The Knitty Gritty

In preparation for the wedding, I decided last summer to do some “light” crafting. Being very much into DIY and all things homemade, I wanted to ensure we had that bespoke look for the wedding.

What started as a simple idea morphed into a year-long knitting journey that pushed me well out of my comfort zone.

Featured during our wedding day will be Danielle’s handknit socks, an enormous blanket shawl, and a handknit bow tie, complete with adjustable strap.

The work

I decided to knit myself a shawl back in June 2018, right after we had settled on Iceland as the wedding destination. The pattern was a complex one for me, having never done brioche before. But I’ve been knitting for so long, I figured it’s about time I move beyond what comes easily.

What I thought would be finished by the end of the year turned out to take another 3 months (9 months in total) of knitting this behemoth of a shawl. The good news: it’s absolutely fabulous and I love it. The bad news: it’s precious and I struggle to wear it for fear of disaster.

Reasonable additions

With the shawl behind me, and still a few months to go, I thought: what the heck. I can do another project! 😬🙄

With my unconventional footwear choice, I decided to knit a pair of matching socks (matching to the shawl, that is), that could peek out over my boots. My socks also got a good dose of blue, to help me with my “…something borrowed, something blue…”.

Did you know, prior to this project, I had only ever knit one sock before? Not a pair, just one. And it was about 4 sizes too big. So, …challenge accepted!

Two months later, I had a matching pair! Their still in need of some finishing touches, including blocking and sewing in some ends, but all-in-all, ready to go.

But wait, what’s that?? There’s still 3 weeks to go before the wedding?? 🤔

That’s right. On May 30, just 20 days before we leave, I cast on for the final piece of matching-heaven: Peter’s bow tie.

You can see from my shawl and sock timeline that this was probably a risky idea. Have I ever knit a bow tie before? No. Have I ever sewn a piece of knitted fabric before to incorporate pleats? No. Fantastic!

Today, just 3 days before our departure, the tie has been seamed, sewn, and steamed. And, though it may be a bit big, I think it looks pretty darn good.

Still left to come is the neck strap, which I’m sewing out of satin and should make quick work of on the sewing machine. Fingers crossed.

Here’s to hoping we both enjoy our outfits and no speck of dirt or dust ever comes near me.

Love,

Danielle and Peter