Laera Shawl
Breaking the Mold
Let's break the mold of the repetitive triangle shawl -- been there, done that! How about a brand new shape with a totally new construction?
The Laera shawl explores a new shape and an interesting construction, experiencing a whole new experience! I designed this shawl to get the maximum impact from the yarn, colors and drape. It's not top-down or bottom-up; it's side to side using the greatest technique ever: short-rows!
Join me in this journey of color, short rows, and lace for a whole new take on lace shawls!
Click to enlarge
Category:
Skill Level:
Intermediate
Basic Skills Necessary:
- Long tail cast-on
- Slip a stitch
- Knit
- Purl
- Yarn over
- K2tog
- SSK
- Bind off
Includes:
- Pattern & instructions
- Help from pattern designer anytime!
- Step-by-Step Photos
You Will Need:
- Size 3 U.S (3.25mm) circular needles 40 in. length or longer needles
- 4 stitch markers
- Tapestry needle
- 1 ball of Schoppel Lace Ball 100
About the Designer:
Grace Akhrem
Grace Akhrem, a Los Angeles native, has always been artistic. She started out drawing, then painting the moved on to photography and ceramics. Knitting was a natural progression for Grace, and it didn't require clean-up! Grace's designs are inspired by color, yarn, texture and fashion, but she mostly designs things that she would like to wear herself and she thinks others would, too. Grace focuses on construction and technique in all of her designs.
Reviews of this Workshop
Enjoyable ! May 16, 2013
marilyn_w294897
This was my first KAL experience and I found it to be an enjoyable one. Grace was always there to answer questions,and often I found it unneccesary to ask if i just read what comments others had. I've never had to cast on so many stitches and working the short rows was interesting. The instructions were clear and well written. Fun!
Disappointed as well April 16, 2013
sanchez
This was my first knit along and don't know that I would sign up for another. I had no issues with the yarn as far as the color or weight but was dissapointed in the pattern. I love lace knitting and this pattern was really not my idea of lace. Having to cast on such a large amount of stitches was also a huge turn off. I worked in a knitting shop and most knitters no matter their experience level would say "forget it. I don't like having to cast on that many" and would look for something else. ...
Read full review »
Getting many compliments. April 11, 2013
marthasc
I enjoy knitting the mystery projects. I like the challenge. I thought that the instructions were well written.
I enjoyed most every minute I put into the construction of the Laera shawl, but y ou do need to concentrate on what you are doing. The shawl is beautifully. I have received many compliments on the color, style and feel.
I read the reviews and I think it needs to be mentioned that a workshop normally doesn't have video or constant connection with the instructor. I am ...
Disappointment April 6, 2013
KnittingNP
I initially loved the concept. When the yarn arrived it looked so gorgeous. I was extremely disappointed when the pattern was released but began the project anyway. unfortunately the majority of my ball of yarn was a very ugly dirty gray. After weeks of forced work, I ripped it out because I knew I would never wear an ugly gray shawl or give it as a gift. Hopefully I will find something to use the yarn with. I probably will think twice about joining a mystery knit along in the future.
Rough start for the yarn, but I learned a new skill -- yay!! March 30, 2013
Lourdi046
I must admit that I almost throw the whole thing away while casting on as the yarn kept breaking. I did the cast-on recommended in the pattern & it appeared to be too much manipulation for the yarn. I finally made it past the cast on & continued going. I liked how the instructions for the short rows are very clear it allowed me to learn a new skill!
Project completed March 25, 2013
sharon364192
At first this was frustrating but once you get the hang of it...it is fun. In fact I am going to make it again with silk!! Just getting started. I think I would do a knit-along again. So enjoyed seeing other people's comments.
Laera Shawl doesn't disappoint March 13, 2013
josyknits
I don't often participate in KALs because the timing hasn't been right but this one happened at the right time. I loved the unknown element of this project and I wasn't disappointed. I have never worked with such fine yarn and I struggle with picking up short rows so this was a great opportunity to practice those skills and pick up more experience. I wouldn't have chosen the yarn colors but I am very happy with them and I now have a beautiful shawl in new colors for me. I think the designer ...
Read full review »
Laera Shawl March 3, 2013
Intocats
This was a good workshop. I have knitted lace before, but not with such slender yarn, so it took some getting used to. But I learned some new lace skills, and the finished project is beautiful, so it was worth it. Grace was helpful and encouraging, and it was nice to interact with the other participants. So far I have been pleased with Craftsy's knit-alongs...please keep 'em coming!
Great project March 2, 2013
Elenamcrae
I am not an experienced lace knitter and had never worked with fine yarn. This project was a struggle for me. At some point I was very close to giving up. I am glad I did not. I learned how to work short rows (took free class on Craftsy), learned how to use lifeline, tried different lace patterns to get hand of it. This project opened up whole new area of learning to me. So I give it five stars!
Challenging February 25, 2013
NeedlesWillTrav
I'm enjoying making this shawl. Everything is going great. I am almost done making my wraps and then on to the lacy part. Looking forward to working on that. It's been a challenge working with such fine yarn. I make a lot of sock with sock yarn but never anything this fine before. Looking forward to continuing to work on it. Haven't run into any problems yet!
Looking at this finished shawl reminds me why I love mystery KALs. February 18, 2013
iCram
I do mystery KALs in order to be challenged and to increase my skills. Since we tend to like what we like, the mystery part gives me the chance to try something new that I might not choose as a project for myself. As usual, this KAL did not disappoint. I now have a gorgeous finished shawl with a unique construction, and I got to practice with some lace weight yarn, which is a little out of the box for me. I also got to practice a bit of patience, because the project takes a while, but WOW is ...
Read full review »
Lara Shawl Review February 17, 2013
Robin Thomas
I enjoyed this shawl pattern and the yarn was beautiful. The only suggestion I would make for this workshop is to add videos explaining some of the pattern sections. The other Craftsy classes have videos and they are very helpful. The instructor was very responsive and prompt in answering questions.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/robinathomas/laera-shawl
The instructor rarely particpates and doesn't answer questions. February 17, 2013
Aspenpines
Does anyone know if Grace Akhrem actually reads these messages and provides help to us? The few comments she has made are really minimal. This KAL has been disappointing in so far as Grace has not participated. I'm very disappointed that there wasn't a video included, as in Entrlac class.
Super class! February 7, 2013
Merckxmonster
I am new lace knitter and I thought the lace yarn was outstanding to work with. I am *much* more comfortable with short-row shaping now -- Thanks Grace! I found the instructions to be very clear and the instructor answered all questions. The pdf file was not a problem to print out -- I think some students in the class blamed their own tech problems on the instructor. I found her to be helpful and encouraging. As a professor in a state university teaching both online and on-campus, I am ...
Read full review »
My first KAL workshop February 5, 2013
DianneW
I am not a knitter of shawls so felt a bit dubious when my yarn arrived.
I am just about to start the lace pattern section of the shawl and am surprised at how much fun this has turned out to be. I love the way the yarn is knitting up, the pattern is easy enough so that you don't have to concentrate too much on that; I concentrate more on not dropping any stitches as I think that would disastrous.
The pattern is in PDF format which is properly formatted so if you intend printing ...
I absolutely love this shawl! February 5, 2013
Pibbles n Knits
The designer really designed a great pattern that compliments the yarn chosen for this shawl. The technique used for shaping is not overwhelming and great for someone new to using short rows. The lace section is also very easy to understand, but is still very beautiful. I would recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to get their feet wet in shawls, short rows and lace as this is all three and not very difficult at all!
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/PibblesnKnits/laera-shawl
problems with print out February 4, 2013
Purple Yarn
it took fourty pieces of paper to print out this pattern, mostly one line on each page!! come on , what gives
Lovely Pattern for self-paced project February 1, 2013
CathyA in CA
This workshop format is great for fitting knitting in between work and commuting. Pattern, designer tips, comments, and response to comments very helpful.
disappointed February 1, 2013
greatnana
The reason I purchase Craftsy classes is because the class is "live" and I feel a connection with the teacher. This is not my idea of learning. I don't like pictures and words. I want to see it happen. I will not be taking the lessons.
Craftsy's spin on craft-alongs
Ever get stuck on a pattern because it's wrong or confusing? What if you could ask an expert for help?
Now you can! Craftsy Workshops are tutorials from amazing designers that include the pattern, instructions, and step-by-step photos. And, the BEST part: you'll never get stuck...just ask the pattern designer for help!
Recent finished projects
by DGUP
by sfi391
by knitr
by Kerry3643
by knittyqueen
by Robin Thomas
Elsewhere