The Presidents’ Day holiday allowed me to spend time finishing up some projects. It also afforded me the time to pull out all the stops and snap some special photographs of said knits:
Santiago Shawl
Pattern based on the Verona Shawl by Morehouse Farms
Yarn: Handspun single ply wool from Santiago, Chile – a gift from my dad
Needles: Size US 9s
Measurements: Length – 5′ 5″ / Width – 2′
Stockinette stitches for inches and inches. Every moment was welcome and savored. I truly enjoy the simplicity of stockinette, and this will not be my last shawl in this fashion. My Verona shawl is my most wearable knit – at least once a week in three seasons of the year – and this new Santiago shawl (named after the city where my dad purchased the yarn) is sure to follow in the same footsteps.
Like Verona, this shawl also has a story. I started this shawl last summer, just a week or two after I contracted Lyme disease. It had not hit me full force yet, but as I got sicker and sicker in late July and early August, this shawl was one of the only things that I could work on… the simple stockinette was comfort when my mind and my heart couldn’t handle anything else, and when I was scared about what the next day would bring with it. My knitting was slow, but I pressed on with the shawl. When I got healthier, I set the shawl aside – and it sat in my knitting basket for many months untouched. In January, I picked it up again. And now, it has a new purpose.
It tells the story that I need to remember about sickness and health and about the importance of being mindful in everything I do. Mindful of each breath in and each breath out – every knit stitch and every purl stitch.
The yarn was wonderful to knit. It was raw and over spun in sections and crunchy and flubby and perfect. I love to be reminded of the source when I am knitting. In this case, the source was some lovely ivory fleeced Chilean cordero. My dad bought this yarn for me when I was a new knitter – back in 2004 – and it sat in my stash for a long time. I am so happy that it is now this amazing shawl. Thanks so much for making this possible, dad 
As I bound off on the shawl yesterday, I had the inspiration to focus on the natural ivory of the yarn, pairing it with some white clothing. From there, I wanted to experiment with some photographic elements, and I asked Kris to help me put together a photoshoot. We picked up a Strobist Kit with remote flashes last year. Kris uses it a lot for his aquarium photography and I have used it occasionally for both light box photography and FO shoots.
There are different kits available for different kinds of DSLR cameras; we chose the one that works well with the Canon Rebel series for my Canon Rebel XTi. It includes the remote flash, the stand, the umbrella, as well as the hardware needed to hook it all up. Since the initial purchase, we also picked up another remote flash secondhand, and bought a second umbrella. So, when I chose the corner of the stairway landing for the photography shoot, I knew it was going to be a good spot with lots of light. White walls, space for the umbrellas and stands, and lots of walls for the light to reflect. All I had to do was style the photograph… white tee, shimmery lip gloss and a hair clip!
The overexposure of the photos was the key. We turned the flashes on the highest brightness level and the umbrellas really reflected the light. After the shots were complete, I processed my photos (as I do for *all* of my photos) through Adobe Lightroom software. Very minimal processing on the shots because they really turned out better than I expected. I increased the clarity of the shot so that you could see the stitch definition on the shawl, as well as the distinction between my skin and the wall behind me (ahem… I have been called an albino before…) Other than these small modifications, the photos are natural and raw…
…just like the yarn of the shawl!
You look so ethereal and beautiful in these pictures. Not that you don´t look good “normally” but these are really something special. And the shawl is lovely too.
Over-exposed photos do have their appeal….but just don’t over-do it, okaz?
That said, that shawl looks great….it’s just so natural and…well, raw.
Beautiful shawl, beautiful photos!
I love the shawl, I love the pics!
Stunning in it’s pureness – photos, shawl and of course you!
What a beautiful shawl…so simple and elegant!
Simple elegance both the shawl and the photography.
Gorgeous, Lolly (both you and the shawl) I love knits with a backstory and yours is amazing. I love the way you shot this against a stark white background — it really shows off the texture and the natural color of the shawl and perfectly complements your hair and skin. It’s a winner!
what great photos – you are a master!!! love the shawl – the memories and the yarn are the perfect pairing.
Wow.. those photos are GORGEOUS and I love the shawl.. so simple and beautiful.
That first shot of you is gorgeous.
The shawl looks wonderful and snuggly!
Its beautiful!
so gorgeous and earthy!
The photos are magical! Beautiful knit, beautiful model.
I love the look of the photos, and the idea behind the photo shoot! You accomplished exactly what you set out to do!
I saw your photos on Ravelry yesterday and meant to comment, but I’d might as well do it here: They are LOVELY! Just perfect for showing off that yarn. I don’t know if there’s anything better than good ol’ stockinette when you have a yarn as naturally beautiful as that.
I love to hear the stories behind people’s projects. I hope wearing this shawl will bring you feelings of strength as you remember what you’ve overcome, Lolly.
Great post, great photos, great knitting, great model… you are my new hero
Those are some great photos. I really need to get back into my photography. Beautiful shawl, beautiful photos. Well done!
wow, lolly! Your pictures are always stunning but these are exceptional. You are such a fantastic model. With the threat of sounding creepy, your smiling face always makes me want to be your friend!
Thank you so much for explaining how you got these stunning shots. I just purchased lightroom a couple weeks ago and I kind of felt like a cheater in using it because I think some people think that you should be able to get the shot you want straight off the camera. I’m not really accomplished enough to do that yet, so I am glad to see that someone as skilled as yourself uses it all the time!
these photos are spectacular and I love the story behind the shawl. I’m glad you’re feeling better now — lyme is so ugly, right?
Lovely pictures – they make your eyes look AMAZING!!!
Love these pics L! You look absolutely enchanting!
beautiful shawl and beautiful photos!!!
You look like an icelandic snow princess
Yay for pale skin gals!
Excellent! All of it!
Can you believe I don’t use Lightroom. Not yet, at least. Although I need to get a new computer before I upgrade all my software. My process is so old, I might as well be using film.
Thanks for the comments today. I’ve missed you!
I have to say that I don’t like first photo
…. like your eyes are bigger then usually.
But the last is very, very nice. The pose, the eyelashs, the shawl …..
Gorgeous everything!
Absolutely stunning – the shawl, the photography, and you. Photos like this make me really want to get back into photography and get a digital slr. Maybe I can find a good sale… Thank you, as always, for your inspirational words. I’m glad the shawl turned out like you wanted and has good memories and life lessons knit into every stitch.
This shawl tells an important story. Thank you, Lolly, for sharing parts of it with us.
Beautiful photographs! I agree with you, there can be something very meditative about the mindful knitting of stocking stitch.
The shawl is lovely, and you already know how I feel about the photos. Stunningly gorgeous!
the shawl is gorgeous, but i have to say, your eyes are amazing, especially in that first photo. these photos are wonderful!
i love the texture of the “wrong” side – i think i’m gonna order one of those kits for myself =)
Can I just say, you’re awesome. Your talent, your focus on your own wellness through this whole project, I just have so much admiration how you’re handling it all. Keep it up, babe, it’s inspiring.
I love the story about where the yarn comes from. And the shawl… and the pictures… Great! Congratulations Lolly!
You are so incredibly talented.
Gorgeous photos!
You are pretty and these are beautiful shots and the shawl is a gorgeous! and you did a great job!
You and Kris have turned out some lovely shots. I like the comment from “Lauren” that says you look like an icelandic princess. Cute. The photos are art and are very stunning. Cate Blanchette has nothing on you! Can’t believe how much you and Mimi look alike now!
XXOO
Your Verona shawl has been on my mind ever since you first knit it, and even more so in the past weeks as I’m having a real pull toward scarves. It’s the kind of simple knit/perfect-to-wear project that really calls to me. This latest version is lovely, and you look marvelous in it.
I noticed this on your flickr page the other day, and I just have to say, it’s so gorgeous. The yarn is luscious, and the photos really allow it, and you, to shine.
Cool photos! And a perfect way to display your lovely shawl.
From one albino to another the pictures are beautiful.
I love the story of this shawl. And these photos are just AMAZING. Brava, Lolly.
Wow. Gorgeous shawl and photos. I love how all the white washed out background enhances the natural wooly colour, I wouldn’t have thought of that. One thing I really wish i was better at is taking the time to get better photos and edit them before posting them – the trouble is then I’d probably never get around to doing it at all!
You are my photography guru. Everything looks magnificent.
What beautiful photographs of a wonderful piece of knitwear. I had seen some of your stuff on Ravelry, but just stumbled on your blog while googling the word “lolly.”
I can’t wait to come back and look at more of your pictures.
I love the white on white! Stunning!
Beautiful story as well.
BEAUTIFUL photos. You look so elegant and model-esque.