Herding Cats Done!!

I finished it and I love it! I could say it took me months and months, which it did, but the truth is weeks would go by and I would not work on it. It was a very fun project to work on. It is double knitted so a cat that appears white on one side is black on the other. It is easy to see this by looking at the cat at the very bottom of the scarf. I use the same method when making my potholders. 

This pattern was designed by Lisa Hannan Fox, and you can purchase it on Ravelry at www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/herding-cats-scarf. It is really a deal at $6.99. 

I can't wait for the weather to get cold so I can wear it every day!!

Deep Shade Blue Scarf

This is one of my favorite scarves. I made it from a wonderful yarn that has been discontinued. It was called Amazing Lace, an acrylic yarn that is so soft that it feels like alpaca. Fortunately, I purchased several of this yarn in several colors before it become extinct. This color is called Cobalt Blue, and all I can say is "No kidding." It is bright, bright blue.

I love doing lace and this is no exception. It comes from the book Scarf Style 2 (yes, I also have Scarf Style 1). This pattern is Deep Shade. Even if I have the book, I use my computer to track the rows. I take a picture of the pattern and using a PDF format, I can 'pencil' out each row when I finish it. 

DC Diva Scarf - Free Pattern

 

When my boys were in high school (they are both in their 30s now), they were very active in theater and band. As band and theater parents, we volunteered for all the activities including feeding the kids, selling tickets, ushering performances, driving kids around, raising money, creating and fixing costumes, etc., etc. One of the best parts was getting to know the other parents. 

After high school, our kids left for college, and then for careers in other areas of the country from New York to Los Angeles. They kept in touch through Facebook, but as their lives filled with other friends, they spent less time with each other. After a couple of years, my friend Linda decided we didn't need the kids to get us together, so five of us started meeting for dinner, movies, and theater performances. We discovered how much we loved each other and supported each other. So now, 15+ years later, we meet about every six weeks, including during Covid by Zoom. I don't know what I would do without these women! We started calling ourselves the DC Divas (DC for Douglas County, the name of the high school)

Every Christmas we have a small gift exchange. A couple of years ago, I made these scarves for the five of us. The colors were purple, red, blue, pink, and maroon. They loved them! The scarves are quick and easy. I am now offering the pattern for free so you can make them for your Diva Group. Scroll down for the pattern and to see a picture of the Divas!

DC Diva Scarf

 

MATERIALS
1 skein each Loops and Threads Woolike (85% Acrylic; 15% Nylon, 620m/678yds). 
The skeins are long enough that you can make at least two scarves from each.
Size US 11 Needles

Yarn needle to weave in ends.

Gauge: Not really important

Size: As long as you want it!

 

Cast on 60 stitches.

Knit 6 rows (3 ridges on each side).

Begin pattern:

Row 1: K3, * ssk, k, yo*. Rep from * around to last 3 sts. K3.

Row 2: K3, P every stitch to last 3 sts. K3.

 

Continue these two rows for 72 inches or until you reach the desired length.  You can also make the scarf narrower by decreasing the number of stitches as long as it is divisible by 2.

Knit 6 rows.  Bind off very loosely.

Weave in ends.  Block aggressively. Lace easily stretches so you can make the scarf longer and wider.

L to R: Linda, Susan, Mo, Katy, me

The Key(hole) to Knitting

 

I used some wonderfully soft alpaca bulky yarn to make this keyhole scarf. This is mine. Since our house can get cold every now and then, I keep it by my recliner to put on as I am knitting. I really, really love it. And lavender is on my color chart!

Celtic Scarf in Bright Blue

 Here is more of that Amazing Lace yarn in Cobalt Blue. It is a celtic knot pattern so I have to mark every row as I go along. (And yes, I have yet to block it)  I have two more scarves in this lace in red and purple. The purple is almost done, so you will probably see it very soon.

Free Lacy Scarf Pattern -- the Diva Scarf

The DC Divas and Hubbies.
Back row left: Tom and Susan Littman,
Paul Sanzo, Me and Ken.
Middle row, Katy Hoxworth,
Mo Sanzo
Front row: Tom and Linda Pelo

When my sons were in high school, they were very active in both music and theater. Since we were active parents in our kids' lives, we fed marching band kids and sold theater tickets. I even went to Scotland with Lorne's high school theater group to play the piano for their musical when they performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They made life-long friends, but as with all of us, once they went to college and lives as adults, they didn't always keep in touch.

While they were making life-long friends, so were Ken and I. I became friends with parents of my sons' friends as well. However, even though our kids scattered to the winds (from New York to California), we, the mothers, decided we enjoyed each other so much, we were going to stay connected in spite of our kids.

That was several years ago. Now, about every six weeks, our group, which we call the DC Diva (Douglas County Divas), get together for a potluck at one of our homes. We celebrate all the weddings and personal accomplishments of our kids but are also intricately entwined in each other's lives. There are five of us, with a combined number of 8 kids.

So I wanted to make special gifts for my friends. I started in August and finished five of them by November. It is a wide scarf so it would be a shawl as well. I used Loops & Threads Woolike yarn and in several colors. The Divas got to pick their colors. Mo took the the purple, Katy took the red, Linda the blue and Susan the rose. I kept the maroon for myself.

So here's the pattern:

Mo modeling the purple scarf

The Diva Scarf

A couple of things about the scarf. I used 72 stitches because the yarn I used is lace weight. You can use any yarn in your stash but you will need to adjust the number of stitches and the length of the scarf. The only thing you need to have is a number divisible by 3. 

MATERIALS
2 skeins Loops and Threads Woolike (85% Acrylic; 15% Nylon, 620m/678yds))
Size US 9 (2.75 mm) circular or straight needles

Yarn needle

Gauge: Not applicable

Size: Not applicable

Cast on 72 sts.

Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows.

Row 1: K3 (Edge), *YO, K1, YO, k3tog* to last three stitches. K3.

Row 2: K3, P to last three stitches. K3.

Row 3: K3 (Edge), * k3tog, YO, K1, YO, * to last three stitches. K3.

Row 4: K3, P to last three stitches. K3.

Continue Rows 1-4 for desired length (I consider a good length the height of the person who will be wearing the scarf)

Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows.

Doctor Who Scarf.

My son wanted a Doctor Who scarf. So here it is. I have actually never watched the series so I had to troll through Ravelry to find examples. According to my son, there are also different scarves for different seasons of the series. This color arrangement is from season 14.

I used size 10 needles and cast on 50 stitches. Then I just knitted every row, following the picture. I have to admit that I don't like fringe on scarf, and I especially don't like it on this scarf, but my son said it was important. It's all a matter of taste, I guess.

Also my son is in Los Angeles. I am not sure he really needs a scarf for anything more than style. But I guess that's also a matter of taste.

No, I did not fall off the face of the earth

I know, I know. It has been months since I have posted. I realy don't have an excuse other than my job takes all my energy and time. Then I spend the rest of my time and energy knitting. So I promise to try to keep up better now that things are calmer at work.

So here is what I am working on now. My son wants a Dr. Who scarf and this is the beginning of it.  I have complete about 10 feet so far and have about 8 feet left to do.  I have never actually watched any of the Dr. Who shows, but there are pictures all over the internet, not to mention Ravelry. (My ravelry name is KniceKnitties in case you want to know)

I hope to post pictures of the stuff i have done over the last several months as well. I am starting to work on Christmas presents (i.e., the Dr Who scarf). I have finished a pair of felted slippers and very pleased with how they turned out. I can't believe it is already October with one 2 1/2 months left.  I have too many things to do.

Christina’s Ribbed Lace Scarf

This is a very simple yet elegant scarf. The air in the lace is created with two yarn overs on the right side and a purl and knit in the yarn over on the wrong side. I finished it once, but before I bound off, I decided it had to be longer. So I ripped out the end and continued with the pattern. However, I didn't want to wait to post it until it was done.

Christina’s Ribbed Lace Scarf

MATERIALS:
1-2 skein Mirasol Nuna (40% Merino wool,

           40% Silk, and 20% Bamboo. 50g/191 yd. 175m)
Size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles
Yarn needle

Gauge: Not really important

Cast on 72 sts. Knit 6 rows.

Abbreviations:

K = knit

P = purl

Rep = Repeat

Sts = stitches

Ssk = sl, sl, k. slipped sts together

Yo = yarn over

Begin pattern:

Row 1: K3, * ssk, k, yo twice, k, k2tog*. Rep from * around to last 3 sts. K3.

Row 2: K3, *p3, k1, p2.  Rep from * around to last 3 sts. K3.

/		O	O		\
			•

  □ Knit on right side; purl on wrong side

• purl on right side, knit on wrong sid

0 Yarn over

\ ssk

/ k2tog

Continue these two rows for 72 inches or until you reach the desired length. I am using more than one skein so it will be longer.  You can also make the scarf narrower by decreasing the number of stitches as long as it is divisible by 6.

Knit 6 rows.  Bind off very loosely.

Weave in ends.  Block aggressively. Lace easily stretches so you can make the scarf longer and wider.

And of course, Neko had to add his very unique touch to the scarf.

Koby's Lacy Ribbed Scarf

I know everyone is tired of winter and that the idea of making warm scarves may be the last thing you want to do. However this scarf is lots of fun to do with self-stripping yarn. Save the pattern for the fall when the idea of wrapping your neck in warm and color is more appealing. 

Koby's Lacy Ribbed Scarf

Abbreviations:

K = knit

P = purl

Sm = Slip marker

Rep = Repeat

K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together 

Sts = stitches

MATERIALS:
2 skeins Amitola Louisa Harding Yarn

         (80% wool 20% silk 50g/237 yd) Salsa

Size US 9 (5.5mm) needles
Stitch markers
Yarn needle

Gauge: Not really important

Cast on 6 stitches.

Work in garter stitch (knit all rows) for 4 rows.

Row 1: K3, yo, k3

Row 2: K3, p1, k3

Row 3: K3, yo, k1, yo, k3

Row 4 and all even numbered rows: K3, purl to last 3 sts. K3

Row 5: K3, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, K3

Row 7: K3, yo, k1, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, K3

Row 9: K3, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo (twice), K3

Row 11: K3, yo, k1, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo (twice), K3

Row 13: K3, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 3 sts, K3

Row 15: K3, yo, k1, yo *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 3 sts, K3

Repeat rows 13-16 until you have 48 stitches, or the desired number of stitches for your desired width (must be divisible by 3).

Begin Pattern Stitch:

Row 1: K3, yo, K3tog, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 3 sts, K3

Rows 2: K3, purl to last 3 sts. K3

Continue these two rows for 60 inches or until you reach a length about 8 inches before you want to the scarf to end.

Row 1: K3, yo, K3tog, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K3tog, yo, K3

Rows 2 and all even numbered rows: K3, purl to last 3 sts, K3

Row 3: K3, yo, K3tog, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 8 sts. K1, K2tog twice, yo, K3,

Row 5: K3, yo, K3tog, yo, *k1, k2tog, yo. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K1, K2tog, yo, K3.

Repeat rows 1-6 until you have 12 stitches left.

Next row:  K3, K3tog twice, K3. (8 sts)

Next row: K3, p2, K3

Next row:  K3, K2tog, K3. (7 sts)

Next row: K3, p1, K3.

Next row: K3, K2tog, k1. (6 sts)

Knit 4 rows. Bind off.

Weave in ends. Block the scarf to lay flat.

Lace is my True Love

If I had to choose only type of knitting, it would lace. I love lace in extra fine wool yarn all the way up to bulky. I am especially fond of self-striping yarn. I am okay with variegate yarn, but I love the change of the yarn as I knit along. As I am working on one color, I so look forward to the next one. The purple shawl in this picture is different shades of the same color, but I love then the colors change completely like they do in this scarf.

I designed the yellow and pink scarf design, but I haven't written up the pattern yet. I guess I should put that on my "to do" list.

Meanwhile, I am making another shawlette in shades of lavender and blue. I better get back to my needles since I have time today to work on it.

Back to the needles.

Ashley's Lacy Scarf

 My niece Ashley wanted a lacy delicate scarf in purple, so being the cool aunt that I am, I pulled out my knitting needles and designed this one. It is make with Cascade Alpaca lace in a beautiful color. If you look really closely at the yarn, it is variegated blue and pink. However, it makes this lovely lavender and seems to shimmer in different lights.  The only thing that I don't like about Cascade Alpaca Lace is that it is so delicate that it breaks easily.

Thank goodness I have nieces because I love knitting lace. Never could talk my husband or sons into lace.

I have never been big on blocking, but for some reason, I love blocking lace. It is so stretchy and pliable. I made the points on the ends very prominent for more effect. I may have to make one of these for me as well.

I posted this pattern for sale on Craftsy patterns, but if you really want it, leave a comment and I'll get you a copy. http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/knitting/accessory/ashleys-lacy-scarf/41087?fresh=true

More Fluffy Scarves

You've seen the yarns. You've seen the scarves. You've seen the colors. The new trend of 'pre-ruffled' yarns can be seen in every yarn store, knitting magazines, and box craft stores.

The first time I was these yarns was about a year ago when Ken and I went to the Colorado Wine Festival on the Western Slope. We stayed in Grand Junction so I paid a visit to their local yarn store Tangle (adorable store). The ruffled scarf just took my breath away. I purchased the yarn -- and it sat in my yarn stash for the past year. Since then, ruffled yarn has exploded on the yarn scene. They were in every yarn store I visited during the Yarn Crawl, in sensational color designs and even in fabrics. They are so compelling that you can't help but touch them as you walk by.

So yesterday, I pulled that skein I purchased a year ago to give it a try. I have to admit that it was fun to start and complete a scarf in couple of hours. However, I couldn't wait to finish it because I was getting bored with it. I was itching to get back to my shawl or my socks. I guess it's good it is a fast project.

Fluffy Scarves

Just a quick note about me.  I hope this doesn't change your opinion of me but I don't read romance novels. I never cared much for Jane Austen or Wuthering Heights and I have maybe read four modern romance novels in my life. I prefer murder mysteries. If someone doesn't die in the first 20 pages, I go on to the next book. My threshold used to be death within 30 pages, but I'm older now -- I have less patience with normal life in my books and there are still too many books to read.

That being said, I absolutely love the new series of knitting magazines Jane Austen Knits.  I am saying a series because there are two magazines so far, and I hope they keep them coming. The patterns are lacy and airy and the yarns used are more delicate. The lavender scarf is make with an alpaca lace yarn and the orange and red one is a worsted in a self-striping yarn. Both are using the pattern displayed on the cover. The pattern uses short rows to create the ruffles and flow, and it is very fun to knit. It is also an easy travel project because it is quick to memorize. It's also impressive as the scarf gives longer and longer and you have a cloud of fluffy yarn in your lap. I have both issues of Jane Austin Knit, and have ear-marked at least six projects in each magazine.

So here's to lacy and romantic knitting. I've had my real life Mr. Darcy for 31 years so maybe that's the romance on my needles is more appealing. Back to the needles.

My New Favorite Scarf -- So Far!

I wish my camera could show you the intensity of the colors in this scarf. I am so pleased with it! The yarn comes from Skaska Designs out of Ft. Collins, Colorado (Skaska.com) and the colors range from an intense orange to a vibrant fuchsia. This is an incredibly simple lace pattern so it doesn't overwhelmed the colors. The yarn is soft, and it feels feather-light. I brought it to work last week, and the first thing everyone had to do it touch it. I also had a couple people threaten to steal it.

The pattern is from Susanne Lewis' book, Knitting Lace, a must-have for anyone who knits lace. I just added a garter stitch edge of three rows at the top and bottom and three stitches along both sides. Unfortunately, the orange and yellow colors do not look good on me, so when I wear it, I need to have the fuchsia and pink next to my face. I can make it work.

I am now ready to start knitting some more scarves and shawls from this delicate lace yarn.

What I Did on Summer Vacation

These are my adorable sweet sons, Lorne and Dane.
They reluctantly allowed me to take pictures
of them with their hats.

One last note about our trip to Canada. When I not driving or sleeping during the car trip, I was knitting. I finished the watch hats for my sons and hubby, all three made out of an ulta-soft alpaca yarn that is very warm.

I also made two shawls  although I didn't finish the blue one until I got home. They are made from three skeins of Mini Mochi, and I only had two skeins of the blue.  When I got home, I went to my local yarn store to see if they had another skein, only to find out that these colors have been discontinued. I searched the web and finally found some. Whew! I really love the blue and purple colors, so I would have been disappointed if I couldn't finish it.  I will probably offer the rainbow one at my church auction this fall.

The pattern is Wingspan, and can be found on Ravelry. It is very, very addictive, especially if you like doing short rows. There is an array of yarns making this pattern so the variations are endless. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wingspan-2

When Pattern and Yarn Comes Together

I am so LOVING this project.

This scarf is on the cover of the Jane Austen Knits 2011.  If you let it flow, it is a gorgeous fluffy scarf, and if you wrap it around your neck, it looks like a ruffled cowl. The magazine is filled with very feminine patterns and this is not the only pattern I will be making from it.

The scarf uses short rows to create the flowing ruffles and is only done in garter stitch. I love doing short rows for some reason, so I just keep knitting and knitting.

I am using a 50% alpaca/50% wool lace yarn called in AlpacaWare in a light lavender. I got about ten skeins on this yarn on eBay a few years ago for a really cheap price and still have four skeins left. I made a shawl with four skeins that I still need to block. I better get on that.

The new Jane Austen Knit magazine is out now and I picked it up at my local yarn store (A Knitted Peace in Littleton, CO) last week. I have already marked several projects to do.

Sock Yarn "Woven" Scarf



 I love knitting socks. I last counted I had about 40 pairs for me alone, and that doesn't count the socks I have made for my husband, my sons, and friends. I like to brag that I haven't purchased a pair of sock for 20 years, but I have spent more on socks than anyone who has.  So I have several small balls of left over sock yarn in a variety of colors. I figured out a way to use up several of these balls and add creativity to my project at the same time.

So dig out through your stash for sock yarn too small to make more than baby socks (which, of course, is also an option), and mix and match colors and variegations to your heart's content.

Materials:

Left overs of sock yarns – varying lengths. I had a couple of remnants of orange and orange variegated yarns

Size 9 (4mm) circular needle at least 36”

Stitch marker

Yarn needle

Gauge: Not important, but about 11 stitches to 2 inches.

Cast on about 360 stitches or any amount depending on how long you want the scarf.  This will be about a 5½ foot scarf.  

Row 1: Knit 5, knit 1 into the back of the stitch, place marker. This will make the fringe. *K1, Sl1 with yarn in front* across the entire row to last six stitches. Place marker. Knit into the back of the stitch, K5.

Row 2: Knit 5, knit 1 into the back of the stitch, place marker. *P1, Sl1 with yarn in back * across the entire row to last six stitches. Place marker. Knit into the back of the stitch, K5. 

When you change colors and yarn, there is no need to tie it off. Just start knitting with the new yarn. All ends will be trimmed with the fringe.

Be sure you are purling the stitch that you slipped in the previous row.  The float of the stitch will always be on one side of the scarf.

Last row: K5. Remove these from your needle and just let them hang. Don’t worry if they unravel. We’re going to unravel them in the next step anyway. Bind off loosely all the stitches to the marker. Fasten off leaving a tail of 10 inches. Do not bind off the last five stitches. You will be binding off the twisted stitch.

Self fringe

Pull out and unravel the five stitches on each end. This is actually kinda of fun. After all these years of trying not to drop stitches and see them run all the way down, now you get to do it on purpose! 

Once I've unravelled all the edges, I lay the scarf on the table and straighten out the fringe as much as possible. Trim them to the same length. This is why you didn't have to worry about tying on the new yarns; they will just be added to the fringe. There is a loop on the end of some of the edges so be sure these are all trimmed.  

The twisted stitch gives you a solid line between the body of the scarf and the fringe.

This fringe is fast and takes no joining of seams, weaving of ends, or measuring and winding.  It is the only time that I put a fringe on a scarf because I just don't like doing it.