Anyway, run, don't walk to a shop or a site that carries Penthouse Silk. You won't regret the splurge. My choice of pattern was Pink Lemon Twist's Hanami Shawl. I love the contemporary look and the story behind it. There is a tiny error as to how many beads to use that I made notes on my Ravelry project page.
Originally I cast on using #5 circulars and quickly frogged the too loose lace. My new needle size, a #3 was so much more pleasing. I won't say that this shawl was a walk in the park. The yarn is very fine and the basket weave pattern demands a bit of attention. Once in the groove, it was smooth knitting all the way. I chose silver lined beads to resemble water droplets. Instead of using a crochet hook I threaded the correct number of beads for the edge.
I really wanted to showcase my shawl with water as a background. Unfortunately the weather was so windy and when we walked out onto the pier over the Indian River, the sky opened up. I think the pictures in the backyard came out very well.
A small modification on the ruffle was that I added an additional knit 1 through the front and back loops to give the ruffle…well, more ruffle. I also made the ruffle wider, wider, wider.This was a great project with well written instruction. The scarf is very versatile. Dress her up or down. I will be wearing this a lot next year!
On a side note, Kathleen (entrepreneur extraordinaire) is opening up a new yarn shop in Daytona Beach called She Sells Yarn. Its smack dab in the center of Beach Street and across from the headquarters of the Chicago Cubs affiliate, the Daytona Cubs. Daytona is the yearly host to Biketober Fest and Bike Week in March. Don't forget the Daytona Speedway. Now there is a fabulous new yarn and fiber shop as well. So, if you're in Daytona Beach, stop by and say hi to Kathleen. Check out her fabulous stock of sock yarns, spinning fibers, and more Maybe I can talk her into carrying some fabulous Penthouse Silk.