tentenknits

FO: Watercolor Batkus

Pattern: Batkus
Yarn: Madeline Tosh - Tosh DK, alizarim, two balls
Needles: US 6
Modification: made scarf in moss stitch 
Ravelry Link 

Sometimes with a great yarn all you need is a simple stitch and let it do it's thing.

I am in so love with this colorway -it has hints of oranges, yellows and greens. Plus it looks different in every light. Baktus also happens to be the perfect project to bring to knit night, not much fussiness and a simple repeat - pass the vino or pitcher of beer...

A Pair of Scarves

I know what you're thinking... scarves!?

It's July 23rd and it's 80 degrees out but I just couldn't help myself.  Part of it is Craig's fault.  When Patricia and I went to visit his store in Philly he had a great collection of scarves on his middle table. Since Monday, I just couldn't get scarves off the brain.  Then one of Trish's newer knitters came into the shopping working on a beautiful dropped stitch scarf in the Manos Silk Blend and then I knew I wanted one, too!

But why start one scarf when you can start two?

I've had a few balls of the Road to China light in my stash for a while and didn't know what to make of it.  A few clicks through Ravelry's pattern browser and we have thethe Midwest Moonlight scarf from Scarf Style.  (Ravelry Link) 

Both scarves have provided a nice break in between working a summery top on US2s even if I am getting weird looks from people walking back in tank tops and flip flops.  "Hah!" I say to them, my neck will be far warmer this fall and winter ;-)

bumble

A little instant knit gratification doesn't hurt now does it?  My LYS, Patricia's Yarns just got in her shipment of Spud & Chloe yesterday.  I skipped my knit butt over there and promptly casted on for this gem, the Bumble Up Scarf.  I have a gut feeling that I will be making more of these, a whole lot more.

The yarn is soft and very lovely to knit with.  It's been shedding only a little bit, but that's to be expected with a chunky cotton blend.

The sun has finally shown itself after what it seems like a month long absence and too many overcast skies.  Coincidence?  I think not.

just part of the crowd

I present my clapotis, number 45,035,435,035.... and counting ;-)

Project: Clapotis from Knitty.com
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk, 1 ball
Needles: Size 3 circulars

Modifications: I decided to go with a scarf size instead of the full on shawl mostly due to the fact that I only had one skein of this gorgeous seasilk yarn.  I did the set-up rows as written and did about 6 repeats of the increase rows.

Then I played the game of how many rows should I do before I start decreasing without measuring!  I scientifically kept juggling the ball of yarn in one hand and the scarf in the other trying to determine how much was left.  In the end I had a little ball left over which could have been used for a couple of more repeats... but I am not upset, this scarf is GORGEOUS!  It's got the most beautiful sheen and drape.  A perfect accessory to dress up any outfit!

I am almost as excited about this little scarf as I am about going to the TNNA in Ohio this weekend!! I am working alongside of Patricia of Patricia's Yarns taking classes and adding my .0002 cents on what she should consider picking up for the fall.  I am very much looking forward to meeting some other bloggers and designers I admire!  I hope to be chock full of great knitty knowledge come Monday ;-)

Otherwise, things in Chez Tentenknits are good! I went to my college reunion last weekend and enjoyed seeing some old familiar faces while pretending to be in college one more time. I have a feeling that this weekend in OH will rival the "college" weekend... Knit Keg Stands anyone?? I kid. I kid!

is it just me?

Or are things a little bit crazy everywhere lately?

Call me superstitious or spiritual or whathaveyou but lately things around me have gone down right sour.  I won't get into too much detail but I believe things happen in 3s and BY God, let the three things that have come to pass be IT for a good while.  There has been a lot of bummy news going around and if this is the tone of 08, I want to throw it back and start it over!

I however am a stubborn optimist and therefore think that if all the crap is coming out now then the rest of 08 will be bright and shiny... right!? right.  Yet amist all the bummy, things have been really (cross your fingers, knock on wood, hold your breath and spin three times - just made that one up!) fine around Chez Tentenknits.  I went up to Vermont this past weekend with a few good friends and enjoyed a whole lot of lounging, knitting and outlet shopping.  I finished the hexagons for the Medallion Shawl and need to block them out before crocheting them together.  I haven't picked up a crochet hook in a long time so this should be quite the experience!

In the mean time I am a few rows away from finishing the collar on the Tilted Duster and because I totally suffer from Multiple Knitsonality disorder, I started a new project.  One that requires all thoughts and brain power to go into it and has some crazy needle acrobatics!  It is the Linked Rib scarf from the new book Knitting New Scarves.  I recieved this book as a gift for Christmas and have been contemplating which one to start first... this one won simply because I had a skein of Rowan Summer Tweed in the stash! (Bonus!)

At first glance this scarf looked down right loco to do, but the directions are so clear and precise that I'm rolling through the repeats now.  The only issue I have now are trying to keep track of which row I'm on because I never write things down.  Also for note if you plan on doing this is that this particular scarf requires 6 size 8 DPNs and  most if not all are just packaged with 5.  I'm getting around it by using a pencil or  DPN of a different size. I am finding it's not making a huge difference and thus no need to buy another set of 8 DPNs!

I'm thankful for this scarf and it's brain occupying powers.  I'm hoping it's just this Janurary that's sour and when we hit February things will be looking up.  But life's life I supposed and nothing is every all rosy or all stinky for very long - so we just have to roll with it and take each day as it is - a gift... (here comes the cheese) hense why we call it the Present. (you all just left didn't you, you clicked that window closed... haha no comments?)

Either way, hope are doing well where ever you are and feeling good and if you need it, pour that glass of wine cause I know I need it!