Not Done

 Not Done #1

Cardigan.  All the pieces are complete but just look at that curling stockinette.  Blocking, sewing, button finding.  

Nope - not done.

Not Done #2

Sampler Scarf.  Please don't click on photo so as to see the two incorrect stitches in the current lace pattern.  We are not amused.

Nope - not done.

 Not Done #3

Serpentine Scarf.  Probably only needs one more pattern repeat and it did get stitches added yesterday including a cable row.  Smooth sailing for a few inches until the next cable row is needed.  But, alas......

Nope - not done.

Not Done #4

The Modern Log Cabin.  At least this is back to a colorful section so there is some anticipation of color changing amongst the bazillion garter stitches.

Nope - not done.

Four projects not done.  So why did I just print a copy of this?  I am undone.

Zing Vest

If I ever write the pattern, someone please remind me to adjust the size of the right front rectangle.  It should be slightly wider.  And naturally, additional sizes would need that whole calculator action.    All in all, the putting together of three rectangles has pleased me.

The front is composed of two rectangles.  The left side is knit of a striping yarn with simple garter edges.  Here the yarn is on display rather than any fancy stitchery.

The right front (a tad too small) is knit with a circular pattern of two yarns that coordinate with the main yarn.  Again garter bands surround the stranded work. 

More about the closure later.

 The back is knit side to side in the same manner as the right front panel but composed of the striping yarn from the left front.   The little surprise is a single pattern at the center back that mimics the right front side.  

And look at the side seams.  No simple mattress stitching here.  

Bands of silver toned circles set in fake pleather connect the fronts and back.   It's a reference to the button and those circles that appear on the right front and center back.

 Here is a better look at the side.  This insert is a trim from the fabric store.  The stuff just jumped up and declared itself the perfect accompaniment to the stranded pattern.  Sometime, kismet is - well - kismet!

This is just enough edgy attitude for me.  In my youth, there would have been more.  But for now it is just enough.  Frankly, it was not difficult at all to hand stitch through the vinyl trim and the wool.  Rather like stitching a zipper into a cardigan.  As always, I used quilting thread.  I like its strength and it slides right through the two different materials.

Oh, yes, the metal circles running down the sides are enough.  Well, except for the fringe that I added to the left front - it being purposely shorter than the right front to make room for this!

This fringe was, in a former life, the bangles on a necklace.  And I am pleased to report that this use of clearance rack costume jewelry is a fun and festive way to add a whole lot of "well, look at that!" to any project.

So, what with the novelty trim looking like silver grommets set into leather and the costume jewelry mimicking onyx and crystal set in silver, this button had to come along for the ride.

That single shining orb hints at the other surprises and all in all was the final touch that makes this vest Zing.

Ooh La La

 Really, not much need be said other than "Ooh La La!"


Or perhaps Festive!


Elegant seems a bit over the top and not quite right.

 Does not seem trendy.




Maybe très chic is appropriate?

Or how about Stylin'!

Nope.  I'll stick with my original thought.

Ooh La La with a hint of Cha Cha Cha!



Reminder - Cha Cha by Trendsetter Yarns

Blocked and Bigger

 The blocking of the coral colored Seaweed Scarf is now accomplished.  And, the scarf has indeed grown a bit - it is almost seventeen inches down the spine and will wrap around my neck.

The edging is even more lovely now that it is blocked out.  I am fascinated with the way that this scarf lays so wonderfully around my shoulders, back and front.

I still am thinking that the function can be enhanced if there are more rows of stockinette before the edging is worked.

This size - the pattern specified - would work wonderfully well under a coat or jacket.  But, worn that way, the edge will be hidden.   When worn "on top" I still want some way to lock it in position.  Maybe a shawl pin or strategically placed buttons (for both function and adornment).

Some Blocking Required

Two days.  That's all the time that is needed.  OK -make that two days of only fiddling with yarn and sticks, but it is possible to complete Grace Akhrem's Seaweed Scarf in two days.  Well if you don't count the time to wet block this edge into some manner of niceness, it can be done.  (You can find all manner of Grace's patterns on Ravelry, your local LYS or online.)

 Oh, yes, some blocking is required.  This is straight off the needles.  Much curling mess - rather like Seaweed!  No one will ever say that the pattern is inappropriately names.  The pattern cover photo naturally shows the small (as in very small - but more later) scarfette in a lovely green so as to drive home the name seaweed.

Naturally, I found a soft coral sport weight from Louet in the stash and used it to make my first Seaweed Scarf.  The very thought of seaweed around the neck sounds just a bit "icky" and strangely suffocating to me.  But soft coral about the face sounds so very glow enhancing!  Yes, me thinks it better to be swathed in soft coral than to be choked by seaweed.  

The pattern has a single spine down the center.  A slipped stitch garter edge keeps the outer neck wrapping stitches nice and flat so that really, in all honesty, it is only the bottom edge that will require serious blocking to control the flow of the seaweed.  

Two options are offered within the pattern.  Counts for both worsted and sport weight are offered so all the math is already done.  

Except.......

As written, this is a small scarfette.  Too small for me, I think.  Even if the blocking results in some growth, I still think it will be small.  Testing the fit about my own neck has me thinking that some closure is required so that constant and continual adjustment and fiddling can be avoided.   HMMM.  I am still thinking through this and hoping that the blocking solves my major concern about length. 

Do know that this version is made with sport weight and I followed the instructions to the exact row and stitch count.  Please do not mis-read these words.  The pattern is fine.  The result is fun and flirty.  The beginning is unique and adds new skill to the repertoire.  The bind off is not typical.  I'll probably make this again - just because it is a quick knit.  But,  the math to add another twenty-four rows to the stockinette section is already hand written on the pattern and more yardage will be acquired before commencing on version two.

 The edge is quite fun.  I love a "look" that is easy to memorize and does not require constant pattern reading just to make it through.  Here you get a feel for how the blocking will turn out.  

All in all, a nice quick fun knit with just enough thinking at the cast on, edging and bind off to keep the mind happy.  A good movie knit.