January 22, 2007
Thank you all for saying such lovely things about Spring Blossoms. She's still on the back of the couch, so I can look at her.
But today I have another finished project to show you. Although this one was over so quickly that it may not deserve the title "project"!
It's the cashmere scarf kit that I purchased from Rabbit Tree Farm!
The true colour is closer to the picture of Em modelling, but it's somewhere between the two. This is supposed to be a scarf, but it's almost big enough to qualify for a shawl, I think.
The yarn is an 80% cashmere, 20% silk fingering weight blend, and it was lovely to work with. The pattern was relatively easy, and worked up super quickly.
The pattern called for US 10.5 needles, and I couldn't figure out precisely what size that is. Some places say 6.5mm, some say 7mm. As I usually need to go down a size anyway, I used a 6mm. I had heaps of yarn left over, so I improvised an extra 2 rows, then added the crochet chain bind off, which isn't part of the original pattern.
The pattern is a variation of the "Roman Stripe" from The second Barbara Walker treasury.
A quick knit was just what I needed. I started the scarf on Friday afternoon while Spring Blossoms was blocking, and finished it on Saturday night.
Not an awful lot of knitting has been accomplished since then, because it's just been too hot.
I was invited to join the Bloomin' Feet sock swap, and I received my swap partner information on the weekend. Most of today was spent figuring out what I want to do. I ransacked the sock stash and decided on some yummy Koigu. But I couldn't find a pattern that did justice to the yarn. So I tossed the yarn aside and went back to square one. I finally decided on this yarn.
This is "Touch Yarns" from New Zealand. Apart from the fact that it's pretty, I thought it would be nice to use something (reasonably) local that isn't readily available to my pal. It's 100% merino, so it has no nylon content, but most of my favourite sock yarns don't have nylon - Fleece Artist, Koigu, Socks that Rock to name a few.
And I've decided on Sockbugs "Sheri's Lace Socks" pattern to go with it. I hope it all works out nicely.
It's really hard to knit for another knitter.
What if she doesn't like the yarn? Or the colour? Or the pattern?
What if she weaves in her ends differently to me? Better than me?
What if she's disappointed?
I have until May 1 to deliver them. So I think I'll try to knit them quickly. Just in case I'm not happy with them and need to start over!
Comments
What a quick shawl/scarf!! It is tricky making things for someone else, but I am sure you will be fine!!!
Posted by: 2paw at January 22, 2007 10:14 PMDonna, the shawl is beautiful. I love the extra detail you've added!
Posted by: Janette at January 22, 2007 10:27 PMI have the same what-if issues with swaps. I've never paid attention to how anyone else has woven in their ends but I'm paranoid someone would check my work for that. I think the yarn and pattern are great and I don't think your partner will be disappointed. I've seen your work in person and you have nothing to fear.
The scarf/shawl is gorgeous. Your year is off to a great start!
Posted by: Restless Knitter at January 22, 2007 11:52 PMWow, that was fast! The crochet chain bind off is a great addition. What a lovely scarf.
Posted by: wool winder at January 23, 2007 12:10 AMI think the yarn is pretty! The color is just yummy :o) And Sockbug's patterns are great so I think you have a great combo on your hands!
Posted by: amanda at January 23, 2007 01:21 AMWow! All these FOs you've shown lately are gorgeous! Don't worry about knitting for another knitter. The one thing about knitters is that we never get any handknit items so we like whatever we can get.
Posted by: monica at January 23, 2007 04:05 AMThe shawl is absolutely beautiful x
Posted by: Nic at January 23, 2007 04:55 AMI love the scarf/mini shawl! I especially love the crochet edging. Is that hard to do? I'm not good at crochet - always making mine too tight. The sock pattern is so cute! I love them...now I have to make my next pair using that pattern.
Posted by: Evelyn at January 23, 2007 05:10 AMI second Monica! It is so rare that I receive a hand knit that when I do, it is the most beautiful thing ever. Even if it was banana brown-yellow, hot pink, and olive green. Since you have already selected a much nicer color combo, you can't fail to please. :)
Posted by: jae at January 23, 2007 10:38 AMThat shawl is so pretty! Em makes a fetching model too!
I know that your sock person is going to love what you choose for them. You always make such beautiful things!!
Posted by: Debby at January 23, 2007 10:44 AMThe yarn is lovely and I think it will look gorgeous worked up in that pattern. Your swap partner should be tickled .....er pink? (grin). The shawl/scarf looks lovely too. No wonder it was so satisifying to work on. Turned out beautifully.
Posted by: Terri at January 23, 2007 04:04 PMWow you can certainly knit fast,love the "scarf" and Ive a copy already of that sock pattern!! Can't wait to see your finished!
Posted by: cathy at January 23, 2007 08:55 PMYou hae been busy! The scarf is beautiful.
Posted by: Wendy G at January 23, 2007 11:41 PMthat mini shalw is beautiful!!!
Posted by: Michelle at January 24, 2007 10:22 AMThe shawl is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Nanette at January 24, 2007 10:28 AMYour swap partner will love Touch Yarns (I don't know anyone who doesn't!) and one of the things I find lovely about knitted gifts is that we do all have our own signature ways of working - even when dealing with ends:-). It's our very differences that make the item special.
Posted by: Knitterly Notions at January 24, 2007 04:52 PMThe shawl is beautiful! Just the perfect thing to dress something up and still offer a little warmth. Your pal will love whatever you do. You knit so well and have knit many socks. Don't worry so much!;-)
Posted by: margene at January 25, 2007 05:09 AMWhat a beautiful scarf/shawl! Your work is amazing! Love the sock yarn you picked for the bloomin' feet swap :)
Posted by: Tonni at January 25, 2007 01:20 PMAbsolutely love that scarf/shawl. It looks fab on Em. Then of course I HAD to go and have a look at the pattern for Sheri's Lace Socks............now I'm thinking "which sock yarn should I use?"
Posted by: Susan Hird at January 26, 2007 07:12 AM
Love the scarf/shawl. It's so delicate.
Posted by: jessie at January 22, 2007 09:22 PM