Sunday, July 22, 2007

Four Wishes for Abigail

The "Four Wishes for Abigail" shawl was knit for the christening of my niece, Abigail Ann, which took place on July 22, 2007.

Tempus Fugit

The completed shawl measures approximately four feet across, including the points of the edging.

Design Sources and Inspiration

EdgeThe design is my own adaptation of the "borders outwards" method of Shetland lace shawl construction, as described by Sharon Miller in her book, Heirloom Knitting. The same work, which has been my constant companion from the swatch stage to the final weaving, was the source of many of the stitch patterns in the finished piece.

In addtion, the following works were consulted and found to be most helpful:
  • Creating Original Hand-Knitted Lace (Margaret Stove)
  • A Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Barbara Walker)
  • "A Lace Alphabet to Knit" from Piecework (May/June 1998)
The project also had a long-distance godmother: Jean Miles. Jean's work, displayed and beautifully annotated on her Web site, stirred the lace-knitting impulse in my soul. It was she who introduced me to Sharon Miller's work, to Bridget Rorem's lace alphabet, and she who provided me with the Latin translations of the words worked into the shawl edging.

Beyond that, Jean's good-humored descriptions of her own works-in-progress have also been an inspiration. An inspiration to not throw the knitting out the window or run it through the shredder on days when, for example, one of the sides somehow acquired three extra stitches...again.

Design Strategy and Themes

On the chair

I knew I had to make this piece from start to finish on a tight schedule. It was, furthermore, to be my first large piece of lace knitting and my first piece of lace design.

I set myself a few limits. First, all motifs used had to have small repeats that I could memorize easily and work anywhere (including the subway) without a chart. Second, if at all possible all motifs had to alternate a row of patterned knitting with a row of plain knitting in order to save time and keep the level of difficulty moderate. Third, all motifs in the shawl center and borders had to read well on a stockinette ground, as I would be knitting in the round and wanted to be able to knit all the plain rows instead of purling them.

Blocked Corner

That said, I knew that shawl had to include motifs appropriate to Maine. I wanted it to have a certain robust beauty appropriate to the rugged terrain and the forthright people who live on it. Maine is breathtakingly beautiful, but the beauty is fierce. Odd as it may sound, I didn't want the shawl to appear too delicate.

And I knew I wanted the design to include words, a message of some kind to Abigail. The inspiration came for the final design came, oddly, from an afternoon spent flipping through photographs I took of inscriptions at Ostia Antica, the ruins of the ancient seaport of Rome.

I swatched everything, and there were still surprises both pleasant and unpleasant. However, swatching did minimize the unpleasant and definitely led to a better finished product. If you want to design your own lace, you'd better be prepared to swatch. If you just can't bear it, choose another project.

The Four Wishes

The edging comprises two design elements:
  • Sharon Miller's double scallop shell edging, and
  • four lozenges surrounded by faggot stitch, each containing a wish for the baby.
Robur

The wishes, written in Latin as befits a solemn occasion, are:
  • SAPIENTA (wisdom)
  • ROBUR (strength)
  • MISERICORDIA (compassion)
  • RISUS (laughter)
With those, Abigail should be well-equipped to deal with anything life has to offer.

I confess that about halfway through MISERICORDIA I began to wish the Latin word for compassion were somewhat shorter.

Other Stitch Motifs

The center of the shawl consists of a square panel of the pattern variously called fern lace or leaf lace (Barbara Walker) or candlelight (Sharon Miller). It is closely related to the traditional Shetland "fir cone" pattern. Worked in stockinette, as here, the decreases create a diamond grid that surrounds the openwork. In Abigail's shawl, the motif is meant to represent the white pine cone - the state flower of Maine.

On the Porch

Immediately surrounding the central panel is a stockinette band worked with roses, although we're going to call them hibiscus as a nod to Abigail's mother's adopted home state of Hawai'i.

The four trapezoidal borders are filled mostly with diamond trellis. Around the outermost edge of the borders, inside two eyelet rows, are pine trees: once again, an homage to the state of Maine.

The roses and trees come from Heirloom Knitting; Barbara Walker collected the diamond trellis.

The Yarn and Needles

The yarn is a natural white silk/cashmere laceweight procured from Sean at Wolcott and Company. I cannot, cannot, cannot scream and yell enough about how much I love this yarn. The color gives the finished piece a warm, antique look that I prefer to the chill of pure white. The silk lends a sheen so subtle it's barely a sheen; it's more of a glow. The drape and softness are luxury itself.

The entire piece was knit up on an Addi Turbo circular, size US zero.

The Gift and the Recipient

Abigail seemed to like it. Four wishes for her, one for me: I hope to live to see her happy children wrapped up in it.

Together

238 comments:

1 – 200 of 238   Newer›   Newest»
Amelia said...

Franklin, the shawl is beautiful, Abigail is beautiful, and your four wishes are perfect. You did a marvelous job. Congratulations.

Anonymous said...

Magnificent piece of work, Franklin. And thank for letting us see beautiful Abigail with the beautiful shawl her Uncle Franklin made her.

Kate said...

I'm tearing up. This is the most beautiful present for your niece's lifetime that she could possibly have. Wishing her all these gifts of grace, too.

Thankyou for the detailed explanations of your work.

Mel said...

A shawl as lovely as both the recipient and the maker. I still hope to see the shawl someday, since it's in close proximity, but it was especially good to get to see you and Sue and Phil.

Andrea Rusin said...

Beautiful shawl. Beautiful fluffy-haired baby. And a wonderful uncle.

muoriska said...

Niff, I have tears in my eyes. So beautifull. Hopefully your gift gives Abigail the joy of knitting one day.

moiraeknittoo said...

Holy shit Franklin. That's bloody amazing. *gapes*

Trillian42 said...

Just spectacular. It's beautiful (as is she), and the love and thought that went into it are truly inspiring. That is one seriously lucky baby girl.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! Both the design and the wishes. (She wears it well, by the way.)

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

< previous post removed for stupidity and accidentally tabbing, posting my password for all the world to see >

Congrats on meeting your deadline- and creating a wonderful heirloom in the process!

QuietdanMN said...

An amazing heirloom, beautifully created, using the most important material of all - love.

May you also receive the rich blessings that you shared with your niece in this work of art.

alana said...

Wow. So amazing on so many levels. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Franklin! It's all so beautiful (including Abigail of course)!

Anonymous said...

So sweet! You're the best uncle a kid could have! And the shawl is incredible. To inscribe w/in the lace-well it's just - PERFECTION. I am in awe of your vision & your talent.

Anonymous said...

Franklin Sir! Your knitting is beyond amazing, your
Personality the same.
How wonderful your family is
and Abigail is indeed a
precious child.
Peace.
Tim Peterson
Seattle, WA.

errs said...

How incredibly beautiful. She is very lucky to have received such a love-filled gift.

Red said...

ditto to what moiraeknits said.

Anonymous said...

Breathtakingly beautiful. I do hope you will consider sharing the pattern with us.

mamagotcha said...

The love and care knit into this piece is palpable even from photos. That pic of dear baby Abigail with her new shawl has tears welling up in my eyes. Thank you, thank you for sharing this most intimate and beautiful gift (and its trials and tribulations) with us. You are truly an inspiration, and undoubtedly will be a most treasured uncle! (and, if the universe has any justice to it at all, great-uncle too).

Cheri said...

There are simply no words to describe your gift to Abigail. To say it is beautiful almost feels like an insult because the shawl is so much more than beautiful as is Abigail. The world is a much better place for having you in it (if only my children could have such an uncle!) and your family is truly blessed.

And thank you for the details of your work.

sheila said...

Abigail looks precious...and so content on her beautiful shawl! You out-did yourself!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and heartfelt. You are the bestest ever uncle.

Anonymous said...

WOW. The shawl is amazing! I have a hard time liking square shawls because there's always something... strange about them, but this one I like!

Also, wasn't Abigail born 3 weeks ago or something?! (Yeah, I know, it just feels like she was, but still!) When did she manage to grow this big?

Erin Taylor said...

I am teary... what beautiful intentions for a beautiful little girl.

Cindy, aka Maxfun said...

That is truly a masterpiece -- the blanket, too! :)

Seriously, you have created a thing of great beauty that will be a joy forever. Well done.

Indie Mama said...

Oh...

Simply beautiful.

The shawl, the wishes, and, of course, Abigail. Perfect!

shannon said...

They are both beautiful. Shawl and baby.

I've got a tear in my eye...beautiful.

WandaWoman said...

It's an absolutely amazing piece of work.

April said...

Franklin, you are an artist in every sense of the word. And a pretty damn fine uncle.

I didn't think Abigail could get any more beautiful but she has. :)

Rita said...

Beautiful, both shawl and Abigail. Thank you for writing such an inspiring post.

twitchy fingers said...

I've found myself waiting and watching (not so) patiently for this post - and it was definitely worth it. It is just stunning. The fact that you put hours, days and weeks of your life and so much love, care and thought into this gift makes it absolutely priceless. Abigail is a very lucky little angel.

KatieLiz said...

Positively stunning, both baby and shawl. I've been following your progress from the beginning.

Sid Leavitt said...

It's a beautiful piece of work, Franklin -- not just the shawl but your writing, which in both description and exposition glows like the lace.

Rabbitch said...

You made me cry.

And both the baby and the shawl are utterly splendid.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful in every way, a gift from the heart.

Melissa said...

Franklin-
That is beyond beautiful. What a spectacular present, with your attention to every detail, truly amazing.

But man, what are you going to do if they have another baby? :)

Congrats on the gorgeous niece and amazing present.

Melissa

Anonymous said...

Another beautiful post. What a lovely heirloom for Abigail's children.

La Cabeza Grande said...

Heartfelt and so well thought out. Love and caring infused each part of the process. Thank you for sharing your gifts (and your niece) with us!

Pearls Mother said...

Abigail is blessed to have such a wonderful Shawl
and
a loving Uncle,
who wanted to make her such a wonderful heirloom.
Lindy

Prachi said...

Sniff. What a beautiful niece, and a gorgeous shawl for her. Thanks for the detailed write up.

Leanne said...

It's stunning. Your sister must be thrilled.

Thanks for the detailed write-up. Very inspiring!

Anonymous said...

I'm joining the teary-eyed brigade. Beautiful shawl, gorgeous babe, wonderful uncle. Here's seconding your wishes for Abigail.

And your own wish, too.

amy said...

Oh, my gosh. I'm about to cry into my coffee. You are a beautiful human being and Abigail is lucky to have such a wonderful uncle.

Shoot. Here come the tears.

And Abigail is beautiful, too.

Anonymous said...

Great Wishes...all the way around!!

Unknown said...

Incredible, totally incredible. You are an artist.

Pink said...

Truly amazing, a masterpeice.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous baby, and gorgeous shawl. Thanks for describing what you did so well!

And the wishes made me tear up a little.

Sarah said...

It has been fascinating (and funny at times - ie oatmeal) to watch this amazing project grow. I think that the finished item is glorious and honours your niece in the most wonderful way.

Angela said...

The time, talent, and incredible thoughtfulness that went into this piece are remarkable. Lucky niece!

Sarah said...

Really, really spectacular work! My wish for Abigail is that she appreciates all the love and effort that her uncle put into this special piece!

J. said...

amazing, that's all I got, amazing

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning. I'm sure she'll treasure it.

Mandy said...

What a wonderful, inspiring piece of work. And a beautiful chubby gal!

Anonymous said...

Very beautiful. It is so fascinating to read how the elements were chosen.

Trish said...

Wow!

Just, wow!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I am blown away. I'll bet your sister was VERY moved by this. You are amazing!

shyknitter said...

Stunning!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Oh, wow! is right.

Thank you, Franklin, for sharing the photos and the explanations with us. Just beautiful.

Mama Cat said...

Oh my, Franklin, no other blogger can move me to tears the way you can. The shawl is breathtaking, and the thought that went into it is deep and true.

Abigail is a beautiful and very lucky girl. She will certainly grow in wisdom, strength, and compassion, and have many opportunities for laughter throughout her life. And of course, she will be blessed by the many wonderful and nourishing books that her dear Uncle Franklin will send her over the years.

Ostia Antica is one of my favorite places on Earth and it is wonderful to me to see it inspire something knitted.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow!

thanks for the latin translations, for designing this masterpiece, for having such a beautiful niece.

salut!

Shell said...

Wow! Wow! Wow!
I am in awe. This post had me in tears- what a wonderful and loving gift.
Its perfect.
Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

You are my hero. Truly.

Michele said...

This is AMAZING. Thanks for taking the time to produce such a thorough write-up.

Steph said...

Franklin - Can you be my uncle?

Anonymous said...

Franklin, you are brilliant and that baby is gorgeous. Oh and the shawl is magnificent too!

Donna Lee said...

What a lovely, thoughtful (in the fullest sense of the word) gift. I can see it wrapped in tissue and lovingly brought out for Abigail's child to be wrapped in and the story about how "uncle Franklin made this when i was a baby....". What a beautiful legacy you've given her.

Anonymous said...

Wow. The thought, planning, designing and knitting are all incredible. It is truly a work of art and love, and a gift for generations to come. Thank you.

Molly Bee said...

Thank you so much for the detail of this piece, Franklin. It is absolutely stunning, breathtaking and fifty seven other adjectives that haven't even been invented yet. The level of thought that went into the symbolism makes it most precious. Perfect for a precious little Maineiac like Abigail! You are the best uncle ever!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous! My knitting pales in comparison to this beautiful work of art.

Diane said...

The only thing more beautiful than that shawl is Abigail. What a precious little one.

Anonymous said...

It's absolutely beautiful, in every way.

Anonymous said...

Oh my word Franklin - that is amazing! Gorgeous! Outstanding! Congrats on finishing it, and creating such a beautiful piece of work!

Anonymous said...

The shawl is breathtaking--and Abigail is so fortunate to have someone in this world who would create such an incredible gift to honor her. Thanks so much for sharing this with everyone.

meg said...

What a beautiful piece of work, Franklin. You should be very pleased with yourself. (And hopefully wee Abigail had the decency to not gnaw on the shawl during the christening.)

TurnipToes said...

I love the warm, antique feel of it. You did a wonderful job with a lot of thought and meaning. I am sure she and her parents were thrilled to received such a token of your love.

grrlmonster said...

congrats franklin. you are an inspiration. me on the other hand, cant get through the simplest lace, a pattern i found in a hp themed book. oh well. perhaps i should try again....
abigail is beautiful. so is your shawl.

Cheryl, Judy and Jill said...

Oh my gosh, Franklin, that is beyond beautiful. As is your written description. Your posts never fail to bring tears to my eyes. Breathtaking. Congratulations and best wishes for Abigail and her thoughtful and loving uncle.

Anonymous said...

Franklin, I've been a lurker here for a while, I love the way you craft a sentence and I am in awe of this shawl. It is probably the most meaningful, love-filled knitting I've ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing it.

knitnzu said...

Fabulous, stunning, incredible!!! The shawl and Abigail both!

Lisa said...

The shawl is just FANTASTIC. Bravo to you!!!

Lynne said...

Simply amazing. Congratulations! Now you can work with color!

Nana Sadie said...

Simply (and not so simply) BEAUTIFUL. That shawl just oozes love.

I think you have attained greatness with this (JMHO). May your wishes for Abigail come true - and may YOUR wish for you, to see grandnieces and -nephews wrapped in this fabulous lace also come true.

Now, dearie, will you publish a pattern?
lolol
((((hugs))))

Beverly said...

I am in awe. You are an amazing Knitter (with a capital "K").

Anonymous said...

Thank you for giving the detailed post this beautiful creation merits. I love the four wishes idea, construction and substance.

Heirloom.

Anonymous said...

I've enjoyed following the shawl narrative a posse ad esse. What an exquisite piece and, obviously, a much beloved and fortunate niece. Splendid work, Franklin!

Anonymous said...

Really beautiful and such an impressive work of art! The way this honors your wishes for Abigail and is so substantial and complete makes me speechless. Thank you so much for sharing the details of your project with us.

Anonymous said...

thank you for sharing all of this on your blog - i read and stare in amazement. it's just GORGEOUS! she is a lucky niece!

Anonymous said...

Franklin, this was such a wonderful, meaningful, loving gift for your sweet baby niece. She's absolutely, purely beautiful, and your shawl is simply breath taking. Lovely lovely lovely.

New Jersey Laura said...

Perfection! Beauty! Love! Patience! Your shawl is a miracle, and an unbelievable gift to your niece.

Victoria said...

beautiful work, beautifuly describe and photograph...beautiful little girl...

with an Uncle like you and with wishes like that she can't help but have a happy life...

lovely...ty for letting me share in your art and this happy time for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning. I love your thoughtful, loving approach to the design.

Sandra said...

Oy. The shawl, the baby, the detail, the love. Each more beautiful than the other. Well done.

Anonymous said...

That is one of the most gorgeous pieces of lace I have ever seen, Franklin. What a precious gift for such a precious little one. It's perfect.

I have a bit of that silk/cashmere from Woolcott, snagged on a recent visit to Boston. I keep taking it out of my stash just to pet it.

knitting labrat said...

Franklin, if I live to be a hundred, I hope I will have 10% of your talent. That shawl is gorgeous! Abigail is a very lucky girl to have such a wonderful uncle.

Anonymous said...

You're a wonderful uncle! Simply the best! Also, I am not even remotely surprised at the complexity of design or the skillfulness of the execution. I expect no less from you! :)

Anonymous said...

I've been lurking for quite awhile, but just have to come out to say what a beautiful, beautiful shawl this is. It's breathtaking (and so is she!). And your four wishes are so perfect.

Yvonne said...

Absolutely a treasure. The shawl's not bad, either. Best wishes to you all. :-)

swan/dragon said...

I have four wishes for you:
1. That your wishes for Abgail come true.
2. That your wish for yourself comes true.
3. That everything you wished for your niece, she may always see in her uncle.
4. That the next baby is far enough into the future for you to get the feeling back into your fingers.

Thank you for sharing this moving experience with us; you are far too humble about the skill and beauty of this shawl. Which, of course, just impresses me more. Congratualtions to you and your family; Abigail chose well.

Anonymous said...

Mucho bravo, Franklin! :)

Anonymous said...

This is the most beautiful, most meaningful work of knitting I've ever seen. Absolutely gorgeous. Abigail is a lucky girl. Thanks for sharing in such detail!

Anonymous said...

My admiration for this project is deep and pure. The amount of thought and love and, well, effort poured into a lovely gift like this cannot fail to bless Abigail every day. And I can't help but gasp--you knit that beautiful thing on size ZERO needles. Heavens.

Unknown said...

Wow ... that is so nice. Blessings.

Jennifer said...

Thank you, Franklin, for sharing your design process -- your notes were perfectly descriptive, and nearly as lovely as the shawl itself. I am sure your beautiful niece will treasure it always. I am picturing her wearing it on her wedding day.

K8 said...

Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

and she has lacey hair to match...i'm sorry; her hair made me giggle. utterly beautiful

Stephanie said...

Amazing. Congratulations to you and to your family.

Abigail is just adorable.

ccr in MA said...

It just amazes me that what you do and what I do are both called knitting. Not that I'm not pleased enough with what I do, but what you've done here is way, way beyond. Absolutely lovely, and Abigail looks properly impressed (and lovely herself, of course).

Anonymous said...

The shawl - like you - is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I can't say anything that hasn't already been said.. but how absolutely lovely. This is the stuff family heirlooms are made of.

Fe said...

The blanket is a real work of art, Franklin. Thank you for sharing this with me. Fiona

Ruth said...

Magnificent work, Franklin! It's absolutely beautiful, as is Abigail.

Thank you for sharing the process with us.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant. Beautifully, wonderfully, fabulously, lovingly Brilliant.

Anonymous said...

I've been looking forward to seeing this post for days!It is very nice to hear the feelings and rationale behind the design. So thoughful and so beautiful. I hope your next project is a relaxing one. Tina in Philly

Amy Jo said...

Franklin, you are amazing. The shawl is fantastic and your niece is off to the best start ever.

Elizabeth Green Musselman said...

That has to be the first blog post that has ever made me tear up. Just beautiful: writing, photography, shawl, and niece (not necessarily in that order).

Will Pillage For Yarn said...

Oh Franklin, your post made me get all teary. How beautiful. The shawl, the yarn, the photographs, but most importantly, the spirit and love and wishes you knitted into each stitch.

You two are lucky to have each other for your very own.

Unknown said...

Wow, this shawl is stunning. Thank you for sharing it with us. This is the kind of piece that will live on for generations, and many, many years from now, those who see it will still be in awe. The wishes are beautiful. I hope all of them come true and that they will guide the hopefully many children to be christened in this shawl.

Anonymous said...

Oh my . . .

rosesmama

Anonymous said...

I think my hands would have fallen off! Such tiny stitches, an awe-inspiring pattern, your beautiful wishes, and the adorable Abigail. I have tears in my eyes. Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I am just amazed at what a beautiful person you are. Wow.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful piece, both the writing and the knitting. I hope Abigail learns to truly appreciate the piece and you.

Anonymous said...

Franklin- I've been waiting for this post eagerly and somewhat impatiently. It was worth it. The shawl is stunning; Abigail is beautiful. She looks supremely content on the lace. Congratulations to both of you. She has a wise and talented uncle. I'd love to see a photo of the two of you together now that she's a bit older.

Anonymous said...

How very beautifully and thoughtfully designed and knitted, and how beautiful your niece is! May your wishes (those for Abigail and the one for yourself) come true!
Best wishes from
Ulrike, near Stuttgart in Germany

Dr. Steph said...

It is absolutely beautiful. Congratulations (seems like the thing to say for creating and finishing this beautiful work).

I think you should print out a copy of this post to give to your niece so she understands the work you put into this. She'll see you knit all the time (and likely some of it will be for her) and she should know how unique and special it is (just like her!).

Anonymous said...

Lordy, that is beautiful. I especially love the Latin wishes. Great choices.

rho said...

Wow just WOW - hard to type thru the tears - how beautiful and well thought out and Abigail is beautiful too.

I love my word verification - first 3 letters are joy... how appropriate

Kristen said...

Chills, I say you, I've got chills! Simply magnificent. (size zero needles? {swoon, thud})

Unknown said...

It is so beautiful.

And thank you for telling us the details.

Murrie

Anonymous said...

The shawl is beautiful as befits a princess....and the princess is beautiful as befits the breathtakingly beautiful shawl!

Anonymous said...

Breathtakingly beautiful. I love everything about it. Such lovely wishes. Such a lucky Little Girl and such a wonderful Uncle.

Sharon said...

Wow, I'm floored. This is absolutely gorgeous...no, beyond gorgeous. Really, what an amazing gift.

Anonymous said...

I didn't think knitting could make me cry. It's breathtaking. She's a very lucky girl.

carey said...

ok, so I've been reading along with you as you've gone through this process of creation, but never, never in a million years did I realize you were creating such an absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking heirloom. I mean, I knew you were good, but my god, you are GOOD. Your artistry, passion, and dedication that shine through this shawl brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing this.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is all. Wow.

Jeanne M.

firefly said...

The shawl is absolutely beautiful, but so is the story behind its making. Because of you it has a spirit as well as a physical presence.

I also think you should have the story you wrote in this post printed (parchment? something special) and enclose it in a "keeper" box with the shawl.

That way, Abigail will always be able to read the story and will know the meaning knitted into the shawl, and she'll be able to tell her children too.

That, more than anything, countervails the mass-market stuff bought off the rack today, which has absolutely no soul at all.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Emily said...

What a blessed little girl to have an uncle that is so loving!!! (and talented!)

Anonymous said...

Franklin, the shawl is perfectly beautiful. What an amazing you job did in design and execution. Truly. I know you must be so happy with it. May ALL your wishes come true! Thanks for all the details and photos.

abbenormal said...

That's why is't good to be the first born. Because I suspect the next kid is getting a pair of booties and the one after that will get a pat on the head.

It is exquisite. She's lucky kid.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. The shawl is gorgeous, too.

Anonymous said...

Like so many others have already said, your post actually made me tear up - beautiful shawl, beautiful sentiments knit into it, and beautiful writing. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Anna said...

Abigail is truly blessed to have such a talented and caring uncle.

This is a treasure! Thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

This is an incredibly gorgeous piece of knitting! And so thoughtful, in every way. Amazing, truly amazing. I am in awe.

Laiane said...

Wow, Franklin. Just "wow." All of the beautiful thoughts behind the making of this shawl has just blown me away. You are a true artist.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your talent, wisdom, humor, and insight. Abigail is absolutely beautiful. The shawl is absolutely beautiful and is an amazing gift of time, talent, and love. You can be proud of your work - you deserve a pat on the back for this one.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful and Amazing!! Wow. I'm speechless!!

E said...

Franklin, that is just gorgeous...Incredible work...Though looking at the last picture, I think wee Abigail may be even more beautiful than her exquisite new shawl...

Gigi said...

The shawl is amazingly beautiful and the symbolism makes it all the more special. A job extremely well done.

Anonymous said...

thanks so much for the pictures and the explanations - I was so relieved that the words were knit in Latin, I could not make them out before!

Did you tell where the alphabet came from earlier on? The lettering looks so good, I may be inspired one day.

materfamilias said...

that is so beautiful, as is your niece. Inspiring to see a tradition such as heirloom lace-knitting invigorated so thoughtfully.

Grace said...

That has to be the most beautiful thoughtful gift I have ever seen, your knitting abilities are awe inspiring Congratulations Franklin on an exceptional work of art

Anonymous said...

This is an amazing piece and the thought you put into the construction and design is magnificent. Abigail is a lucky, luck girl.

maniacalmultitasker said...

Franklin
I just showed my mum of 80 yrs your BEAUTIFUL SHAWL and your profile pic...

and she went :O! He knits?????!

Peevish said...

Absolutely stunning.

Anonymous said...

Oh my...what a tour de force. Abigail, of course, looks just as lovely as the shawl. A great pair! Congratulations, Franklin; lovely, lovely work, and wonderful meanings throughout!

So when are the knit magazines going to beat your door down for the pattern?

Arsie said...

It's beautiful.

She's lucky to have an uncle such as you. :)

Anonymous said...

Incredibe and beautiful as is Abigail. You did a shawl for the ages. You should be very proud of your work as you are a master.

Denise said...

Radicitus decorus!

And so full of love...

Anonymous said...

A family heirloom. How inspiring.

janna said...

Wow! I can't say anything original about it, but it is absolutely gorgeous. And I don't see any of the flying oatmeal embedded in it....

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful shawl. what a lucky little girl to have such a special uncle. It is an extraordinary piece.

Vaedri said...

Unbelievable. Amazing. Gorgeous. So full of thought and love and simply beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Nancy in A2 said...

Awww. Abigail and her shawl are beautiful.

sloth-knits said...

The shawl is gorgeous--what a lovely present for your niece!

Janet said...

Thank you so much Franklin for your detailed account of how you knit the beautiful shawl. What an heirloom for Abigail!

Mary said...

Absolutely splendid, Franklin. Abigail is a beautiful and lucky girl. MEM

SueJ said...

This is wonderful!Its bought a tear to my eye to think about the wonderful piece of heritage that you have created. Your neice is georgous too!

Anonymous said...

They are both lovely.

Anonymous said...

I'm still amazed at the amount of work and love that must have gone into such an intricate piece. It's incredible, and definitely inspiring! May that inspiration also carry over to Abigail.

RC said...

that's incredible...i could never do anything like that.

cedar said...

Uncle Franklin: I don;t know if you know about me but you are my uncle, and where is my shawl...lol

5elementknitr said...

The child and the shawl are as beautiful as the thought and love that went into making both.

Susanne said...

absolutely gorgeous, you should be so proud of your beautiful work for a beautiful child.

snowdrop said...

My first comment here... This is a lovely post and the shawl is beautiful. Thanks!

Tracey, in MI said...

beautiful. in thought and in action. You sir- are a terrific uncle. And a fab knitter to boot!

We share the same 4 wishes for your Abigail...and the one for Franklin as well. May you see her little ones also wrapped in your loving wishes.

Katie said...

Hi - I just randomly found your blog, and HAD to comment. That lace is beautiful and extremely creative! Abigail is very lucky to have you in her life :)

Sner said...

unbelievable. It is so beautiful and so thoughtful. Such a gift will surely be passed down for generations - I know I would be happy for every baby in my family to have such a wonder.

Tomme said...

The depth of your love for this child brings tears to my eyes. What an extraordinary gift! (The shawl is beautiful too.)

May you, and she, be loved beyond measure for all of your days.

Anonymous said...

Franklin, the shawl takes my breath away. And the symbolism
and thoughtfulness brings tears
to my eyes.
Patty in MI

Anonymous said...

That is amazing. It's so beautiful and meaningful. What a beautiful gift.

Risa said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Unknown said...

Stunning...both of them. That shawl is an amazing work of true art.

Free Range Chick said...

That is the most amazing thing that I have ever seen handmade by someone.

Brewgal said...

Stunning.

Natalie Servant said...

Magnificent work! Thanks for the explanations & lovely pictures.

Anonymous said...

It takes my breath away. Three cheers. Amazing! Inspiring! WOW! You rock.

Vanessa said...

I am totally awed. Amazing, gorgeous, meticulous, loving work.

Kim said...

Your work, and that of the wonderful Jean, is so inspiring! What a special baby. And your series on this shawl caused me to bemoan having thrown out that Piecework issue (I didn't knit much at that time) and order it during their back issues sale. It's mine now!

stash haus said...

Oh MY! The shawl leaves me speechless. And what a great photo of Abigail!

Dusa said...

Wow! Stunning!
I think you officially win "Best Uncle EVAH" award.

JanKnitz said...

Lovely--brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

Abigail is lucky to have you as an uncle.

Mah Blogg said...

Oh, Franklin, I cried when I read this entry. What a wonderful family you have!

Karin said...

Beautiful work. Beautiful baby. Beautiful Franklin.
I am sorry I didn't read through all the comments, so don't know if anyone mentioned this before.
(Speaking in a very low whisper now). I thought the word was "sapientia".
Please please prove me wrong.

Sue J said...

Franklin!
What a beautiful heirloom you have made for Abigail.
Think of the generations that it will wrap around!
Sue

Linda said...

Stunning. Truly an heirloom. We know you're a talented artist, but this is amazing work.

Kniterature said...

I love the shawl and was so happy to see a picture of it with baby Abigail. But the text is what did me in. The thought, vision, planning, and execution of the piece is what being an artist is all about. And it is truly a work of art that you should be so proud of. I'm sure it will be treasured by many future generations. Bravo!

Margaret said...

The shawl is shockingly beautiful. The effort and thought you put into the design of it, the wishes, the execution of the design ... All of it. I'm blown away. Abigail is lovely, and I'm sure she will cherish the shawl when she's old enough to understand just how much it means! Your sister must be THRILLED.

I'm so impressed. I really just can't get over how magnificent it is. Wow. Fantastic job.

Joy said...

I love your choice of words for the wishes. lovely!

Anonymous said...

Long time reader of your blog, delurking to say that the shawl and the love you knit it with (which has shined through your posts) is absolutely beautiful. Abigail is a very lucky little girl. X

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