accessories: November 2005 Archives
It's funny how much pleasure I can get out of a little scarf. I'm so happy with how this turned out.
Details
Pattern Mistake Rib: CO 23. Every Row: *K2 P2* to last 3 sts, K2 P1. Slip first stitch of each row knitwise.
Yarn Knit Picks Decadence 100% Superfine Alpaca in Winter Berry. 2 full hanks (242 yards) for scarf and approx 30 yards for fringe.
Needles US 10. I started with my Boyes because I love knitting narrow items on my straights. But, the point of the needle combined with the loose spin of the yarn caused extra splitting. I switched out to Addi circs and it was better. Even still, the US 10s killed my hands and I took several days off before knitting the last portion of this scarf.
Size 71 inches long without fringe and 6 inches wide. In my opinion this is a perfect length for a scarf. It's longer than I usually do and I love it. The width will probably decrease 1-1.5 inches with wear if it's anything like my mistake rib scarf.
I'm tempted to order some of the yarn for a scarf for me. It's really soft and warm, but my hands will not be happy with those US 10s and I don't think I'd like the yarn knitted any tighter. The scarf has great drape and I wouldn't want to lose that.
I'll hold off for now, but I have to place a knitpicks order later today and I'm not sure I'll be able to hold out!
My friend's scarf is about 60% done. Her birthday is tomorrow. I knit on it on and off this weekend but for some reason it's hurting my hands. I can't even figure out why -- it's 100% alpaca, mistake rib (k2p2), done on US 10's. The only thing I can think of it's the US 10s. I don't often knit with needles that big, but really...are they that big??? Anyway, I don't think I'll be done by tomorrow, but I'm taking her out for dinner next Friday so I still have time.
It definitely needs to be wet blocked. Right now it looks almost like Brioche stitch, right?
OK, time for the question.
First, I need to stress -- THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME.
A very close friend just found out she's pregnant. Never having been pregnant, nor really even planning on it, I'm very much out of my comfort zone (knowledge-wise). I wanted to get together a lilttle package/gift sort of thing and I thought I'd ask you all what would be good to give her (or the couple) for their first baby.
Is there a must-have book that comes to mind? Or a subscription of some sort? The due date is mid-summer (yeah it's really early) so I'm not thinking baby items as much as I'm thinking pregnancy items. Have no fear though -- the baby knitting will be coming!
So c'mon ladies -- gimme your best advice. This is for a very special couple and I want to do something nice for them.
