Steek Boa


This past week at my knitting group, one of the members was wearing the most unusual scarf. At first it looks as if it would be complicated, but it is quite easy and quick to knit. I would say that it was one of the most satisfying projects I have done in a while. I went through my stash and found some things that had been bought for other projects that just never happened. I happen to love anything pink or purple, so matching was no problem. The pattern comes from Mary Lous blog. I cast on Friday night, worked for a few hours on Saturday, and did the fringe this morning (Sunday). Here is the finished product.



















I ended up using the following yarns. The thickest one is from Handpaintedyarn.com, it is a kettle dyed handspun. Next was Louisa Harding Kimono Angora, Louisa Harding Kimono Ribbon (I needed a second one of those), 2 balls Wendy Frizzante (this one ran out first), 2 skeins of Rowan lightweight DK which I have had in my stash forever. I stopped when the Rowan ran out, about 53 inches which is definatly long enough for me.





















Here is a close up of the back. I did a slip stitch with a crochet hook to hold the stitches in place as was suggested. I started out doing back stitch, but it was taking too long, I am impatient, and this looks much neater.






Note: The color is truest in the close-up photos at the bottom of the post.

Works in Progress


OK, I know its been a while since my last post, so I've gone a bit crazy and taken alot of photos of some works in progress. First of all, I took a few photos at my knitting group, The Southwest Knitting and Crochet group that meets in Putney at the Natural Cafe every other Wednesday. This one came out quite good, but the others weren't as flattering. Didn't want anyone to get angry with me.


I finally finished the socks. Now I am addicted. I have read for a long time that socks can be that way. I can't figure out what it is. I have never really liked working with dpns, but once that sock gets going, it is really fun to see it work up, and there is something fun about doing the heel flap, turning the heel and picking up the stitches. I really enjoyed making these, though they turned out a bit big. They are more of house socks for me rather than ones that I can wear with shoes.


























Next are my works in progress. First is a project that I started about a year ago. At first it was full steam ahead, but it got a bit boring, and I put it aside. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. I have to say that there is no way this is a last minute gift unless you plan on working 24 hours a day for weeks. Now that the weather is cold, it is nice to work on as it is very soft and warm. I am about half way through.






















I am also working on a Clapotis, which will be beautiful when finished, but is also getting quite boring. I will finish this in the next week though, I can't wait to wear it. I have photographed it with my new beautiful Jordana Paige messenger bag. My favorite feature is the little loop that you put your yarn through so feeds to you. I never have a ball of yarn rolling around on the floor anymore. It is like my briefcase, and I keep all of my essentials in it. My only complaint is that the sections to keep straight needles are not really long enough, so the needles stick out of the top of the bag. Doesn't much matter to me since I have been using mostly circulars lately.








Yesterday at our knitting group, Jill wore this really unusual scarf which is the famous Steek Boa. I am now inspired to make one. I was all ready to go out and buy something to make it with when my knitting partner in crime, Nathalie told me to look through my stash. Its funny how I never really think to use anything in there, but I came up with a short list pictured here. I think I will do it over the weekend as a break from Clapotis.




The yarns are as follows. On the outside is a kettle dyed wool from www.handpaintedyarn.com, then from left, 2 balls of Koigu, 2 balls of Louisa Harding, one ribbon and one angora, then Sirdar Fizz on top and Erdal Fur on the bottom. Not sure if the fur and Fizz might be too much together, might have to pick one or the other.

Happy New Year

Its good to be back home after travelling back to the States to visit family. At the last meeting of my knitting group, I was inspired by Jill to start knitting socks. My first try was not bad, but didn't finish the pair. This one came out great. Its from the latest Interweave knits magazine. I started the other one today. Now I am totally hooked on socks, they say it can be addictive. Its true!























I also tried my hand at dying with Kool Aide. It came out nice, but the color selection is not great. Going to pick up some Dylon tomorrow at John Lewis and try that instead.