Winter Joy

Ah, it's finally cold!!! Last night temperatures dropped to 5C in my city... Below zero in some towns. This is bliss for me!

Why? Well, more tea, more knitting and crochet (so much more!), more watching tv on the couch with blankies on.... Using my knitted socks...

I could go on and on :)

I am so happy I was able to finish this scarf (shawl? cowl?) in a few weeks, just before the cold arrived. First time I ever made something in this shape. Got about 218 stitches, so the largest thing I've ever knitted!

If you want to make one for you, here is the pattern. It's so, so easy! You memorize it in no time and I made this while watching Vikings :D

The yarn I used was a gift from a friend who I love. She sent me this italian merino, and it's so, so cozy. And the color? It goes well with EVERYTHING! Just my kind of thing!

Can't wait to use it. Before I finish, here's a little something from our garden - little sister's gold oranges. Well, they're not gold just yet, but they will be! :)

Love, Tina

A Lace Story - Ajur Cowl Pattern

So, if you have read this blog before, you will know that looong ago, I started a lace scarf. A simple project using a stunning yarn.

I was my first time with lace. I have made eyelets and simple lace before, but this was an all lace project.  I had no idea how this would turn out like, but I was excited to use the Drops Delight yarn I got as a present from a friend who lives down under!!!

The search for the right pattern took me quite a while. I was not sure if I wanted to make a cowl or a scarf, but I soon said to myself - something simple, with no shaping. After all I would be having to pay attention to the lace!

So I settled for a scarf. I looked at Ravelry but nothing really caught me eye (Call me crazy!) so I went looking for patterns and stitches on some books both of my grannies have given me.

I finally found the right stitch at a book from the 80's! (I do think it's actually older than that, since it was definitely NOT the first edition!) It was a simple stitch, that is around online for ages (after I knew what to look for, there were thousands of different ways to do this.)

After making a few changes, I started. Not only I used a lifeline, I also used stitch markers. For a 44 stitch scarf!!! I give you the permission to laugh at my extreme caution :D If this is your first time with lace, I urge you to do the same! It will save you from lots of headaches later, trust me.

Lifeline and markers. Silly for such a small project, but highly effective!

I ended up finishing a 50gm skein, and I soon realized I had no more patience. At all. Scarves are great and fun.... Mostly when you are a begginer. Although  I'm pretty sure knitters who have far more experience than me love knitting scarves too. I just found out I need something that shows progress in a different way, and has at least a little bit of shaping. We live and we learn!

So I turned this into a cowl - I knitted a few more rows, and there it was. I actually have no idea why this didn't occurred me earlier - I love using cowls, scarves, not so much!

I'm quite happy with the result! So, here is the link for the pattern. You can use whatever needles and yarn you wish - there's not a gauge for this. In this cowl, I used 3.50mm needles and 1 skein of Drops Delight, 50gm. You can seam the sides and turn into a cowl, or you can just keep knitting and make a scarf! It's really up to what you prefer.

Keep in mind the stitch is not originally my idea! I'm actually trying to find information on the designer, so I can credit her/him properly. Keep your fingers crossed, I really want to find that person and say thank you :)

Have fun knitting this cowl/scarf! I can assure, it's great for begginers and experienced knitters alike!

Thanks for little sister, who took this photo!

Love,

Tina