My So Called Scarf, finished!

I did it! I loved this pattern, it's amazing, a joy to knit, never boring and the results are gorgeous.



I was so pleased by knitting this that I've immediately started a new project, the Foliage Hat by Emilee Mooney on Knitty. I'm doing it in Mondial Extrafine Merino (Color 629) so I will have to adapt it a bit to this yarn. I hope I won't run out of yarn at the end. So far is a bit of a challenge and I'm really liking it. It's my first knitted hat on dnps, and I'm addicted to it. I wish I could bring it in the subway with me, but dpns aren't exactly easy to use in a crowded wagon ;-)

Drops free patterns

I've just discovered this amazing source of fancy patterns, Drops Design


Aren't these beautiful?

Tulip baby booties

How cute is this "Tulip Toes" pattern from Cathy Campaigne for Knitty?

It goes straight into my to-do list, which right now counts:

-2 knitting for homeless scarves
-A Crocheted Hat for Puly
-Fingerless mitts
-Lace/beaded wristwarmers
-BSJ (I've just ordered the "Knitting Workshop" from Amazon.com)
-Crocheted snowflakes...

...I'll never make it for Christmas! :-D

Brea Vs Creole

Looking for some nice crochet patterns on line I ended up on this one, the Creole Bag by Berocco. Does it remind anything to you?

Yes, it's the crocheted version on my beloved (and still-to-assemble) Brea bag. If only I had seen it before, maybe I would have a little new bag already ;-)

Fell in Love with BSJ

This week end I went to the knit and yarn convention in Milan, Filiamo 2007, there I got some very nice cachemire skeins, one fascinating ball of recycled silk and a few other lovely things. I'll post some pics asap.

The thing that captured my imagination, though, was this ADORABLE Baby Surprise Jacket made by Knitaly (well I guess it was hers). Isn't it the most pretty baby jacket that you've ever seen?

The best part is that there is almost no sewing and Elizabeth Zimmermann's pattern it's made with circular needles, all in purl. I want to to it for a friend's baby girl soon to be born, it's too cute!

Counterfeit crochet project

Look what I've found running around online: The counterfeit crochet project by the stylist/crocheter/blogger Stephanie Yjuco, who says:

I am an artist and craftsperson seeking crocheters to participate in an art project that utilizes the tenacity and skills of crafters to interpret and "translate" high fashion handbags (Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, etc.) into "homemade" versions.

Here some info in Italian. I wish I were more capable, so that I could join the project, those crochet counterfeit bags are so desirable and I love this Gucci texture, is simply genius!

More on hairpin lace

I found new resources on this amazing technique. Especially Knitaly post on her different yarn attempts was really helpful.

She also sugegsted me a nice mohair hairpin shawl on Mani di Fata and the italin k-word for hairpin: "forcella".

So Called projects going on

Here a few pics of my progress on the So Called Scarf. I must say that I fell in love with this pattern. It's easier and faster that I thought. I have to really thanks heyjulie95 for her really helpful video tutorial, especially for suggesting an alternative way to realize the crossed stitch on the right side. Now I'm thinking about realizing my own video for those among us who knit the English way (as opposite to the "Continental" way).

Anyway the scarf is progressing well, thanks to circular needles I knit on the bus, on the subway, at work, watching tv, etc... Very funny.

I only have a doubt on Manos del Uruguay, it's a pretty rough wool. I hope it will soften after washing. The pattern is also pretty stiff, so the result is a quite rigid scarf. We'll see when it's finished and washed, I'm pretty sure this wool and pattern would be perfect for a purse. I'll do it maybe after I've finished this one.

I also progressed a bit on Hairpin Lace, the tool is amazing. I'm thinking, though, that maybe it's more fun with a thicker yarn. I want to try it also with very thin mohair and see what it looks like. Vik, don't worry your hairpin lace scarves are on the go! :-)

Ready to start "My So Called Scarf"

I'm ready to finally start this amazing scarf I've been dreaming of for two years.
The pattern, one of the most famous on line, is the one from Sheep in The City, and the Yarn is Manos del Uruguay in a lovely red-purple shade.

Before I start, I've printed the pattern and took a look at on line resources on the subject. With a great surprise I found at least two great links. First, the So Called Scarf Video Tutorial which explains very clearly the two ways of achieving the special stitch required by the pattern.

The second fantastic link I found is the So Called Scarf Flickr Pool! SO many beautiful scarves there in so many shades. I look forward to put my pics to!! :-)

This pic is from Kathryn Ivy flickr and blog. The shade she used is very similar to the one I got, I just hope my results will be as good as hers!

Starting to finish

Besides the Brea Bag that is finished and only needs to be sewn (by someone else, I guess, because I'm TOO bad at it), I've managed to finish the Pima Poncho I've been knitting and undoing since June! :-D

Well, it actually looks more like a scarf, but I have to join the two sides and add the fringes. Again the joining scares me. I guess I have to take some sewing classes ;-)

Giles Deacon bulky scarf

I love it! Maybe with such a huge yarn, even I could finish a scarf before the winter is over ;-)

I even found the pattern online but I'm not sure if the "lana grezza" will be easy to find.

I like it so much!!

I started using the Hairpin fork, is fun and fast. If only I had some more time at night to crochet a bit. Anyway I'm confident I'll finish one of Vik's scarves soon!

Other update, I've finished the Brea bag (yuhuu) but I'm totally unable to sew it, I guess I?ll bring it to the next Stitch 'n' Bitch in Milan to seek for help from the girls ;-)