to be fluid.

One of *my* goals in this is to make it do double duty if possible - either afghan/throw/laprug or shawl. or wall hanging, or table cover, or...

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: Janie
Date: 30 Mar 04 - 08:38 AM

How lovely! Add a shawl-hug from me also.

Janie

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: MMario
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:42 PM

It won't be too late until it's shipped - if then!!!

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: JenEllen
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 05:15 PM

What a lovely idea! Am I too late for a row? I'd sign on for a tassle! *g*
~JE

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Mar 04 - 10:52 AM

My apologies for the delay in getting back to your PMs. It's going to be another day or two, but.... um, worth the wait (bwahahahahah).

And, "refresh."

~Susan

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Mar 04 - 06:00 AM

After a lovely warm day yesterday it was a cool evening. I wrapped myself in my MMario shawl and thought of Heather, and this wonderful place, and was warmed inside and out.

Allison

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 04:27 PM

Aw, lil baby shawl.... going to grow up so fast.

~S~

Subject: RE: A Very Special MMario Shawl
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Mar 04 - 02:44 PM

I have no doubt that an incredible amount of warmth, good wishes and love will spin itself right into that fiber!

Good thing love and good wishes don't weigh much - otherwise this shawl would end up weighing many many tons.

Right now it weighs roughly 20 grams and is just about 16 inches in diameter.