The Merry Widow

 

My second vest for Warm Woolies is well on its way.  My sense of accomplishement is coming back after finishing a few projects.  I was becoming stressed that everything I started would become part of a pile of unfinished projects.  Finally, all that odd yarn that has been sitting in my kntting basket has a home.

 

 

Although I am doing my best not to start yet another project.  I have become intrigued with the Widow's Shawl, listed now as the Black, Black Shawl, shown in the Folk Shawls book.  It is very black and the lace pattern does not appear that difficult.  (Famous last words.)  Maybe it is the Italian in me that relates to widow's in black shawls and stories that I have heard about friends of my Grandmother wearing black their whole life or maybe it is just because I have been a widow for so long that I can look at it without being sad and enjoy knitting this shawl and wearing it over a little black dress to go dancing.

If you are wondering about the Merry Widow painting, is was painted by the Polish artist, Rafal Olbinski, who is famous for his Opera posters.  I first saw the poster in the Barnes & Noble across from Lincoln Center.  After inquiring, I was told it was not for sale but could probably be bought at the City Opera gift shop.  Unfortunately, they did not have it.  So last year I finally searched the internet and contacted a poster shop in Poland. The poster was sent and it is now waiting to be framed. 

Comments

[ev]

Just today caught up to your blog. I truly love the shawl and it will certainly bring back "the shore" every time I wear it. I can picture myself with Eliana walking on the beach exploring the treasures from the sea, just as in the painting. With your encouragement, I am enjoying every minute spent at the house at the shore, for you know how long I waited (wanted) that special place. Although we didn't share the day, thank you for your most thoughtful presents.

E

[MB]

Hi Jane

Thanks. Here the link to the poster shop.

http://www.poster.com.pl/olbinski-3.htm

[Jane]

Marybeth,
What an exquisite painting. I would love the contact information for getting a poster. I just want to jump into the picture. And your shawl is equally exquisite.