Thursday, July 19, 2007

I Shall Never Grow Tired of This

Four Wishes for Abigail has now been blocked.

Severely

More photos (including action shots from the christening) and the full dossier on the project when I come back from Maine.

You'll excuse me, won't you, whilst I go lie down for a little while? But not on the bed, of course. The shawl gets the bed. I'm sleeping on the sofa.

That will seem odd only to the non-knitters who are reading this.

147 comments:

calicokitty6 said...

Oh, Franklin...It's so breathtakingly beautiful. It makes me wish I had a baby to wear it...

Molly Bee said...

It is amazing, Franklin! Abigail is so lucky to have you for an uncle! And we are so luck to have you as a 'blogist'! Please say hi to my beloved and much missed home state while you're there!

Anonymous said...

Wow - that is stunning. Congratulations on finishing it - with only one night of worry, even.

Anonymous said...

I've been lurking for some time, loving Dolores and your occasional comments on one thing and another. I'm so happy to see the finished product. Let us leave your knitting skills aside, your dedication to seeing such a beautiful project finished is the truly admirable aspect of this shawl. May all people, Abigal included, one day understand that it is focus, dedication, love, and appreciation that brings all good things to life. No, GE had nothing to do with this post.

Peace and trancendence.

Anonymous said...

The shawl is INCREDIBLE -- just absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on finishing it.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Congratulations.

Sleep well, you have earned it. (But I bet you are too jazzed to sleep right now)

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm... Are those four wishes in Latin?

sara 14 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
SallyT said...

Simply stunning!

Anonymous said...

I have been in lurking, watching as you knit this breathtaking piece! Abigail will surely cherish it all of her life and I hope she one day becomes a knitter so she can truly appreciate the love that went into it.

sara 14 said...

I see the four latin wishes too. It is magnificent! Many congratulations, truely an heirloom piece.

Anonymous said...

Outstanding!

CityMinx said...

Franklin! That's amazing!!!!!!

I am in such awe....

maybe now you need to do a nice garter stitch potholder on size 13s or something.

Truly, you should be proud

Also, loved you on the podcast! if you decide to come to New York, please drop a line.

Paisley said...

Wow.... all the loving effort you've put into that shawl was so worth it. Lucky Abigail to have such a devoted uncle.

shannon said...

It is just amazing. Beautiful. It will be cherished by Abigail.

Victoria said...

gorgeous...you have created a family heirloom for your niece to have throughout her life....

happy wishes for her christening.

Anonymous said...

Forget that Potter kid -- you are a wizard!

Neva said...

I don't knit, but I love reading your blog...you are one busy young man...how do you find time to knit, read, work and blog? and do everything else young men do? to say I am impressed would be an understatement. nice job on the christening shawl..your nice is vey blessed.

Cheri said...

Amazing, Abigail is a lucky lucky little girl. Congrats on finishing it and best wishes for the christening.

Anonymous said...

I see I'm not the only one who was straining their reading glasses to make out the latin. Well done, and don't get a crick in your neck sleeping on the couch.

Abigail said...

That is AMAZINGLY beautiful

Congratulations. Abigail is a very lucky girl to have such a dedicated uncle.

Diane said...

No words to describe how beautiful that shawl came out. Just breathtaking.

Sherry W said...

I think I see 'wisdom', 'strength' and 'happiness'. Is the last one amor?

Mel said...

"Wisdom" (sapienta), "Strength" (robur), and "Laughter" (risus), but I can't make out the fourth, either.

geogrrl said...

Franklin, that is absolutely lovely. You should sleep like a baby now.

Ann said...

Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

P.S. You need a fainting couch.

mamagotcha said...

Just spectacular. You did good, fella.

Thanks to PP for translations, I couldn't quite see the words.

Sweet dreams, minus copyediting nightmares!

Christa Giles said...

I knew I wouldn't be the first person to use 'stunning'.. but it really is! (and I'm so glad your other readers are smarter than I - I was wondering what the letters spelled!) Nice work, baby! That other baby will look incredible wrapped in it, in your arms :)

Anonymous said...

Well done you!

Anonymous said...

*de-lurks*

Oh.

Oh, Franklin.

What sublimely beautiful work. Abigail is a lucky, lucky girl... and you are a total mensch, for serious. Thank you for sharing with us-- not just this shawl, but yourself and your art.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. A beautiful shawl for a beautiful child. The future seems that much brighter to me.

Terri said...

It is fabulous! Have a great time in Maine, and I think this peice is destined for heirloom status.

Anonymous said...

Bravo Franklin, the shawl is just wonderful. Judith.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Franklin you have made a work of love and art wich will last for generations. I understand you so much because I made myself a traditional christenig robe for my goodaughter with about 50 metres of valenciennes lace sown by hand. I colud not even iron it because I was afraid of burning it... my mother did it for me while I was praying. One of my favorites nightmares of that time was that I would never finish it and I would have to run out to buy one the day before.. so I used to work on it day and night during the week ends filled with cafeine. Yo can imagine how I looked on monday mornings at work. But the day arrives and I was the most proudest goodfather with my little princess in her crhristening robe and I in my gucci.
By the way I am a manknitter from Spain living in Madrid who started in needlecrafts 15 yers ago. (Please forgime me for my forgotten english)

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh...

::just sits and stares, a happy, awed little smile hovering::

I think it's a satori in lace form. From the point of view of someone who knows practically nothing about Zen Buddhism, anyway. Lucky Abigail, who'll be wrapped in so much love.

Anonymous said...

Oh my...that is so beautiful. And the fourth wish is Misericordia..Mercy. Just gorgeous. So much thought and care and love in that blanket.

Kathleen said...

Don't worry, you won't be on the couch for long - that's yet another perk to blocking lace, it dries super-fast. Franklin, it's gorgeous and I can't wait to see the whole thing. Enjoy the feeling of godliness that you surely must have right now, that shawl indeed entitles you to it!

Angry Professor said...

Blocking is the best part. It's stunning. And I envy your courage: I've yet to attempt a lace edging. I'm scared to death of the corners.

Anonymous said...

What a lucky, lucky little girl.

Kate said...

Instant heirloom. It's gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

Wow.

Eileen said...

Beautiful shawl for a beautiful girl.

Unknown said...

Simply wonderful.

I love christenings because they are, really, all about family--immediate, extended, chosen--all kinds of family. And what better way to show Abigail how much this great family love her than to wrap her in something that is as close to miraculous as her own family is?

Have a wonderful time in Maine.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on a job well done. Abigail is a very lucky child and will hopefully inherit some of her uncle's skills.

Have fun at the Christening and with your family. Is Dolores going?

Penny said...

beautiful. my best to all ...

Michelle said...

I'm swooning.

Mary Peed said...

Breathtaking. Absolutely beautiful.

shyknitter said...

Oh my god...it is lovely. My best to all.

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

Your shawl is so stunning. You have created a magnificent family heirloom. Wow! :)

Anonymous said...

That is absolutely, breathtakingly lovely. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!

Angela said...

Amazing. She is so lucky to have such a talented, loving uncle.

Anonymous said...

Oh Franklin, it's gorgeous! Congratulations on completion -- it's stunning.

Anonymous said...

3 words for you: tour d' force! I bow to your amazing expertise and perseverance!

becky c. said...

Thank you for sharing your masterpiece with us. I can't wait to see more pictures!

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous! Stunning!

rhea delisle said...

Wow!!

datatech57 said...

Oh, it is just stunning! As someone whose pinnacle of needlework prowess is a crocheted shopping bag and a bathmat, I bow in awe.

Also, Alfaro, I only wish my forgotten Spanish was as good as your forgotten English!

datatech57 said...

Oops, sorry to misspell your name, Alvaro!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Thank you for showing us and we are looking forward to many more photographs, especially of the shawl with its brand-new owner.
Share the love,
Tina

aija said...

Congratulations!! So beautiful, I've really enjoyed watching your progress.

Anonymous said...

God I hope she doesn't spit up on it!

Can you let us know what the four wishes are?

Denise in Kent, WA said...

Truly spectacular! I love the border in particular -- not only the fact that there are four wonderful wishes for Abigail, but that they are so artistically incorporated into the design. Bravo!

Anonymous said...

It's beautiful! That seems like such a poor description of it, really, but it's the closest word I can get without sounding like I'm just gushing. Inspirational comes close, too.

Unknown said...

Congratulations, Franklin, it's breathtaking.

Kris said...

Kisses and Cookies to you and Abby. The shawl is simply breath taking.

Carol said...

Oh. WOW. Franklin, it's stunning! What a wonderful gift for Abigail - will you be my uncle? LOL!

Liz said...

Love it, Love it, Love it!

You are an awesome uncle!

Wily Jeneric said...

Wow. Congratulations to Abigail for netting such an amazing Uncle.

Anonymous said...

Truly lovely - congratulations on finishing. Many good wishes to your family on Abigail's christening day.

Sarah said...

Just...stunning....I wish I could read the wishes. Please give us more details soon!

Dr. Steph said...

Gah! It's beautiful. What a loving gift for your neice.

Anonymous said...

You are one heck of a good brother and uncle. It's splendid.

Lise

Frog Princess said...

Abigail will be very fortunate to grow up with her Uncle Franklin's guidance and encouragement. Enjoy your family and the summertime in Maine, and congratulations on creating such a beautiful and meaningful keepsake. Here are some added wishes for Abigail: great friendships, curiosity and hope.

swan/dragon said...

Can I adopt you as my brother, so when I have babies, their uncle will make them something this amazing?

Anonymous said...

everyone is impressed!

what a wonderful heirloom for abigail!

waiting for the translation of the wishes on the edges...

have a good trip to maine!

Pollianicus said...

I am so in awe of your dedication to this project. The result is simply stunning and I applaud you.

Anonymous said...

Simply breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Bella!

Annette said...

Beautiful! Gorgeous! Stunning!

Abigail is lucky to have you as an uncle. Be proud!

Anonymous said...

It's lovely! Abigail is one fortunate young lady, and I'm sure her great-grandchildren will treasure your shawl as much as she will. Imagine what you would knit for your own baby if you had one! Any thoughts?

mary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mary said...

It's stunning and divine and she'll cherish it forever, as such a gift can only be treasured. I love the fact that you've bestowed wisdom and laughter upon her too. I just can't make out the other 2 wishes.

Bevin said...

Franklin that is incredible. Congratulations! I am so happy to have gotten to watch the progress on your blog and can't wait for the full write-up.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful! Blessings to Abigail and all of your family. Can't wait to hear the stories to come.

Jeanne M.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the finish! It's SO beautiful! Maybe when she's older, Abigail can read these old blog posts and see how you prepared for her birth. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh.

I'm breathless.

Words? Ethereal comes to mind. Trancendent is good, too.

You are a gift to all of us who read your blog a share a little corner of your world.Thanks, Franklin.

P.S. Dolores has been awfully quiet lately. Be very, very afraid.

Anonymous said...

It is utterly beautiful! Tell us again the four wishes please?

Thank you for letting us share your knitting and beyond life.

Sarah

katerina said...

Congratulations! It's beautiful, and inspiring as well! It will be cherished for ages to come!

goblinbox said...

Nothing wrong with being quite certain of one's spelling. ;-)

Anonymous said...

breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Utterly Gorgeous! For your sake, I hope your sister doesn't have any new birth announcements :0

Terrie D. (StarSpry) said...

Congratulations! It is so beautiful :)

MandellaUK said...

Many congratulations Franklin. It's quite an achievement; all the plotting, dreaming, getting covered with oatmeal and everything.

Anonymous said...

Franklin you're making me cry! It's too beautiful! Abigail is the luckiest little girl in the world. What a wonderful gift to your family! Abigail will be the first child of generations of your family who will treasure that shawl.

Anonymous said...

It's stunning!

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is ethereally beautiful. If I didn't know better, I'd say it had been knitted by angels, from yarn spun out of cloud. Exquisite work, Franklin.

knittingjuju said...

good, good uncle. Yay.

sheila said...

The shawl is gorgeous! You did a great job with it! It always amazes me what blocking can for a knit piece! Abigail is extremely fortunate to have you! Enjoy your trip!

Unknown said...

All of your hard work is now totally worth it for my viewing pleasure. It really is a sight to behold. You are going to make a hell of an uncle, but good thing you only have the one neice.

Anonymous said...

Oh Franklin, that is so beautiful!! Congrats on getting it done. She will love it for the rest of her life.

Anonymous said...

It is beautiful. I can't wait to see the rest of the photos. You deserve a stiff drink and nice nap!

Sara M said...

It's perfect.

Michelle said...

That is stunning, stunning work. Congratulations!

Carol said...

I could cry for how beautiful that is and the love that went into it. Looking forward to the full report on your return.

OceanKnitter said...

Beautiful work, Franklin. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful and impressive piece of work. You must be infinitely proud!

Anonymous said...

Stunningly beautiful. How lucky Abigail is to have you knit it for her and how lucky you are to have Abigail to knit for. (Bad grammar, I know but you get the drift.) I love the way you put writing into your knitting. Words..I love them.

Anonymous said...

YIPPEE!!!

knitnzu said...

Well, that's why folks have TWO beds!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and WOW!

Congratulations on finishing an epic work! And the uncle work is only just begun...

Anonymous said...

Franklin, you are a great artist in many fields.This shawl is so exquisite,and you are so kind sharing it with us. Thank you and enjoy your weekend in Maine.

Anonymous said...

When I was christened I was the fourth generation to wear the christening gown hand made and embroidered by a loving ancestor. If it hasn't fallen apart, one of my cousins may pass it on for a grandchild (generation 6) to wear soon. I wish a similar journey of time and love for your shawl.

Anonymous said...

It is exquisite!
Beautiful enough to make your already gorgeous niece look even more lovely.
As you head east ... be forewarned ... if you're going to be any where near midcoast Maine, it's been doing a LOT of raining around here.
Bring a sweater! 80 degree days are not here....
I find it amusing that just after you left Maine, I came out to see my family... I'm about to leave, you're coming back....I'm guessing that just before I swing back through, you'll have left again.

Anonymous said...

This shawl is a knit masterpiece and is the quintessential definition of the saying, "There is love knit into each and every stitch!"

I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are of you!

Your knitting and writing is inspirational to me. Saying "thank you" doesn't seem to be quite enough, but those are the only tools I have to work with in this virtual world.

KHM said...

I know you've been told over 115 times how beautiful the shawl is, but I couldn't let my own personal praise of it go unexpressed. Frankin, its just breath taking; and the thought of it swaddling you niece for her important day is even more lovely. A lucky family all of you are. I hope you enjoy...

Anonymous said...

thanks for the photos, I have been living for this post. Awesome.

Anonymous said...

wow, that's all i can think to write and i'm NEVER without words....

Pink said...

By the time you get down this far you will have read just about every compliment that could be bestowed on you and the wonderful family heirloom...I'll just say, "Wow and congratulations...and thank god the oatmeal was dry!"

FiberQat said...

vwaymnlk
(it's left me speechless so I had to use the word verification)

Be proud, Unka Frank!

Mother of Chaos said...

That is gasp-inducing gorgeous. What a magnificent thing!

WandaWoman said...

It's lovely. Really amazing.

Kristen said...

Oh. My. God. I need to go lie down now too. Simply breathtaking!

knititch said...

oh no you can't sleep anywhere when you block lace. it is so lovely. what a nice heirloom.

Katherine said...

Congratulations Franklin! You did an amazing job. Can't wait to see the action shots!

Carol said...

Stunning! Blockees always get the bed!

Nic said...

Truly beautiful....

dale-harriet said...

Franklin - it's everything everyone who preceded said and more. She'll wear or carry it on her wedding day, and in 500 years it'll be unwrapped from tissue, its story and translation read from awed respectful lips, and a descendent of Abigail's will be wrapped in it. Thank you for sharing the story - and the shawl -with us. May I add "merriment" to Abigail's wishes?

Whining Procrastinator said...

Beautiful. Congratulations! May Abigail find that it inspires her to learn to knit one day...

Warrior Knitter said...

Noble and stately.

When I was cruisin' my Thesaurus looking for even more ways to say what everyone else has already said, these two also seem correct.

Anonymous said...

Breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

Franklin, it's exquisite! What a lucky young lady she is to receive such a magnificent gift.

Unknown said...

It is beautiful. I would not expect anything less

Tusa said...

Oho! That is absolutely gorgeous. Have a tall one while lying down.

Anonymous said...

From Webster's on-line:

The Word of the Day for July 22, 2007 is:
panoptic • \pan-OP-tik\ • adjective
: being or presenting a comprehensive or panoramic view
Example Sentence:
At the top of the mountain is a sightseeing point that provides climbers with a panoptic view of the surrounding valleys.
Did you know?
The establishment of "panoptic" in the English language can be attributed to two inventions known as panopticons. The more well-known panopticon was conceived by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham in 1787. Bentham's panopticon was a circular prison with cells arranged around a central tower from which guards could see the inmates at all times. The other panopticon, also created in the 18th century, was a device containing pictures of attractions, such as European capitals, that people viewed through an opening. Considering the views that both inventions gave, it is not hard to see why "panoptic" (a word derived from Greek "panoptēs," meaning "all-seeing") was being used by the early 19th century.

Anonymous said...

This shawl has brought yet another longtime lurker out of the woodwork.

It is beautiful, strong, wise, and even a bit funny. It is everything you are, Franklin.

Peevish said...

It's stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is ... WOW! You are indeed an amazing uncle! Abigail is incredibly lucky to have you! Kiss her lots for all of us!

Nana Sadie said...

Kudos! IT's JUST Stunning!
(and of course, you'd sleep on the sofa, where else? Lace gets the best spot in the house!)
Have a wonderful trip!
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

It's so fabulous, I can hardly write! A guaranteed heirloom for generations to come! Ancestors bless you!

Lucia said...

Congratulations! On the christening, I mean, as well as the shawl, although in the latter case words are superfluous.

Seanna Lea said...

Wow. That is gorgeous. I can only hope that someday I will knit something that rings with as much magnificence.

Kathleen said...

Congratulations- that is a beautiful piece of work.

city girl said...

hello Franklin, it was nice meeting you today in the coffee shop. i hope to have a sitting with you soon.

Unknown said...

OH, it's taken me too long to comment. One word, Spectactular!

Lynne said...

Franklin, what a beautiful shawl, the pictures of shawl and all are wonderful thank you for sharing
Lynne

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