Truth be told, I'm so worried that after ignoring fate for 171 rows, I finally placed a lifeline and I'm considering border lifelines too. In fact, now that I mentioned it, I'm definitely going to do just that. I can't imagine mucking it up now and having to rip all of this hard work out.
From point to point on this border, there are 30 row repeats. The pattern calls for 50 of these repeats before I reach the end. Granted, it starts with only 11 stitches and at its widest is only 17 stitches, still, that's a lot of work should I have to rip back.
I began the border this morning after losing the past two days to the migraine from hell. I haven't had a headache like that in years. Monday morning I went to the yarn store bright and early to pick the brains of better knitters than I. They decided the author couldn't possibly be correct in the miniscule instructions offered in the book and that the border should be done in a different stitch. I went home and pondered the expert advice and spent the next two days considering my options. Even though the shawl is knit in stockinette, the published chart is written in garter stitch. The directions truly are minimal and I thought this may be a mistake. I checked for errata, I trolled Ravelry and websites for other experiences on knitting this border. I even thought maybe the author had a migraine when she wrote the pattern which could explain why it made no sense to me. When the pain lifted in my own head this morning, I had a premonition that I should do what the author said. I read Martha Waterman's thoughts on a knitted on border for more clarity, and with a quick prayer for guidance, I cast on and this is what I got. I'd say I hit pay dirt.
So for now, this is the last you'll see of this beauty until it's truly done. There are four repeats down and only 46 to go.
I wish I had a fainting sofa.
(When you look at the photos, please keep in mind that the stitches appear wonky because the piece is not yet blocked. I promise, it'll be beautiful when it has finally had a bath.)
