Bento

Many months ago, I came across one skein of this beautiful yarn, called Sock Hop, hand dyed by Dalis Davidson, owner and operator of Dancing Leaf Farm in Maryland. The colorway, I believe, is "Briar Patch." The day was cold and gray, and the yarn was soft, warm, and bright...it was love at first sight.

One-of-a-kind skeins -- even when the yardage is good -- can sometimes be a tough sell. For 20 minutes or so I squeezed and caressed the yarn, and went over my budget in my mind, to see what I could do without...food? gasoline? heat? (Not really.) Finally (surprise!) I caved in and bought the jewel-like skein, brought it home, and pondered its destiny.

Craving a basic, mindless pattern for movie watching and traveling, I opened up a Japanese stitch dictionary, and chose a semi-lacy design that wouldn't overpower, or be overpowered by, the yarn's bright, randomly changing colors. And what do you know...a silky little scarf gradually unfurled on my needles.


One of those projects you can carry around in your purse for spontaneous knitting opportunities, Bento is never mind-numbing. In fact, I am doing my own test knitting on this one (though slowly). After all, this skein called out to me, Siren-like. And, after a couple of months, I still find the shifting colors, like sunlight through stained glass, infinitely pleasing.

I am also enjoying this stitch pattern, which marries a few rows of stockinette and a rhythmic scattering of purl rows. The texture and tones of the yarn are front and center, while the occasional yarn-over row satisfies my desire for something a bit more complex than garter stitch.

Bento is a pattern for those single, wonderful skeins you come across now and then. A simple design, but effective, I think. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I do.

Bento

Little Treasures...

This past Christmas, I received a little package from my mother, with some holiday goodies enclosed for each of us. Imagine my delight when I found these gem-like beads nestled in one of the boxes. Each one is different, some opaque, others translucent, but they all share a magical quality infused by the Sacramento-based glass artist who sells them.

Mom also enclosed a breathtaking Christmas tree ornament -- a glass sphere with swirls of purple and gold on the surface, and a teeny-tiny origami crane suspended inside. Amazing.

When I lock Charley away long enough to get a good photo, I'll be sure to post it. (Sadly, because of the little beast, we had no tree to hang it on this year...but we'll come up with a plan for cat-proof trimmings by next year!)

Just for fun, here's an FO I haven't showed you...

It's the Formula One Tyre Scarf (Ravelry link) I made for my father in law, as kind of a birthday/Christmas combination gift. It's pretty much "to spec," to the extent that a scarf can resemble a Bridgestone racing tyre. Knitted up in the fabulously plump, velvety Shepherd's Wool, it feels like cashmere around your neck.

Just one thing: Before you F1 fans send any e-mails, let me clarify that I know F1 won't be using grooved tyres this year. But I think the scarf looks better with the grooves (they show up as ribs on this side). The little red stripe is for the father in law's favorite team (I'll let you guess which one...)

For my mother in law, I made the Amanda Hat (Ravelry link), in plummy Manos del Uruguay, to complement her lovely coffee-colored eyes.)

We sent the package containing this scarf--and the hat I knitted for my mother in law--last week, and both gifts were apparently a big hit.

Doesn't it feel nice to know your knitted gifts have gone to a good home, where they're appreciated? I think so.

On a totally unrelated note: A few weeks ago...or longer, actually...when I was making Nadia's gloves, I began playing around with the Noro Silver Thaw yarn I bought at Fiber Arts Studio in Cape May two years ago.

The yarn was always slated for a pair of fingerless gloves. But when I began knitting with it I was surprised at how it seemed to melt effortlessly into various cozy designs.

So when Nadia's gloves were done I kept swatching, and came up with a domino-ish creation that really highlights the yarn's rich colors and lofty, fuzzy texture. The Multidirectional Mitts--light, soft, and warm--will be finished and the pattern posted soon. Really!

(OMG, I have so many "finished" patterns to write up--and I'm knitting as fast as I can...Help!)

Little Treasures...

Groundhog Day Scarf

It's no secret that I love, love, love spring, sunshine, and warm weather. So this time of year can be a little hard to take.

After a few months, the cold and snow and ice lose any novelty appeal they may once have held. But the bright and balmy days I long for are still distant. This is when I always reach for sunny, saturated colors.

Shalimar Yarns’ bright and sunny Sweet Pea colorway–seen in Superwash Sock in the photo above–fits the bill perfectly. Shades of melon, cherry, and berries are oh-so-pleasing to winter-weary eyes.

And, worked up in this easy, lightweight lace pattern, it reminds me (like Punxsutawney Phil did yesterday) that there are only six weeks left until springtime!

Not only is it a quick, easy knit...Once finished, this will be a perfect scarf for the last few chilly weeks.

Groundhog Day Scarf

Indigo Lace Ribbons: UFO #1

Oh, beautiful Lace Ribbons, flowing like a summer stream over my needles! Yes, the very same needles that I bought especially for you just a few days after I casted on. All this love, and yet you're not flourishing. "How can this be?" I ask myself...

Too many projects, says my critical mind.

I'm spending so much time designing my own patterns that I don't have time to knit other items, says my rationalizing mind.

Oh, I'm too tired to focus on a lace chart, and way too tired to memorize this 12-row repeat, says my woe-is-me mind.

The truth? All of the above, I guess.

But this isn't just an ordinary FO to me. It's a project I really, really want to finish so I can wear it. The Malabrigo Lace yarn is soft as a kiss, shimmering with tones of azure, amethyst, and indigo. And it's not a boring knit, by any stretch of the imagination--it's even kinda fun. Just slow going, unless I'm feeling particularly sharp.

In fact, I see a finished "Lace Ribbons" scarf in my not-so-distant future...Maybe by October? It would make wonderful vacation knitting, and we're planning a week away in September. So, in the end, this little beauty is probably my "FO Most Likely To Be Finished" (FO-MLTBF). Someday, it will be blocked and ready to wear.

And when that day comes, you, my friends, will be the first to know.

Indigo Lace Ribbons: UFO #1

BBC to Exterminate Knitted Daleks???

I am happy to admit to being a big Doctor Who fan, even though I never watched the show until about two years ago. It was Chris who got me interested, who then gave me a Doctor Who overview, courtesy of Netflix.

For his efforts, Chris was rewarded with an actual Doctor Who Scarf, despite the fact that it took me a few months to deal with 12 feet of garter stitch with DK-weight yarn on US# 5 or 6 needles...in rather uninspiring colors (I already did the 70s, and was a bit reluctant to "do" those colors again).

Fast forward to this year, when I came across someone on Ravelry whose avatar (I think, at the time) was a knitted Dalek* (dawn9163--go see her!). I immediately added the pattern to my queue and forwarded a link to Chris, who was satisfyingly enthusiastic. I planned to knit it for him soon.

But this weekend, Chris came across this. Apparently, the BBC, which owns the rights to these images and the concept of the show, are coming down on the knitting community for publishing Doctor Who patterns. I hope the Doctor Who Scarf Web site isn't next!

My immediate sympathies are with the individual, the person who designed this pattern, versus the Big Broadcasting Corporation.

But I wonder, is this like knitting "Barbie Dolls" and calling them Barbie? If the knitted Dalek and Tardis are in any way different from those on television, can they become the designer's intellectual property? Hmmm...Time -- and research -- will tell.

Meanwhile, who's losing out? Well...

The Doctor Who fans (and families of same) in the knitting community lose out, because they can't "legally" use the online patterns to make the lovable little exterminators.

The designers lose out, because they cannot share their creative genius with the rest of us, even if they're posting the patterns for free instead of selling them. After all, there is joy in sharing.

The BBC loses out, because they're alienating Doctor Who fans -- specifically those who knit and those who want knitted Doctor Who paraphernalia. I'd imagine there are a lot of us self-proclaimed knitting-and-Doctor-watching geeks out there.

That's a lose-lose-lose situation, if you ask me. And, in my opinion, the BBC is being outrageously petty. After all, no one's profiting, financially, from these patterns (so far).

Now, I'm not a lawyer, and need to do a little research on the topic of copyright and intellectual property. Which I will, so look out for another blog entry on this topic soon.

Meanwhile, why not join the revolution and cast on or crochet a Dalek of your own!

* Here's a crocheted version.

BBC to Exterminate Knitted Daleks???

Scarf Knitting: Peach Blossom & Lace Ribbon

I've been into scarves lately...

The Peach Blossom Scarf (my own design) is made of soft wool and vintage fabric strips. It's warm and lacy at the same time. And I love the color combination. But that's just me...and I want to know what other people think. After all, some designs turn out well and others just don't cut it in the light of day. I can't make up my mind on this one...

So, I need some feedback, from people of all age groups. My question is: Would you wear this scarf? Would your friends/daughter/sister?

Thanks for letting me know!




Meanwhile, I've been knitting sporadically on Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbon pattern from Knitty. The pattern is well written, and it's relaxing and fun to knit once you get into it.

The Malabrigo Lace, by the way, is absolutely luscious -- every time I touch it I feel like I've gone to Yarn Heaven!

Scarf Knitting: Peach Blossom & Lace Ribbon

Destressed, Distressed Neck Warmer: New Knitting Pattern

Now available for download on Ravelry!

This is a simple lacy little cowl that you can pull over your head when there's a chill in the air. And the lovely colors available in laceweight yarns these days means everyone can find a flattering hue! I love this neck warmer/smoke ring/scarf/wimple/what-have-you: It's nostalgic and sweet, yet it imparts an air of intrigue and mystery...

I hope you like it, too!



DESTRESSED, DISTRESSED NECK WARMER
Difficulty level: Easy

Finished measurements: Approx. 17 inches long; 35 inches around.

Yarn: One skein Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% mohair/30% silk, 229 yds/25g)

Needles: One set 24” US#8 and one set 24” US#10 circular needles

Notions: Yarn/tapestry needle

Gauge: 24 sts x 30 rows = 4 inches (Gauge is not crucial for this project.)

COST: $5.00

You can use PayPal (my account: KnitSix@gmail.com) or send me a check. Once your payment's complete, I'll send you a PDF file. If you don't have means to print the pattern, I will be happy to mail you a paper copy. Thank you!

Destressed, Distressed Neck Warmer: New Knitting Pattern

Tiara Scarf (free pattern)

When we were seven years old, my friends and I spent countless hours playing “Princesses.” We’d spend most of the time describing to each other the details of our gossamer dresses and dainty slippers.

This scarf’s tiers and ruffles remind me of those days, and of the costume tiaras we would wear like the Crown Jewels, feeling regal as…well, princesses.


Click here for a PDF version of the pattern.

Enjoy!

PS. As always, please let me know if you have a problem with the pattern--I promise I'll get on it ASAP!

Tiara Scarf (free pattern)

Bohemian Mama: A Scarf for Bonnie

My mom is an artist. I don't mean she dabbles in watercolors or quilting...She's never dabbled in her life! She's also quite Bohemian...but not BoBo (Bourgeois Bohemian). We've never had enough money to merit THAT unfortunate title, thank God. Nope. Just honest to goodness, old-fashioned Bohemian. She's also beautiful. See?(Bonnie and Hannah at Cafe Italia, May 2006)

When I was a little girl, she used to play the piano and the flute; she'd studied music and voice at Eastman School of Music, and played beautifully. My favorite was Moonlight Sonata. She'd sometimes play it downstairs after my sister and I went to bed...To this day, that haunting melody takes be back to the little townhouse the three of us shared in Hillsdale, Ca.

Around the same time, she was also producing a LOT of paintings. Her canvases could be found around the house in varying states of completion and dryness...I can still see, in my mind, a rather abstract painting of a tree, layers of dark and light paint spread like frosting, sitting on the kitchen counter with its top leaning against the cabinets. That particular work hung in my grandparents' home until they passed away.

About 15 years ago (or more!) she started working with clay. It didn't take long for pots to turn into sculptures. Winning aclaim from all who saw them, her gorgeous sculptures simply "fly off the shelves" whenever they're exhibited. Now she's working on a commission for the museum store at the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento.

Meanwhile, in her spare time (ha!) she writes poetry, which has appeared in several journals over the past couple of years. Most recently, her wonderful poem "To a Daughter" appeared in Manzanita: Poetry & Prose of the Mother Lode and Sierra (2006, Vol. 5). She said I was her muse--and I immediately knew the moment she had in mind :-) Its notoriously difficult to gain acceptance to Manzanita. But then again, my mom's an ARTIST. Did I mention that?

So when she mentioned a friend's Himalayan recycled silk scarf right before the holidays, I immediately decided to create something for her with the wonderfully soft skeins (from www.kpixie.com) in my stash. The rich, dark colors glow quietly, sparked here and there with a painterly dash of bright sari pink, yellow, or turquoise. Perfect for my mom. And an idea for a pattern (of sorts) blossomed in my mind...
After casting on three stitches--I used Brittany birch straight US#7 needles--I worked in garter stitch, increasing until I had about 18 stitches total. The body of the scarf is corrugated in random stripes of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitch. I like the rough texture in the glossy silk, and it has the added benefit of not rolling up into a tube. At the other end, I decreased back down to three stitches, and for the grand finale I added the tassels. (Not a great photo, but I like the way it shows the texture.)

The tassels worried me a bit, because they happened to sit on my chest like a stripper's pasties--you know, those little nipple tasssels? But I'm taller, broader, and much bustier than my mother. She's tiny, like her mother was, and NOT "chesty." In fact, sometimes when my shoulders and upper back ache, I yearn to be built like her. Alas.

So I wrapped the scarf and shipped it out to her in January. She loved it, and wore it to the Art Museum the next day to show it off--she IS a mom, after all! Thankfully she didn't have tassels at boob level...they were just right.

Though, knowing my mom, I'm sure there must have been at least a LITTLE tassel twirling at some point during the day. There certainly was when I tried it on! Could any decent bohemian artist-woman resist?

Bohemian Mama: A Scarf for Bonnie

Knit Your Bit: Knit a scarf for a WWII vet

I usually knit for family, myself, and--in the world of compassionate knitting--for animals. But there's a new "charity" project called Knit Your Bit that really touched me.

The project is sponsored by the National WWII Museum. They're collecting knitted scarves to distribute to WWII vets in veterans' centers.

It's a beautiful thought, and I believe these guys deserve all the love we can give them.

So go ahead. Knit Your Bit.

Knit Your Bit: Knit a scarf for a WWII vet

THIS is Love...or "What I Knitted on Christmas Vacation"

Remember this? (Last week's Eye Candy Friday photo)...
If you didn't guess, it's Tom Baker's famous scarf from Doctor Who! Chris is a big fan of The Doctor, and asked me, one fine fall day, if I'd make him a copy of The Scarf. Being the adorable, wonderful husband he is, how could I refuse him? Plus, it meant I got to buy lots of yarn without the guilt (it wasn't for ME, after all). All good.

It HAD to be authentic, or what's the point? So we did some research and found http://www.doctorwhoscarf.com/, where you can read the history of the scarf favored by the fourth Doctor (for those familiar with the show -- if you're not, I can't really help, since I've never been that much into it myself), learn about its different iterations, AND find patterns for each one (every season featured a different scarf). You can also buy Doctor Who scarves there, but Chris wanted one knitted with my own little paws. And, of course, it has plenty of Maggie and Katja knitted in for good luck.

SO, I searched again to find just the right yarn at a good price, and finally settled on KnitPicks' Telemark. I have to say, here, that I really do love this yarn. It's a sportweight 100 percent wool yarn with a crisp feel -- not too itchy, just the right amount of wooliness. And the color range is fab.

When the package came, I dove excitedly into the project. Sixty stitches on US#6 needles. Lots of color changes. Lots of rows. All in garter stitch. ALLLLLL in garter stitch.... My God, what a long stretch of knitting that was! It actually took me about two-and-a-half months because: (A) I needed to take breaks from the tedium, and (B) I finished several other projects during the same period.

Don't get me wrong...it wasn't unpleasant knitting. Sometimes it was boring, but it was the PERFECT project to work on while watching DVDs in the evenings. That scarf saw many, many Poirots, Rumpoles, Jeeves & Woosters, and other fantastic BBC productions.

For us, since we chose not to give Comcast any more money than absolutely necessary, Netflix has become a continual source of pleasure: Our own line-up of British television. Exquisitely funny (at times), beautifully filmed (mostly), bitterly sarcastic (which we both love). TV as ONLY the British can make it. I despair of US television programming, with only a few exceptions.

ANYWAYZZZ....Come January, the end was in sight. I had knitted about 13 feet of garter stitch. Working harder, knitting faster -- then, one night I wove in the final end. There were TONS of ends to weave in. While I finished the last few rows and final end weaving, Chris cut and organized the yarn for the fringe (honestly, has there ever been a better husband???), which I applied late that evening.

The next day, Friday, was the coldest day (so far) of the winter. Like a little boy on Christmas morning, Chris pulled out the vintage men's Harris Tweed coat I bought in college (for $5!!!) and wrestled with the scarf for a few minutes (hey, this thing is HEAVY). He donned his hat and the fingerless gloves I made for him last year. Ready for work, he paused for a few minutes so I could snap this:
Now, is he the cutest thing ever, or what???

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Pattern: Season 12 Doctor Who Scarf from www.doctorwhoscarf.com
Needles: US#6 Addi Turbo circular (24")
Yarn: KnitPicks Telemark in Burlap, Grey Wolf, Aubergine, Lichen, Chestnut, Bayberry, and Pesto (approx. 4 balls of each)
Final measurements: I was simply too exhausted to bother. But here's a visual aid (this is a double bed--the scarf is spread from the foot to the pillows and back again without any stretching at all):
Yep. This is love. And I LOVE it!

THIS is Love...or "What I Knitted on Christmas Vacation"