Thursday, December 8, 2011

New York scarf

It seems ages since I actually had a piece of completed knitting on my blog. I'm not sure why. I'm still knitting - quite frequently - but my BIG Transatlantic shawl has slowed down my completed output. So, here at last is something...

New York scarf 3

It's Brooklyntweed's Woodsmoke Scarf from 'Brave New Knits'. Like all the Brooklyn Tweed patterns it's a mixture of simplicity and carefully thought through embellishments. In this case it's the simplicity of a very plain garter stitch central panel (knitted sideways) with a repetitive lace edging. The only thing at all complex about this pattern is the beginning - a provisional cast-on of 302 stitches that took me a whole evening to complete. According to Ravelry I began this scarf in September! It hasn't really taken me two and a half months to finish it - the knitting was done quite quickly and then it sat around reproachfully waiting for me to block it. This seems to be a disturbingly frequent practice for me.

New York scarf

The scarf is knitted from yarns I bought at my 2010 visit to the Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show - a combination of Pear Tree yarn for the central panel and Ixchel's BFL / bunny combination for the lace. I particularly like the subtle blue-grey / brown / cream colour mix in the lace edging.

New York scarf 2

I knitted the scarf as a gift for an old friend with whom I usually spend time at Christmas. But this year she's off with her family to spend Christmas in New York and I thought she might need a warm scarf. This scarf is very long - well over two metres - so there's lots of length to wind around several times and still have left-overs for tucking into a coat. I gave the scarf to my friend earlier this week and she really liked it. I count myself very fortunate to have friends and family who seem to like my knitted gifts.

9 comments:

Lynne said...

The scarf is really lovely and I'm sure your friend will really appreciate it. Coincidentally, DD's in-laws are also spending Christmas in NY.

I am two days from finishing a 10ply cotton baby blanket but I don't know when I'll get the chance to block it - the weather isn't conducive to fast drying, is it?

Jan said...

That is beautiful and the edging is just right for it too.

I'm still working on my Transatlantic but haven't done anything on it for at lest three weeks.

Anonymous said...

I love the contrast between the edging and the body, and the fact that it is not skimpy. Got to love a big scarf!

Rose Red said...

Your friend is very lucky - not just going to NY for Christmas but also having a most beautiful scarf to wear and wow the locals!

Bells said...

that is a stunning piece of work Lyn. It's really striking and a bit different. Combining yarns is something I rarely think to do but I think you've got it just right!

Brendaknits said...

It is beautiful. I am sure your 'old' friend will enjoy wearing it.

1funkyknitwit said...

When you said you finished a scarf I had actually forgotten about this one because you seem to have knitted up at home.. heh. I'm not surprised your friend likes it as it turned out lovely. Nice combination of colours :)

Anonymous said...

oh its just beautiful! what an amazing combination of yarns. just perfect for winter in the big apple.

Anonymous said...

Such a gorgeous scarf Lyn, worth all the effort. A very lucky recipient!