FO: Mandala

Finally after many months during which my Mandala languished it is done!


Blocking was a bit of a challenge and I spent quite some time on my knees pinning the shawl.


A close-up of the lace.


≈




I knitted this shawl with 3.5mm circular needles in Touch Yarns pure merino 2ply and used 150gms (1350m or 1476yds). The shawl measures about 152cm across. I'm pleased with the way it turned out and now its is destined to be a birthday gift.

On the stash fund front I can add another $3 because I walked 4 km this morning and did an additionl 30 minutes of exercise yesterday.

A contradiction in terms?

So, I've started stash busting right? But I've also joined the exer-stashers on Ravelry. The aim of this group is to get fit, lose weight and reward yourself in the process by building up a stash fund. This is the way to get guilt free yarn. So my system works as follows:

• My basic system: 50c for every km walked and $1 for each additional half hour of exercise.
• My achievable monthly goal: 12 km per week and 2 hours per week additional exercise.
• My bonus goals: $5 for every kilo lost (but minus $5 for every kilo gained!)

I started on the first of January and so far I have walked 12 km = $6; 1 hour additional exercise = $2 and I've achieved a bonus $5 by losing 1kg so far. I aim to buy myself some luxury yarn at the end of the year. Don't know what yet but it will be something I usually only drool over and can't otherwise afford to buy. Now is that an incentive or what?

As for knitting. I'm on the homestretch with the edging for the Mandala and with a bit of effort might get it done tonight. I've also started knitting Isobel for one of my Birthday Swap partners.