Cables and Lace

I've been making progress on my next project from The List. This is a scarf for my mother-in-law, knit from Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk. Oh my, the yarn is sooooo soft! I've never before worked with a "luxury" yarn, and it feels so nice in my hands, I just love working with it.

This is my first attempt at cables, and I must say, you were all correct! I have been told time and again how easy cables were, and I was amazed at how simple this really was. I know there are more complex cables out there, but this is very encouraging for a beginner like me. The pattern is by Jen Appleby , who also designed the cable sweater with pockets in the current Interweave Knits. I recently subscribed, so am eagerly waiting my first copy in the mail. Jen had a booth at a Quilt Exhibition here in the spring. I purchased the yarn from her, and she included the pattern.

The sock is coming along nicely. I'm on my way down the foot now, so it's close to the end. Brian has already put his name in for a pair, and I think I have some brightly coloured sock yarn in the stash that will do the job. I think each child is going to need a pair before I have permission to make myself some socks. Unfair though it may seem, at least they get basic old sock yarn. I'm waiting to get myself something really beautiful, like Lorna's Laces, or even better, some of that sweet Fleece Artist Merino. (In keeping with my new "responsibility" ideas, I have decided to at least make an effort to purchase independently made, or Canadian made yarn. With some of the amazing Canadian manufacturers out there, I'm sure I'll have no difficulty at all. Can anyone say Koigu?)

Jobwise, I've really been thrown into the deep end. I worked a half shift last night, and go back tonight again. I'm going to have extra money for yarn, but no time to knit with it, apparently. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised at the friendly, positive management and staff I've come into contact with so far. And I was pleased to read, in the introduction booklet, that Wal-Mart does have a "Buy Canadian" policy. I don't know how far that goes, but it does warrant some looking into, at least! Thanks so much for the positivity sent my way - it was sooo appreciated!

Comments

[Rain]

It sounds like the job is going well so far.The scarf is beautiful and such a pretty colour too.

[Whitney]

Look at you busy busy girl, with all the FO's!!!! It is very good to be 'back' ;) Hope you continue to like the new job. By the way, I really love that scarf that you are working on. I wonder if it would be possible for you to send a Georgia girl a copy of the pattern?!?!?! Because I signed up for the International Scarf Exchange too, and that scarf looks AWESOME.

[angie cox]

That is such a lovely green and I have some of the yarn in Scarlet to make a Christmas gift for Holly. I am glad the job is going well but it is ironic that it gives you less knit time.

[Carrie K]

That cabled scarf is gorgeous. I'm sure your mother in law is going to love it.

[jen]

BEAUTIFUL scarf! And glad the cables didn't prove TOO daunting. I missed yesterday's discussion about the new job, so i will send positive thoughts for day 2 :) I agree with all of the arguments about Wal-mart but will say that in my brother's home town they really have tried to be good members of the community. The store in Uxbridge is relatively small, participates in many local events and charities and was built just outside the main street part of town so does not compete with local gift shops (or yarn shops or quilt shops). I'm not saying they are saints or anything - but not all bad either. Glad your first day went well - you'll find time to knit once you get settled :) Happy Saturday

[Stefaneener]

The scarf is going to be wonderful. Really lovely. And how nice of you to knit socks for the wee ones. Mine have to wait.I'm thinking of looking for work too, so nice to hear your experiences.

[Dipsy D.]

Oh, this is coming along so perfectly - and the yarn you're using sounds and looks like heaven to work with! I so love the color too! And hey, you're doing a fantastic job with the cabling - when I think about my trials and tribulations with cabling, then I'm way impressed on how well you're doing - yours look just perfect! I realized now that it's a big question of the yarn you're using for cabling, at least for me - with certain yarns I just can't seem to get one nice cable done, with others it goes absolutely smoothly. Hm, we never cease to learn, do we?

[Peg]

Beautiful scarf! You are right, knitting with luxury yarn is wonderful. I say I am 'too old to knit with BAD yarn'!I will let you know how I progress with the little cargidan. I love Interweave Knits!

[Dorothy]

That is a beautiful scarf and it looks like it is going to drape so nicely about the neck and feel fabulous.

[Gina L]

I am anxious to try cable knits. Can I trust myself?I have been a little bit hazardous with dropping stitches lately. I will enjoy watching your progress!

[KnitPastis]

Oh yes, I do know how soft Alpaca and silk is since I just recently purchased a ball of it myself. I have only knitted a few things with cables and I can tell you it's addictive. You will find yourself starting to look for patterns with at least one or two cables running through it.LOL It's stunning!

[Kristy]

I had the same experience with cables - I wouldn't try them for the longest time because I was just certain they would be too hard. Once I finally tried one, it was like knitting magic...and not hard!Just a word of caution about that Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk: it felts at the drop of a hat. Handle it gently. I knit a scarf from it last fall and washed it by hand in cold, cold water and it felted. I cried.