Blocked

I finally blocked the blue lace scarf. I've decided that blocking lace is not something I look forward to. My grafting row is uneven, drat. I'm not sure if I'll try to tighten it up or not. Otherwise, I like it, and I'm definitely going to make a larger stole/shawl for myself. And then I'm going to work up the courage to wear it in public. Thanks to my model, our favorite English Springer Spaniel.

Blue Lace Leaves Scarf

Pattern: by Ann Budd from an Interweave Knits Pamphlet (Split Leaf lace stitch)

Yarn: Knit Picks Ambrosia, 3 balls. I used every bit of yarn except a small swatch. I like the yarn, but perhaps I should have used larger needles to make the lace stitches more open. But this will feel very nice against the neck. The color is a little bold for me. I think I'll put it in the gift basket for a future charity event.

Needles: Knit Picks Options size 3

Finished Size: 8" x 52"

I've been busy

I've been busy. I started and finished a string bag, using slightly less than one skein of Euroflax linen on size 10 needles. I used a pattern I found on the internet. It was a fast knit, but not easy. The linen kept trying to jump off the needles. Since every other stitch was a yo it was difficult to maintain order.




My blue lace scarf is halfway done. I don't know if it will block out enough to show off the pattern. It will be nice and soft around the neck regardless.




I started a felted bag. The pattern is from Two Old Bags and I'm using Cascade 220 Eco wool in a grey tweed on size 10 needles. It's mindless knitting but I'm not looking forward to making the i-cord edge and strap. I decided to modify the closure. Instead of a loop with a toggle button through it, I'm going to cut a buttonhole and use a large shank button to close it. Or maybe velcro.





Up next is another pair of socks. Donna, and my LYS weighed what was left of my CTH Lake Effect sock yarn. I have 44g. of 100g. That's not quite enough, I think for a pair of socks. She helped me find a solid color that complemented Lake Effect, and I'm going to use that to do the toes and the top ribbing. It does mean that I'll go back to two-at-a-time sock knitting.

Fuzzy Scarf Finished!

I bought 1 skein of Plymouth baby alpaca brush paint from the new yarn store to work up in a scarf. I liked the feel and the colors of this yarn. I used my largest needle, 9.0 mm, and cast on 19 sts. (a multiple of 4 + 3) and did mistake rib pattern until the yarn ran out. Mistake rib is k2p2 until last three st. then k2 p1. Repeat every row.

It took less than a week for me to finish. I was working on other projects during that time as well.

On the needles

I have had a bad case of startitis again. Two scarves. What is up with that? Winter is almost over. I have about one month to wear Deep Blue. But what the heck. I had ordered some cashmere blend from Knit Picks, that has been calling me. Finally I cast on the lace scarf pattern from Ann Budd. It's a leaf pattern and my yarn is bigger than the yarn called for, but so far I like the fabric. I thought it was the softest yarn I'd ever worked with but then I picked up Plymouth Yarn's baby alpaca (80% alpaca 20% acrylic)! It is yummy. I cast on another scarf, this one a lacy broken rib pattern. On size 13 needles it's very airy. I think I'll call it Hairy Airy.

Projects

I've been working on some new projects. My red scarf is almost done. I'm using leftover Cascade 220 in a wonderful deep red color. The stitch pattern is from the Yarn Harlot: *k2, k1tbl, p1* repeat at the end of the row, k2. I cast on 24 + 2 stitches. I'm wondering exactly how I'm supposed to block it. If I should stretch it wider or longer. Maybe both?

I'm on the leg portion of my toe-up socks, Opal on #2 needles. The ribbing, k5, p1, is stretchier than I thought it would be, but I'm going to do the top inch in k2,p2.