Over the weekend I reached the end of this shawl, but I had so much yarn left over that I decided to add extra repeats of the border. Then I decided that all that openwork needed a little bit of garter stitch to ground it, and then I added more border rows. It ended up so long that it occupied the entire length of my kitchen table for blocking. (Photos were taken just after I removed the blocking pins. “Don’t touch boys!” Touch. Touch. Grab!)
Last fall, when we were in Georgia for a visit, my baby sister, Angie, requested a shawl that she could use as a nursing cover with the baby boy she is expecting this month. I was all, “Really? A knitted nursing cover for a summertime Georgia baby?” But I guess it won’t be summer forever down there. I chose the Antarktis pattern because it has so much openwork (Is that what you call it? All those yarnovers?) and I paired it with an amazing summery yarn. The shawl is nice and airy and long and I think it will work for her. If not, she can just wait until the weather cools off and she’ll have what I hope she thinks is a pretty accessory. She’s a brown-eyed brunette and I think the color will be amazing on her.
As far as difficulty goes, this isn’t a hard pattern, and I love that it is all garter stitch. No purling! I think that if you can work a knit two together, and a yarn over, and can read a pattern, you could knit this. I suspect I’ll knit it again someday.
This shawl will go in the mail today! I’m so happy that I was able to finish it before baby’s arrival!
Mary says
beautiful shawl! what a loving sister you are. I guess I should knit something for my sister…
Becki says
Beautiful! It’s creations like this that almost make me want to take up knitting.
You do take wonderful pictures, Ginny.
Angela says
I just LOVE this. I wish I could knit.
Richard says
Ooops, just read about the shawl pattern. It has knit front and back. I’m in deep trouble now. I can crochet front, back, sideways – you name it but I have not gotten the manual dexterity with the two knitting needles just yet to undertake back loops. Something to practice on on down the road. It is a beautiful shawl though. Love the shade of Blue.
Richard says
You really are amazing! Seven humans to take care of not to mention the animals too and you still find time to knit wonderful gifts for others. I may have to purchase that shawl pattern and give it a go myself. I know I can knit a knit stitch and knit two together can’t be all that hard. Thank you for all you share with us online Ginny. You go Girl.
helene says
I just HAD to tell you my first thought on seeing your picture with the gorgeous shawl :”Wow, she looks like Meryl Streep!” (I don’t know for you, but I think she is beautiful! There is this smile that goes all the way to the eyes, and those cheekbones.. and you really have the same look in this picture.)
Conny says
Beautiful!! I want to be your sister!!!!! 😉 Not only because of the shawl. Rather …. because you do things with love. You are so selfless. This can be felt in all your pictures and especially in the things you knitting, cooking, sewing. You’re just adorable. The Lord may keep his hand over you. Your blog is like a treasure for me. Thank you for sharing your life with so many people. Have a nice day.
Donna says
It looks beautiful Ginny! Your blocking story reminds me of my house – except we are chasing the cat off the blocking board.
Luz Maria Perez says
Such a pretty shawl. I love the design and the color. Wow. It is my favorite color.
karen says
Ginny, I love it! I love the open-ness and the asymmetrical shaping. Gorgeous and I think your sister will LOVE it!!
Leigh says
Janina Kallio patterns are my absolute favorite. I think I have knit 4 or 5 of the Antarktis!! Just cast on her Ardent pattern and cannot wait for ‘Herald’ to be released. Your shawl is gorgeous.. and adore your new banner!
Andee says
It is so pretty!!!
Diane says
Good Job, Ginny!! (And so beautiful, too..) Hooray! 🙂
Corinne says
The shawl is beautiful!…love the color!
But, most of all I just love that little Job who is
getting sooooooooooooooooooo big!
Corinne
Ilka W.J. says
This is SO beautiful!! If you ever decide to make them for sale… I volunteer as a customer! 😉
Kim Goodling says
Ginny,
This shawl is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen. It looks so light and summery. I could see using that in the Georgia summer weather, sitting under a shade tree or on the porch swing, nursing a sweet baby. I love the length too!
Laura says
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kristin says
Beautiful! I added this one to my Ravelry queue. I’ve never knit a shawl, because I can picture myself wearing one. But this one is so light and airy, I have to give it a try!
Zena says
So beautiful! And so clever to knit something with a lovely little summery purpose of breastfeeding.
Sally M says
That is a beautiful shawl. I love the pattern. Thanks for sharing with us.
Rosemary says
Gorgeous! I didn’t know the Fibre Company made that particular yarn, I will have to get my hands on some! 🙂
Betsy says
So pretty! I’m glad you took pictures for us. Love the little hands reaching and patting. 🙂
Blessings,
Betsy
Joyful says
Very pretty Ginny! I hope to try something on this scale soon! 🙂
karisma says
So beautiful! And your sister will feel so loved with that handmade gift to welcome baby, and to comfort mama. Thank you for sharing! =)
Elizabeth says
well done! :)) just catching up with things – loved your garden pictures too. so much to do, isn’t there? God is with you and may you know His blessings!
Denise says
beautiful
Meryl says
So lovely! A perfect little pretty thing for a new mama to toss on.
Trichat says
Abolutely GORGEOUS!!! The color, the pattern and… and this little boy… Oh! He makes me melt everytime I see him, even crying! 😉
I’m now obsess with this shawl… but so many things on the needlessss!
I’ll see!
Have a nice day Ginny! (From Quebec!)
Olivia says
A beautiful gift! 🙂
angie bright (sister) says
OH Ginny its beautiful!!!! I am so excited. 🙂 It is so much more than I expected…just beautiful. I love you and I am so very happy to have something that you have made for just me.I feel very special. Now everytime I wear it I will think of you..my sister. I MISS YOU! I wish you were here with me.Thank you.Im inpatiently waiting for its arrival. EKKKKK!
Linda says
It’s beautiful! I would love to knit something like that for my daughter in law who is due July 1st. Don’t think I will manage though if the silly little washcloth I am knitting in a plain garter stitch is giving me so much trouble. As usual your photos are soooooo beautiful. You do inspire me.
Jennifer says
It’s beautiful and a lovely color!
Gretchen R says
Ginny I love it! I want to make one. I normally don’t like wearing the triangle shaped ones as much but I would wear this one. Plus I love not purling.
My little Ingrid loved these pictures she insisted on looking at them no less than 4 times through. She kept pointing and saying, “That’s a mommy. That’s a baby. That’s a mommy. That’s a baby, there’s 2 babies!”
Missing you, friend. Wishing some crazy would slow down for both of us.
Tracey says
It’s gorgeous Ginny and I know your sister is going to love it, although I’m with you about a knitted item for a summer southern baby, but you are right, it won’t stay hot and humid forever.
Ann Voskamp says
Ginny! This is beautiful! Exquisite!
You are.
I miss your smile… and your wisdom.
Let’s go for a walk today with Job… ahhhhh, that sounds perfect.
xoxo
Gwendolyn says
Just beautiful! I’m so glad you took pictures before mailing it off. And those were so sweet of little Job getting comforted by his mom. Thanks for sharing!