Way, way back in May 2010, I selected some soft brown Alpaca Cloud and some gorgeous bronze beads for a full-sized Aeolian shawl …. a mere 2.5 years later, I have  finally got this sucker lovely creation off the needles!

Project: Little Brown Aeolian Shawl

Pattern: Aeolian Shawl

Designer: Elizabeth Freeman

Available: FREE! on knitty.com

Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Carob Heather

Beads: #8 Miyuki seed beads in Dark Bronze Metallic

Now, here is a case where I had to be a process knitter.  I absolutely love the finished shawl.  Alpaca Cloud is light and soft, the beads are shiny and delightful, the edging and shape of the shawl are perfect.  BUT — the knitting, oh the knitting! It was interminable. Beading and nupps? Seriously? I stopped counting stitches when I hit eleven repeats of at least 30 stitches each, per half. Ugh.

But look at this:

…. totally worth it.

I always like to block almost before the last stitch is off the needles. This project was no exception.  For your edification, I give you the pre-blocked shawl…

… and the blocking shawl!