branched

Let the gifty knitting season begin.


Branching Out, for the first in a snowball of gift giving occasions, my mom's bday just after Thanksgiving. By the way? That's not my personal lump of Kryptonite in the background, its some coral that I stuck in to contrast its bright whiteness with the yarn's natural warm white shade, but the sun came out just as I shot. Superman, you can still drop by, anytime.

pattern: Branching Out from Knitty. This is the scarf to knit to get your lace chops. Well written, too.
yarn: Cashmere from Elann, Far East Collection. 1 skein . I think they're out of it now.
dimensions: blocked 6" wide x 60 " long
my 2¢:
The yarn is quite the bargain, @ us$12.50 . At first I wondered if it was living up to its cashmere pedigree hype. After a dunk & block, it became so light and soft that it floats around your neck, and its just lays, instead of hangs, on you. Warmth with no heft.
I've had a rough relationship with lace knitting. This pattern was a breakthrough. Still, I spent the first 75% of the scarf restraining myself from ripping it out. The needles, size 8, seemed so big for a lace pattern, the yarn too plain (I have this problem with color. I like it. Lots of it. ) The pattern alternately looked too messy or too fussy... I guess I"m an instant gratification girl at heart and lace takes some faith. It doesn't really sit up to be admired till you finsh it & block it.

Now, I love it. The only restraining I'm doing is from giving the scarf a test run in my personal wardrobe. Not really. But it crossed my mind to get another skein of this and dye it.... oh wait, what was that about gifty knitting?