At long last, my Birch shawl is finished. We have a long and complicated history, but we've finally made it through. I started this project in summer 2006 when I was still fairly new at knitting. It was my first lace project. I was a bit naïve so I used the suggested needle size instead of going by my now-customary two-sizes-smaller rule. So, the thing turned out huge. In July of '06, I made an error that I thought was irreparable, AND the thing was turning out huge--I was afraid it would end up a blanket instead of a shawl. I put it in a plastic bag and shoved it in the dark corner of my guest bedroom closet. Every once in a while I would open the closet and hiss at it a little and then slam the door. Turns out in the elapsed time I've become a better knitter. While cleaning out the UFO drawer last week, I returned to it and determined that it would be an easy fix. Sure it would mean ripping back 5 rows but there's no law that says you aren't allowed to rip back 5 rows of mohair. So I ripped it back, and then knit the last few repeats--would you believe that it was about 2/3 the way done when I chose not to fix it? I blocked it on Thursday and while its long diagonal did fill up the queen sized bed, this is a GOOD thing as I am not a small person. When worn, the triangle point does not create an arrow that points directly at the fattest part of my butt. Instead, the point hits right about at my knees, so it is a very warm and cozy shawl that feels like a giant soft hug. It's wonderful. I'm so proud I admit that I got a little arty with the photography but hey, I am proud and I want to put it on and run through the streets of town.