Scroll Lace Scarf

When visiting my friend in Scotland last April I bought yarn at Old Maiden Aunt in West Kilbride. The color seen here was designed by Ysolda Teague and is called (you guessed it!) "Ysolda". It was a limited edition color and designed also for this project, The Scroll Lace Scarf. Note that the photos do not do the yarn justice. It is handpainted and has a lot more subtle tone variations. The pattern is the last one in Ysolda's latest book, Whimsical Little Knits 2.

The constructions method makes for very easy knitting. This was a 4 day project for me knitted Dec 22-Dec 25.

First you knit the lace border which is a simple pattern, one that I memorized quite quickly. Then you pick up the stitches along the top edge of the border and knit the stockinette part back and forth using short rows to shape it. The picot bind off adds a nice finishing touch. I do plan to knit this again but I'm going to use garter stitch instead of stockinette. That predictable roll of stockinette never rests, does it?

My Friend Buster

My brother like the scarf I made for his birthday.

The little dog, Buster, is quite the cuddler. He is small, a Papillon/Chihuahua mix. Awwww.

Buster also gets into his share of mischief. While we went out to dinner he managed to go from a chair to a table to reach into Mom's tote bag on the high counter, specifically placed there where he couldn't reach it--or so we thought. He opened a package of party napkins and artfully displayed them on the floor. He also got into a purse within the tote and removed an envelope containing several hundred dollars in cash. He chewed the envelope, but not the cash. Smart puppy! Doesn't he look proud of his accomplishment? How could anyone be upset?

This dog does not belong to my brother. He's my brother's dogs best friend. But my brother's dog is camera shy.

In this last photo Buster is snuggled up to my legs, perfectly relaxed. Too bad I couldn't take him home.

Posing with Noro--a Scarf

I jumped on the Noro bandwagon to make this scarf for my son. Knitting a scarf can be tedious but the changing colors of the Noro Kureyon kept my interest the whole way. Love that stuff. I cast on 30 stitches for this one and it took a little over 1 skein of each colorway. Notes are on Ravelry.



When Nils opened the package he put the scarf around his neck and spontaneously struck some "model poses"--all in jest, of course. We were all laughing so hard but he kept a poker face. I can't imagine how I got a photo without shaking the camera.

This photo with him running his hand through his hair was the funniest one. And then staring into space with that pensive look. Not only is he a wonderful son, but he has a great sense of humor, too.

Thanks for your kind comments on my previous two posts! It's so fun to get your messages.

The Bainbridge Scarf

The Bainbridge Scarf is now one of my favorite quick gift ideas. It can be worn as an accessory either indoors or out. I gave one to my son's girlfriend when they arrived for Thanksgiving. Isn't she adorable, with or without the scarf?

The yarn is Cascade Indulgence and it took less than one ball. This is a wonderful project for trying out those luxury fibers without spending too much. The pattern is free, too!

The Changing of the Guard

I finished the Meadows Flowers Shawl last night. I still have to sew in a few ends and block it so when that is done there will be photos. I can't say I'm 100% thrilled with the result at this point but I know that blocking will improve the drape of the fabric. I had 1+ skeins left over from the 4 I purchased. I would just can't stand that feeling that you might run out of yarn while knitting a lace border. My new motto is "Beware Mohair". I fell in love with the colors of the yarn and I guess I'm not crazy about mohair. The word "hair" isn't in there for nothing. It has that furry scratchy feeling to it, even though this blend is 60% mohair and 40% wool.

Although Meadow Flowers is still hot off the needles I have already cast on the Ribbon Lace Scarf by Veronik Avery on knitty.com. While I should have been working in my office today i sat on my porch with skein and needles in hand and a cup of tea on the table. The skein of silk yarn I bought at my local yarn shop, Ewe-nique Yarns, didn't even make it into my stash. It went straight from yarn shop to needles in just a few days. The scarf pattern is so fun and the silk yarn is luscious to work with. I cast on 35 stitches instead of 53 because the yarn was rather expensive and I wanted to avoid purchasing an extra skein. I would rather have plenty of length and not as wide.

I practiced my pipes today while walking through the woods and admiring the wildflowers and new spring leaves. It doesn't get any better than that.