Christmas gift dilemma

I went to see my parents for a quick visit yesterday. I dropped in at 5.45pm and sat down for dinner at 5.55pm, ate and then left by 6.35pm. It was short but nice.

I had brought my Laminaria (still hoping for those modelling pictures soon!) and my mother started to sigh happily when she saw it. She wrapped herself in it and paraded in front of the big mirror they have in their hallway. While sighing. And telling me how wonderful it would be in black...

The hint wasn't even subtle. And now I'm at a loss as to what to do.

I'm working on a Muir-shawl for my mother. I do not enjoy knitting it. I force myself to pick it up once in a while. I've completed about two thirds of it now. It's taken me a year... The idea was to have it ready by Christmas 2007, but that didn't happen and now I've been aiming at Christmas 2008.

But... Now she hints about a big triangular shawl for herself. In black. And Muir is rectangular and blue/brown/beige. The only thing they have in common is that they're both lace shawls... But that's it.

Now I'm debating on what to do... Shall I abandon Muir for now and make her a black (or at least dark) Laminaria instead? It'd be more fun making a Laminaria. Definitely. 'Cause knitting Muir is pain for me. I'd probably "whip up" a Laminaria from scratch quicker than I'd finish Muir, so I'm not stressing myself timewise. I think. But what about knitting lace in black or dark colours? It's more work than lighter colours, isn't it? As the stitches aren't as visible, making reading the lace a bit more difficult. Right?

I could always keep Muir myself. I love the finished product. I think she's beautiful (I think pictures are overdue, aren't they?) and I'd wear her. Suddenly I'm not sure my mother would.

So, I really should just stop this debating and go get yarn for another Laminaria. Shouldn't I?