Wednesday, October 26, 2005

branched

Let the gifty knitting season begin.
branching

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?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

That looks sooooo good! I'm with you on the lace leap of faith. It apparantly worked out though, it's really beautiful!!!!

kt said...

Ooooooh, purty. I want one that looks like yours, and I want to make one to give to someone that also looks just like yours! Great blog; love all your photos.

Tracy Batchelder said...

You did it! Lace knitting with white yarn...and finished. Love it!

Lanea said...

Oooh, very nice. I'm gonna have to make one of those.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic job! That is a gorgeous scarf. I am so glad you resisted the impulse to rip it out.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Your branching out looks fabulous! Thanks for letting us know about that yarn.