and that's what it is - took me a while to figure out a name for it. But it's cozy, and I knit it for my cousin who resides in New England, it's currently Autumn, and it's a pretty scarf. My mom passed along this delightfully chunky Malibrigo in "Red Java" a while ago and a few weeks ago, I decided to pick it up and do something with it. I started it as a scarf for myself, but after seeing how quickly I was able to knit it up, I knew I could have it done by the time I went to Rhode Island. (See, this is the only way I can actually get anything done - knitting for someone else and having a timeline!) My cousin has always wanted me to knit her something, so I knew this was going to be perfect for her!! :) I diligently knitted stitch by stitch, row by row, cable twist by cable twist, right up until the night before I was going to see her. I was in Manhattan at my grandparent's apartment when I finished and was grateful for the little bit of counter-space in the back of their apartment that was just the perfect size to block it! It was dry by morning! Tucked it into my little suitcase for the 3 1/2 hour trek up to Providence, RI and after a little Thai food, a chill folk concert, and settling into her guest room, a.k.a. her living room/computer room, I presented the scarf to her with a smile; she was delighted and wore it for the rest of the weekend. This made my heart very happy.
Now, here's to remembering how I made it!
I believe I started out casting on 20 stitches of chunky weight yarn onto size 13 needles knit across one row then started the cable pattern: (panel of 14 stitches + 6 stitches for selvage.) Row 1 and all other WS rows: k1, p2, k1, p12, k1, p2, slip last stitch Row 2: k3, p1, 2/2 LC, k4, 2/2 RC, p1, k2, slip last stitch Row 4: k3, p1, k2, 2/2 LC, 2/2 RC, k2, p1, k2, slip last stitch Row 6: k3, p1, k4, 2/2 LC, k4, p1, k2, slip last stitch Repeat rows 1-6 until you've reached desired length, knit across one row, then bind off one row Tuck in ends and block
and in case you don't know what any of this means:
WS = wrong side
k = knit
p = purl
2/2 LC = 2/2 Left Cross
slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in front of work, knit next two stitches from left hand needle, knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
2/2 RC = 2/2 Right Cross
slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold in back of work, knit next two stitches from left hand needle, knit the two stitches from the cable needle.
This scarf is best enjoyed on a blustery Fall day with a cup of tea. :)
Ok. I will be the first to admit that I'm probably the worst blogger ever. and the worst knitter ever. Now that my unintentional 6 month knitting sabbatical (yes, I was shocked when I counted it out too) is over, I believe I should be better. My excuse? Well, the weather got nice. And anyone who knows anything about the Inland Northwest knows that when that occurs, you best take advantage of it. So I've been taking every opportunity to go on little mountain adventures and bigger trips across the ocean to Hawaii, etc; and the rest of my free time has been wrapped up in editing pretty pictures from all those adventures. Plus, I have not figured out how I'm going to organize my stash!!!! It's still in boxes behind the door of my room :| Soooo.. I'm thinking my 2011 knitting wishlist will be pushed to 2012.
I'm starting fresh. and - my re-debut project isn't even on my list.
It's a pretty simple cabled scarf, using some lusciously chunky Malibrigo yarn (in "Red Java") and has been just the thing to get me back in the mood of Fall knitting.
In light of all this, I would also like to take this opportunity to honor a dear friend of mine who recently passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident. RPD patrol officer, Jonathan Franco of Rathdrum, Idaho made every effort to bring joy and encouragement to everyone around him, usually by the severe overuse of Facebook smileys and Facebook "likes". He was quite the adventurous type and most definitely inspired and encouraged that trait in me as well. He took a keen interest in my knitting aspirations, complimented my work and said it was good that I was so industrious with my hands :) He even asked me, "why is yarn so darn expensive?..." and effectively dodged my response inquiry of "what expensive yarn have you been around lately?"
He was a man of faith and integrity who really took the time to get to know you as a person. He loved well. He received love well. He opened his heart and his home to everyone. He was one of those people you could talk to about ANYTHING without fear of judgment or harsh rebuke. You could ask him ANYTHING and expect an honest answer, although it was sometimes indirect or sprinkled with humor, as appropriate :) ... One thing that I noticed looking back on our correspondences, was how much he encouraged qualities in me that pointed to my identity in Christ, and affirmed me, showing me that I could have confidence in who God made me to be. That encouragement is now helping me be strong in the face of his loss. He was a curious individual, unabashedly asking me my thoughts on deep theological matters as well as pointed questions on the specifics of my personal testimony. That man definitely left this earth knowing more about me than I ever learned of him. I only knew him for 10 short months, and I believe changed my life for the better; I stand either babbling nonsense or awkwardly speechless with the people who knew him for years - I appreciate their grace & patience with me in that. I had the privilege of hangin' out with him with a friend the night before the accident.. We discussed various topics like our thoughts on the Healing Rooms, "heart checks", wireless routers, guns, our personal baptism experiences, artistry & the heart of God, and spontaneous road trips. Good stuff.
God knew I needed that.
He knew I needed a friend like Jonny.
Jonny is greatly missed among his friends, family and community.
Yes, I'm aware that's a bit of an understatement.
Jonathan Mathew Franco | November 30, 1983 - September 24, 2011
ok, as this is the first time ever formally writing a pattern, I apologize in advance for any mistakes! Please let me know if any of this is unclear and I will definitely try to revise!! Feedback is much appreciated :) :)
I used 1 skein of Cascade Pastaza in White with size 10 needles, I encourage you to use whatever yarn and needle size suits your fancy - I just wanted this to knit up quick so I used relatively large needles! It's been great to add a little warmth to my early Spring wardrobe!!
CO 40 stitches - leave a long tail
Ribbing:
k2, *k4, p4* rpt to last 6, k6
k2, *p4, k4* rpt to last 6, p4, k2
Repeat these 2 rows until you have about an inch of 4x4 ribbing
Staghorn Cable (from Interweave Press Cables & Arans):
The actual cable stitch is centered and involves 16 stitches:
Foundation row (WS): purl
R1 (RS): k4, C4B, C4F, k4
R2, R4, R6: purl
R3: k2, C4B, k4, C4F, k2
R5: C4B, k8, C4F
Repeat rows 1-6 and on either side of the cable panel work 10 moss stitch and 2 reverse stockinette stitch until wrap reaches desired length
Repeat 1 inch of 4x4 ribbing as before
With a crochet hook, weave the long tail from beginning in a couple stiches and chain a button loop. Weave in ends and block. Sew button on opposite end from button loop.
and Voila!
Abbreviations:
C4B = right leaning 4 stitch cable. slip two stitches onto cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 off cable needle
C4F = left leaning 4 stitch cable. slip two stitches onto cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 off cable needle
