Posted under Gifts and Charity & scarves
Finally Done!
After much fussing about fiddly fringe, I finally bound off the scarf for my great-aunt and attached said fiddly-foo-ments. Many thanks to my friend Wendy M. for her patience on the phone with me while I cursed at the little bits of string that would not obey my instant wishes. One thing’s for sure, the Yarn Goddess above was surely smiling upon me as I worked the finally magics on this scarf as I used every last bit of yarn for the fringe.
Pattern: Shifting Sands by Grumperina
Yarn: Andean Silk from Knit Picks in Hyacinth
Needles: size 4.5mm or 7US
Start Date: December 3, 2006
End Date: December 18, 2006
None of the pictures above portray the actual colour of the scarf, try as I might my camera decided to get fiddly with me today as well, but I love the colour of this yarn and the feel of this yarn. It’s buttery soft and silky to the touch. It was wonderful to work with and I think the recipient of this scarf will love it.
Also, my scarf doesn’t much look like Grumperina’s scarf either, but I’m happy with this stitch pattern as it gives an interesting texture and it’s fun to work. I got to try a new technique by cabling without a cable needle and it was a lot of fun to try. Though I doubt I’ll cable without a needle in finer gauge yarns, I do think it’s good to know for heavier yarns.
I’m already making another scarf in this pattern with sport weight wool so obviously I think this pattern deserves two thumbs up! Her instructions are clear and concise. The graph is easy to read. If you’ve never tried a cable pattern, then I would give this pattern a try. You’ll definitely get your practice in as I believe there are over 2,000 cables in this scarf. It sounds tedious, but it’s really a fast knit.
Sticks & String!
To help you get through your own tedious holiday knitting, if you have any that is, I recommend a new podcast that’s on the scene. It’s Sticks and Strings by David Reidy. My friend Jeanne told me about it in the comments and so I wandered on over there today and I’ve already listened to about 3 of his shows so far.
David has some great insights on knitting from the male perspective as well as knitting from a brave and unfettered point of view that I admire greatly. His first project was the Torino 2006 sweater and anyone who is undaunted by a sweater such as that for a project, much less their very first project, deserves admiration and kudos all around. So take a listen to him if you get a chance. His Australian accent is certainly enticing and does not hurt the ears. *grin*
Speaking of Fair Isle knitting, I have ordered yarn for the Pirate hat and mittens from Hello Yarn’s Free Pattern section. I am excited as a kid on Christmas eve at the thought of these projects being offered up to me and I can’t remember when the last time I was this thrilled with the prospect of a knitting project.
Bah Humbug!
The only thing that dampens my mood is an unauthorized charge on my debit card for a ridiculous amount to some ridiculous place online that I’ve never heard of. I’ve started the dispute process with my bank, but I will not be refunded the money until their investigation is concluded. It’s a damn good thing that the yarn for the hat and mittens were only $1.99 a ball. I shan’t mention the name of my bank’s name in case of liability issues. I’d hate to be sued by them for defamation of character because I’d like defame their character all over the Internets, but do be careful when shopping online. I’ll be looking into getting a credit card tomorrow for my online purchases instead of using a debit card. If not I’ll be looking into a new bank. I’m very tempted to say bah humbug to the rest of the holiday season, but I’m trying to keep the faith.
