Finished: Two Branching Out Scarves
Back from Christmas now! Lots to blog about, but I think I'll start off with a Christmas gift that I didn't have time to blog about before I left...
mummy, in scarf, with stockings
The Specs:
-Pattern: Branching Out, by Susan Pierce Lawrence (from Knitty).
-Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool; one skein for each scarf.
-Color: Charcoal grey (color 19).
-Needles: Size 7 birch.
-Start to finish: December 10 – December 29.
-For: One for my mum and one for Thunk’s Grandma Betty.
Notes: This was one of those presents that works out just right. I started by buying two skeins of the Silky Wool to knit my Mum a nice Christmas scarf. When I got home I poked around a bit online and chose the Branching Out pattern before I realized I’d bought the yarn the pattern calls for. How often does that happen?
I had such a nice time knitting the first one (which only took one skein) that I just went ahead and knit another one for Grandma Betty.
The Yarn: This stuff is great. It has an interesting, slightly nubbly texture but it’s still nice and soft. Plus it’s a bit tweedy (yay!).
The Pattern: You know if I find a lace pattern easy you can knit it too. In fact, I had such a nice time with it that I’m thinking of going back and having another go with the Flowerbasket Shawl (the “easy” lace pattern that kicked my tookus and rendered me lace-meek). I’ll let you know how that goes.
Mods: The only thing I changed was to leave off row 10 of the last repeat so that the ends match up a little more nicely.
Final Verdict: Two gifts + one contented knitter = lotsa winners!
[Bonus shot: Mummy works it for the camera.]
Comments
You're like a little Santa!
I love the Silky Wool and Tweed. They feel very organic.
Beautiful scarf and model. :D
Posted by: isel | January 7, 2007 10:05 PM
It's lovely!
Posted by: scout | January 7, 2007 10:22 PM
Your mom is so cute! And the scarf looks great.
Posted by: Specs | January 7, 2007 10:24 PM
Tooo cute! You look like your mum too!
Posted by: yaiAnn | January 7, 2007 10:46 PM
Those scarves look great. I originally planned to make one for my mom for Christmas...now I definitely need to make one for her next gift. (And I love the bonus shot!)
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip | January 7, 2007 11:24 PM
This might help with the flower basket shawl...
I worked out how to place the stitch markers so that they work.
http://sagebrush.typepad.com/knotagain/2006/02/ha_take_that_fl.html
I don't have it indicated in this post, but I believe after each pattern repeat (10 rows in the FBS) you'll have to take out the stitch markers and place them anew, since you'll have one additional motif on each side of the center line.
HTH
Posted by: Leisel | January 8, 2007 12:36 AM
Could your Mom BE any cuter?!
Posted by: Annie | January 8, 2007 6:31 AM
nice to have you back.
Posted by: britt | January 8, 2007 6:59 AM
Branching Out was my first lace project and after that, I moved on to the Flowerbasket Shawl (and Leaf Lace Shawl...similar) with no problem. Just relax and after several repeats, you'll understand how the pattern works. All wonderful patterns. Go for it!!
Posted by: Jan | January 8, 2007 7:23 AM
Beautiful scarf! Very inspiring. I want to try lace and feel a little leary, maybe I'll start with this scarf!
Posted by: Knitting Bandit | January 8, 2007 9:14 AM
Beautiful - especially the color! Looks great on your mom!
Posted by: Stephanie | January 8, 2007 9:33 AM
Wow, your family doesn't look alike at all, do they? ;) Welcome back!
Posted by: Ashley | January 8, 2007 9:44 AM
Gorgeous scarf! As always, everything I see on your blog I want to knit. And I *love* that Thunk's grandma wears leather! That's the kind of grandma I want to be. Good to have you back.
Posted by: Cindy | January 8, 2007 9:52 AM
Beautiful! I love the texture of the yarn....and the color! Looks like she loves it!
Posted by: stacey | January 8, 2007 10:37 AM
Great looking scarf!
Posted by: Jessica | January 8, 2007 11:36 AM
Beautiful - I gave my mom a branching out scarf for Christmas too!
Posted by: Lydia / Windansea | January 8, 2007 11:36 AM
I love it when a project just works out. The scarves are lovely.
Posted by: Stephanie | January 8, 2007 11:45 AM
Beautiful scarves and that bonus shot is sooooo cute ;o)
Posted by: Maryann | January 8, 2007 11:46 AM
Your scarf -- or should I say scarves -- turned out beautifully! And how cute is your mom in the bonus photo!?
Posted by: nona | January 8, 2007 11:51 AM
thank god you're back!
Posted by: j a r e d | January 8, 2007 12:06 PM
Your mom is such a cutie! I love the scarves too.
Posted by: Wanda | January 8, 2007 1:12 PM
The scarves look great! My grandmother confessed this past holiday to losing a scarf I had knit her a couple years ago, and I think this pattern could be a perfect replacement. My LYS even carries that yarn. I'm so glad I visited your site today.
Posted by: Brenda | January 8, 2007 6:02 PM
Pretty scarves! I have always loved that pattern. And your Mom is awesome.
Posted by: Erin | January 8, 2007 6:22 PM
I love that yarn, too. My current project is a scarf from it, but mine is gonna be WARM -- it gets mighty cold here in WI in January. Your Branching Out makes me want to make one of those, too.
Posted by: kmkat | January 8, 2007 7:55 PM
Welcome back! Great scarf, and your mom is the cutest.
Posted by: Kim | January 9, 2007 2:37 PM
Now that is a great scarf! Nice.
Posted by: Kelli | January 9, 2007 3:35 PM
I love the scarves! I am trying the Branching Out myself but it is kicking my butt right now (I am fairly new to knitting and wanted a challenge). Yours looks great!
Posted by: beckie | January 10, 2007 5:33 PM
Lovely scarf. I've been eyeing this pattern for a while now. LOL. So much to knit, so little time.
Posted by: Kelley | January 10, 2007 8:00 PM
Scarf is great!! Your mum looks thrilled!!!
Posted by: Cathy | January 11, 2007 6:51 PM
Awww - these scarves are absolutely gorgeous! I so love the pattern, and they look perfectly elegant in the colour you were using!
Posted by: Dipsy D. | January 12, 2007 12:37 AM
I'm with you, the Flowerbasket Shawl kicked me in the tush when I gave it a go about a year ago. I just recently got over my fear of lace with the Shetland Triangle Shawl. Maybe it's not easier than the Flowerbasket, but it seemed really easy for a first-timer! And I can't say enough how much I love it :)
Posted by: Stephanie | January 12, 2007 8:54 AM