So I just realized I haven’t officially shown you the Gap-tastic Cowl I finished knitting!
I was away on vacation to Portland and Seattle and the final post for this pattern and the Simplest Sweater I made, just didn’t happen. So I’ll be doing both of those for you!
Up first, though, is this GORGEOUS Gap-tastic Cowl!
PATTERN: GAP-tastic on Ravelry
YARN: My Superwash Merino Wool in Worsted Weight, colorway Butterscotch (sold out) – 3 skeins, yarn held double to create a bulky weight.
NEEDLES: Size US 13
Thoughts: SO easy. This was the simplest pattern!
A beginner could totally do it.
It’s great for travel as it’s mindless knitting.
BIND OFF: I used Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off. It stretches BIG TIME… I use this bind off all the time. For socks, for sweaters, you name it.
I opted not to block this cowl (soaking, patting dry and pinning into place), as I wanted it to stay scrunchy and poofy and not drapey. Blocking this yarn makes it softer and drapier. Great for sweaters and shawls, but not what I wanted for this item.
I absolutely am WILD about this cowl.
You can wear it wrapped around once.
You can wear it wrapped around twice.
OR you can wear it wrapped around 3 times for those blistering cold, 30 below zero winter days…Oh, you don’t have those? My bad! I forget not everyone lives in a barren wasteland. HA HAHAHA! Kidding. Not really. No, just kidding. Not really. HA!
But seriously, when it’s that cold and I can’t breathe outside, I need something to pull up over my mouth and nose, and this will be POIFECT!
In sum, I say MAKE IT! WOO WOO! You will love it.
Here is a video I did showing you how awesome it is and how streeetttchhhy the bind off is!
Okay, now I desperately need your help!
As you may already know, I recently got engaged (woop woop!) and I am here to tell you, I am clueless when it comes to planning events. AHHH!
So. It’s going to be in Hawaii, on the beach, just the 2 of us … PLEASE let me know if you have any ideas of what I need to do!
Any websites I should check out… what island to go to, where to buy a dress, SHOULD I KNIT or CROCHET SOMETHING FOR IT???
Etc…
I need help!
So thanks for reading and we will talk next time…
XOXOXO
Chandi
I think you should knit something FABULOUS for your wedding! Something extremely lacy and feminine!
Chandi, knit or crochet a shawl, go barefooted, and have flowers in your hair. I have only been to Maui but it was beautiful! When is the big day?
My suggestion–get married on a black sand beach, especially if you intend to wear white–so dramatic! And you must wear a lei–plumeria would be awesome if you want white. Men traditionally wear leaf leis, but of course your groom could wear flowers, too. And, um, of course you should knit something! What kind of question is that?! I’d go for cobweb-weight yarn, something diaphanous, perhaps a veil. OMG I’m so excited for you!
Hi Chandi! Love the cowl, super cute. I love looking at all the yarn you post on FB. I’m not a knitter though I want to learn. One day I will. I’m a crocheter and love it.
You can try theknot.com for wedding ideas. My wedding was very simple, we got married at the courthouse, came home and just had dinner with family, lol. You can probably knit or crochet a shawl to go with your dress and incorporate some beads to catch the sun, IDK.
Whatever you decide to do will be super lovely. I wish you the best!
how about knitting Fiber Trends 2010c Leaf lace shawl?
Make your dress. And post lots of photos. I planned both my weddings, its fun and stressful. Stay true to yourself and your man. Do what you want to do and how you want to do it. I really think you should make your dress. For a tropic wedding it would be too perfect. I saw this great idea for beach weddings where they took lots of pin wheels and place them around the beach Best wishes Chandi. The second time around truly can be roses.
Hi Chandi;
Congratulations. Don’t forget you need a witness or two!
My cousins just got married on the beach in Jamaica – they had these floating lanterns that were awesome. You can get them cheaply on the internet, or pay a little more and get them from an Etsy supplier.
You may want to crochet or knit a garter for yourself – something that will make you feel pretty on your special day. I would also crochet or knit a something for your beloved. I would even consider knitting/crocheting your bouquet and his corsage if that’s your thing. You don’t want to take on too much – make it something you enjoy.
My beloved and I decorated champagne flutes for each other – with gold paint. Things that meant a lot to us. We use them to this day to share special moments.
All I can really advise is to find out what is really important to you and do that. This is a special day you want to be able to remember forever.
Many blessings for you and your beau.
I could make you a lovely clutch out of a necktie for your wedding 🙂
I’ve got lots of neckties in stock, or you can send me one to make into a cute wedding clutch for you.
Send me an email if you’re interested or search for Allison Barnes Collection on Facebook or google.
Hi Chandi,
Congratulations again on your engagement! The Gap-tastic cowl is awesome. Are you on Pinterest? there are great wedding ideas on there for things you never even thought of. Crocheting something light and lacey to go over your dress or shoulders would be very pretty indeed. Also check out http://www.etsy.com and have a look for bouquets made out of vintage brooches, so so pretty and being the talented lady you are you could probably put one together yourself. Brooch bouquets are also perfect for weddings in warmer climates as they last forever and won’t wilt before you get to the wedding.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/broochbouquets
Happy Planning!
Cheers Lisa 🙂
Check out La Lune or Tunic Dress from Heirloom Knitting by Tatiana Tatianina on Ravelry. Congrats on your engagement. I spent my honeymoon in Hawaii in the 70s.
best,
Janet
First, congratulations on your engagement!!
What month is the wedding going to be? You could definitely knit or crochet something. Beach weddings to me would be something loose and flowy even if you do purchase something.
You could crochet some barefoot beach sandals.
Sandals… http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/barefoot-sandals-3
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-star-barefoot-sandals
Here’s an idea on a dress if you are going to purchase…
http://www.ofwedding.net/575/informal-beach-wedding-dresses.html
Little bit of blue…
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitted-lace-wedding-garter
There are many patterns for shawls on Ravelry which would look nice.
Had some friends get married in Hawaii on the beach several years ago. They had the most beautiful pictures. I would definitely be investigating a photographer who has some great creativity.
Congrats again! While I have never been to Hawaii (its on the list…), I have planned a wedding. The easiest website is TheKnot.com. You plug in dates, dollars and it will help with keeping up with the process. You can use it as much or as little as you want.
As far as crochet or knit something… only if you want to. But you do such beautiful work and so quickly (hear much jealousy in my whining voice…) that you could do a dress or wrap…. This is an excellent reason to dye some fiber in honor of your wedding (of course offering your most favorite FB friends an opportunity to buy one or two skeins…hint hint hint).
Anyway, whatever you decide as long as it makes you and your sweetie happy, it is the right thing to do! (((Hugs)))
well Pinterest opus going to be a wealth of information!!
definitely make something. perhaps a veilir headdress:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pineapple-wedding-veil
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wedding-headdress
or shawl:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bridal-shawl-2
congratulations on your engagement!!
Lynn
First of all, how simple or complicated do you want the wedding to be? How stressed out do you want do get? I personally would choose something simple, but elegant and romantic. I would buy a dress but maybe make a simple and light weight wrap or accessory. I’ve never been to Hawaii but I heard Maui is very beautiful.
How about crochet your dress? Would be awesome. OR you could knit a lacy shawl to go with the dress.
Find a simple wedding dress on the David’s Bridal website. They are lovely and VERY affordable. My daughter was able to buy two, one for the beach ceremony and one for the reception. She was married on Grand Cayman Island. You could crochet embellishments to make it your own. You could also knit a simple lace veil or head piece to entwine in those curls of yours. (Hint of jealousy there)
Take a cruise to Hawaii or back home. It can be a honeymoon. We took a cruise to Grand Cayman and had a blast for the days up to the ceremony and after. Loved the whole week.
So excited for you. What a fabulous time for you.
Debi
Try to find somewhere away from the main part of Oahu for the wedding. I love Maui, the big island Hawaii and Kauai. It will depend on whether you want to somewhere private for your wedding and honeymoon or some place with lots of activity. When is the wedding, if you have plenty of time, then create something gorgeous for your wedding but do not stress yourself out if time is short. Try this site it seems to have a lot of answers like the marriage license and where and how to get it.
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/destination-weddings/articles/how-to-plan-a-hawaii-wedding.aspx
here is another site,
http://www.hawaiianislandweddings.com/
there are lots of sites on the internet but some of them sound very expensive.
The main thing is to have fun and enjoy yourselves.
Hawaii wedding is an awesome idea!!! Beautiful and magical at the same time. I would not make my own wedding dress because it seems like it would be a huge additional stress to the wedding- making sure the dress is finished, perfect and travels well is a lot to ask of a bride!
Once you pick an island just start calling planners there. They will have all inclusive packages that will include everything, including pics, flowers, ect… for a decent price. I paid $550 for a wedding on the beach on Sanibel Island FL. I just paid the planner and showed up. Its their job and they are great at it. Worth every dollar when you are out of state. Best wishes!!! Oh and David’s Bridal is great for dresses but not sure if they have them in Alaska or not!! 🙂
Also HGTV has a show called Hawaii Life. Great for learning about the islands and seeing them! !
My eldest is about to do just this in a couple of weeks time. I can let you know all about it when she comes back if that will help. She wanted a really unusual but inexpensive wedding ring which featured turtles so she found:
http://honolulujewelrycompany.com/jewelry/Turtle-and-Plumeria-Silver-Ring&item_id=13000
it’s really just the usual choose a dress, hairstyle etc, no shoes apparently and natural make up that stays put in the heat. If she brings any more tips back with her I am happy to share.
Congratulations, Best Wishes and may all you hope for come to pass and may each step you take lead the way to Peace.
I have lived in Hawaii and it will make the perfect place for you and handsome one; I saw his pic, he can sport a hat really well-I’d play off that with a headdress of my own in complementary colors. I wish you both the best in all you do and lots of love to share. Togetherness enhances creativity so we can look forward to some gorgeous work from you as time passes. I am glad to be part of your life at this magical time.
Definitely make something…it makes the day that much more personal. For a beach wedding how about barefoot sandals and a shawl.
When picking a dress go for a sundress or something casual. Formal gowns tend to be heavy and don’t breath well and you probably don’t want to feel like you need to change right after the ceremony. Try to find something you’d be willing to wear all day.
Since you’ll be in Hawaii choose local flowers; either a lei or just a handful of flowers.
Make sure you get someone to take pictures! All of us would love to see them and they are the best keepsakes. This is one place it’s worth getting a professional for even for a small, casual ceremony.
Most hotels have people on staff that do event planning. Even though you want something low-key it’s nice to have someone else handling the worries and details so you can enjoy the day. They know the local venders and restrictions and are sometimes the best resource when planning an event in a place you can’t drive to weeks in advance.
The best advice I’ve received is don’t overthink the details. It’s easy to focus on the little things and loose sight of the big picture- that you are starting a life with the man you love.
Hope some of this advice is helpful and congratulations. Keep us all posted as I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I love reading your posts.
Wish I could help but I have never been to Hawaii. Relax, hang out on the beach and eat.
Congratulations, Best Wishes and may all you hope for come to pass and may each step you take lead the way to Peace.
I have lived in Hawaii and it will make the perfect place for you and handsome one; I saw his pic, he can sport a hat really well-I’d play off that with a headdress of my own in complementary colors. I wish you both the best in all you do and lots of love to share. Togetherness enhances creativity so we can look forward to some gorgeous work from you as time passes. I am glad to be an observer/reader of your life at this magical time.
Nice dresses for low prices. I fell in love with a few on this site 😀
http://www.jjshouse.com/
Congratulations! I have a perfect shawl pattern, email me and I will send it to you.
My friend’s daughter got married on Kauai a few years ago. She hired a planner via the Internet ant that person put it all together for her. The wedding was in a private garden on the shoreline with champagne and wedding cake ( with guava and passion fruit filling). So simple and lovely. Have also witnessed weddings on the sand in Maui. A great way to do it. Best wishes!
hmm! so many things to think about!
You most definitely have to crochet the barefoot sandals with beads and flowers! It will be totally gorgeous on the beach!
Congrats again!
Wanda
I agree make a shawl. Something light and airy. Enjoy your day and don’t stress out.
Have you seen “la lune” on Ravelry? I would make a shorter version without the neckline flounce.
Congratulations!!!
We got married in Hawaii and scrapped our big plans. We had our parents there, but did a package wedding that we found on the internet. That was almost 13 years ago. The planner did everything for us. We just had to meet them the day before to go over what to expect and fill out paper work for our license.
On the actual day, they picked us up in a limo, got to the beach park, had the ceremony, took pictures, then went to eat at a fancy restaurant.
I say put some flowers in your hair. If you want to knit something, make it light. Oahu had lots of options, we like KoOlina area. I’m sure the internet has way more info now than when we did it!
You are one of the few people I know of that has a figure that’s perfect for a knitted or crocheted gown. I can see you in a drapey tea-length gown trimmed with cluny lace. It would be perfection
Congratulations! That’s all I can contribute…. I would have to send out the same msg you did, since I am not a planner either, am single, never been outside the US 🙁 But as creative and sweet as you are, it will be GREAT!!! you’ve sure gotten some fab ideas, too! Keep us posted 🙂
You consider going to Hawaii going out of the US?
Hi Chandi!!
The cowl is really cute! Now every time you wear it it will remind you of your engagement trip!! Congrats again!
You should knit a lace wedding dress…perfect for a beach wedding! If not your dress, you should definitely make a shawl.
I’m working on a lace shawl for my friend who is getting married…I got the lace shawl class on Craftsy with Laura Nelkin and I’m making the Clarus shawl…it’s really pretty & coming along well considering it’s my first lace pattern! There is also a gorgeous shawl called Icarus in the best of Interweave book…
I’m sure you’ll come up with something amazing and gorgeous for your celebration!
Christine
Hi Chandi,
I’ve been to Hawaii several times. I would not recommend a wedding on Oahu. It is way tooooo crowded, noisy, commercial and lots of crime. Maui is a very, very nice island with a much slower pace of life. There is the incredible Hana Road, the island has black sand beaches, they have an amazing aquatic zoo, and Lahaina has a fantastic luau. Haleakala is also on Maui. It’s an extinct volcano and the big draw is to climb up to the top for sunrise. I hear it’s incredible, but I can’t get up that early, unless I just don’t go to bed. You need to head up that way about 3 or 4 a.m. in order to make it. Nice beaches and snorkeling. If you want to go whale watching, winter is the best time. They are pretty much all headed back north by March. Big Island/Hawaii of course has the volcanoes. It also has a lot of vog (smog from the volcanoes). I was sick from that the whole time I was there. However, if you go up into the mountain valleys the trade winds pretty much blow the vog out. The beaches are very rocky except at the resorts. If you fly into Kona it is very, very rocky terrain. I did enjoy the town, it’s touristy. There are very nice little towns in the mountains, with lots of artists. Very scenic and more laid back. Kauai is the garden island. I have not been there, but it’s supposed to be extremely beautiful. You should know that the natives do not like haoles (non-Hawaiians) on any of the islands and unless you are at a resort or spending money they are quite rude and make no bones about their feelings. I found the native Hawaiians on Big Island to be the most friendly. Do NOT leave ANYTHING inside of your car… it will almost certainly get stolen. Each island has something different to offer. Have an incredible, amazing wedding and honeymoon!!!!!!! If your wedding is at a resort you can always contact them for guidance.
As a Native Hawaiian, your remarks about the “natives” are pretty rude, also. Hawaii has it share of crime, just like any other vacation destination – no more, no less. To the criminal, a tourist can be the perfect victim – not here long and not willing to press charges. Visitors need to be aware of their surroundings and careful with their belongings – keep your purse and tote back on your person and lock your doors. Visitors need to respectful of others – just like you expect visitors to be respectful where you live. We WANT you to have a nice time and COME back again – you are our biggest industry. But we are not your servants, the men are not custodial help and the women are not prostitutes. Our population is made up of many nationalities and cultures – some cultures are seemingly rude by American standards, but that is part of our diversity. Our homes and gardens are not the public domain – private property means the same thing here as it does where you live. So, please give Hawaii another chance and come for another visit.
I found a pattern on Pinterest for a GORGEOUS bridal bolero. It’s so lacy and very detailed. It would be beautiful on you! Just search bridal bolero.
Congrats!
ohh! Kauai is just lovely and Hanalei Bay is heavenly! I can just see one of your silk fingering weight yarns knitted into the “Shipwreck Shawl” from Ravelry billowing behind you!
Congratulations on your engagement. All your fans have so many great ideas and thoughts. My favorites were incorporate beads in whatever you choose to make, and hire a creative photographer. Make it simple so you can enjoy it. What matters are the memories you make together, yesterday, today and tomorrow. I wish you both much happiness.
Oh, I forgot, I liked the sharing the yarn you use to make whatever it is you decide with us too 🙂 lol
There is one more thing I would like to warn you about. You know those picture postcards with a couple on the beach on a moonlit stroll? Not a good idea, unless you’re at a resort with good security. There are a lot of addicts and homeless people sleeping in the brush. My son lives there and he wouldn’t even walk on the beach with me after dark. Just use common sense and be safe.
Oh congratulations!!!! What wonderful news! I went to a friends wedding 3 years ago and there was an Hawaiian theme. She had the most beautiful simple dress and I believe she got it from Hawaii. If you would like I could get the name of where she bought it. Also simple is better! Don’t stress! This will be one of the happiest days of your life!
Chandi,
Congratulations! and Best Wishes! to both of you for a wonder-filled lifetime of good health and happiness together!!! If you need wedding help… try asking your sister for ideas. Your niece’s wedding pictures demonstrate that ‘sis’ is talented in that area.
My suggestions are provided as follows. Why not make a keepsake wreath of “Hawaiian” silk flowers to wear in your hair using some of your gorgeous silk lace weight yarns in vibrant colors. If you’d like a veil, make a short silk lace one to attach to the flower wreath. You would probably enjoy having ‘live’ fragrant Hawaiian flowers in a bouquet, if using one. Or, maybe each of you could just wear a lei. As far as wedding attire goes, remember that it should be comfortable for the location and time of year and something that makes you feel extra pretty (handmade or not). There are no valid reasons to keep the wedding attire white, even in a first wedding! So, adding color is a bonus as long as you love it. Just TRY to keep everything simple and in perspective! Don’t stress too much about the ‘finery’, when the most important thing about the ceremony is the joining together of two beautiful people in a loving commitment to each other. Please have someone (professional) take lots of photos for a memory book and framing and don’t forget the rings. Other than that, just enjoy each and every moment. When something doesn’t go as planned or desired … take a deep breath, let it out slow, and remember… it will probably be something you will laugh about in your later years when remembering how UN-important it was.
And …last, but not least, your cowl is lovely and the sweater is too.
You have inspired me I have my started on my own Gap-tastic Cowell. It’s in almond color I am using some of the wool from my late mothers yarn statch. Boy that lady could knit, crochet and had tons of wool. Before I go on I want to add my too cents to your question Hawaii is a wonderful place to get married. I have a very dear and special friend who decided to move back to Hawaii I could ask her which Island she would recommend etc . . . . for you. I say make your own dress you are truly gifted and I am sure is would be a gorgeous dress. I also want to tell you that I have my 6 year old granddaughter learning to knit she is so happy today she was able to complete 2 rows without my help and did not drop any stitches. She did better than I did the first time I started knitting she is working on a scarf for her mom. Again congratulations on your Engagement
Please do some more superwash wool worsted (other than just Butter Pecan) so we can do the GapTastic Cowl also!
Hi Chandi,
I remembered seeing this dress and thinking it would be perfect for a beach wedding. Here is the link to check it out. http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/Bridal-Collection/1774NT/?pg=8.
My youngest daughter is very patit, like you and she says she wants to get married on the beach. I always thought this would be perfect for her. Let me know what you think.
Rockenrollgram
Colleen
Colleen
Hi Chandi,
So….I want you to check out ravelry.com/patterns/library/la-lune……..that my friend is YOUR dress!!!!!
Peace & Blessings
Christine A. Tomasic
Chandi,
BTW…white sandals and some local flowers for a lil bouquet for you to carry….
Peace & Blessings
Christine
WEDDINGS!!
I know how you feel about event planning. I didn’t want a big thing, so I told everyone to bring a dish and just show up. We camped on the beach and had a bon fire and swam in the (Atlantic) ocean. One set of in laws brought a canvas canopy. Every one brought chairs. There were a couple ice chests and a friend of ours showed up playing the bagpipes. Everything was very informal and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
SO! Here is my advice to you. Delegate. Tell people that instead of gifts, or perhaps in addition, just bring something to help make the party. Arrange a spot and a main dish for food, like burgers or something that someone grills right there on the sand, and maybe some cupcakes, cause they are easier to deal with than cake if you are doing things informal like, and then just have FUN. Bond. Be Merry.
As for the dress, I don’t know your style, but I layered a lace dress over a silk shift and it was lovely, especially in the summer heat with the breeze off the ocean. I had no veil, but instead a crown of lavender in my hair, which was down.
Biggest thing though; don’t stress. It may not be perfect, but it will be memorable regardless.
Hi Chandi,
I would like to first congratulate you on your engagement!! You make such a beautiful couple. Your Gaptastic Cowl is gorgeous and like you, I am also a very fast knitter. I have read everyone’s post and you have some pretty good ideas, but before you begin on deciding, you need to decide what hotel/resort you will be having he wedding. Then you can start making decisions about your dress, your bouquet, what your man should be wearing. The ceremony and how it should unfold should be left to the wedding planner of the resort/hotel. I too agree that you should make something for your wedding day. It could be a shawl, a beaded head band or your garter, but I do not agree that you should make your dress as this day and the weeks, days prior to your wedding will be very stressful, and remember this is your special day. I have been witnessed to so many brides that were influenced by others to make choices that were not true to them. Hope that you will continue to share and keep up with the good work!
Chandi – I just got married last year – and the website I used which was AWESOME was weddingwire.com They had awesome checklists – a great budget tool and you can create a website for family and friends to keep them informed ….. I also loved myregistry.com if you are thinking of registering – you can link the registries from many companies on this one website – so people can shop your entire registry and not have to jump from web site to web site…..
I totally recommend the Big Island. Full of waterfalls, black sand or white sand beaches, valleys, mountains, volcanoes, I lived in Hawaii for 1 year and the Big Island was my all-time favorite. Kauai comes a very close 2nd. Sounds like it will be beautiful!!!! 🙂 Maybe for a dress, you could have one custom made. All of your beautiful creations scream for a custom designed dress to fit your style & personality.
Big congratulations to you both! A wedding in Hawaii sounds just awesome and while the beach is a big draw you might consider a waterfall as well. I lived on Kauai and there are some amazing waterfalls there that would make a magical place to be married at. There is also a Fern Grotto which you can see about at gohawaii.com that is a beautiful place to get married. I agree about wearing plumeria flowers either in a lei or as part of your head piece. I also agree about not making your dress unless this is something you really have your heart set on. However I think you should make a beautiful lacy shawl or veil piece something that you would be able to wear again that would remind you of that wonderful day. If you do the beach of course being barefoot is a must but you could crochet some of those great foot pieces I have seen. By the way I really like your cowl and the color of the yarn is great! Hope your wedding is wonderful and of course I can’t wait to see the photo’s. Best wishes. 🙂
Oh how Beautiful to get married at the beach!!! Congratulations to the both of you!!!
If you have lots of time and patience, you could knit/crochet a beautiful wedding dress. Oh, you should create some barefoot sandals to wear. I have found so many pretty ones online. Some idea’s here:
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?q=beach+wedding+barefoot+sandals&ref=no-search-results
Also, I found these for you, if ya like…
http://michaels.lionbrand.com/patterns/80206AD.html
http://crochetuncut.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=151
http://crochetology.net/2012/02/cotton-lovers-wedding-necklace/
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/susie-f/eloping
Off subject…would you know how to make this? This first hat, hehe…
http://artisch56.blogspot.com/search/label/Hat%20and%20Beanie
Idea’s:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/101470970/bridal-ring-bearer-wedding-pillow
I have a lot more links saved for wedding idea’s but they are on the other pc. I will look at them later for ya.
I Love your cowl!!! The color is beautiful and it looks so warm and cozy. The length reminds me of one that my daughter wants me to make for her. I have a pic of it which shows you different ways to wrap it. Just need to get one made first, lol.