Alexa: Gourmet Crafter » scarf

A New Look at an Old Favorite

alexaludeman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:34:26 +0000

I suppose these patterns aren’t really that old but I thought I would give them another knit in some new yarns. It’s turning colder and I need something quick and satisfying to keep me going through my slog of Christmas knitting. I just read that sentence back and it sounds like I hate Christmas! This is not true, I love Christmas and I love knitting for Christmas. Really. Mostly. There are moments.

Anyhow, back to the scarves. I re-knit the 2×2 cable scarf and the mock cable scarf. For the mock cable I did everything exactly the same but with Luxury Alpaca Sport (a misleading name, it’s not really a sport weight yarn…..) I just added more buttons.The 4 button look gives the scarf a little more structure. It becomes a little more collar-like, which is nice.

I originally purchased these buttons for a sweater but it was not meant to be. I went to Button Button, which is definitely one of my top places to be at any given moment, to get buttons for my Dad’s Christmas sweater (are you picturing a hideously colourful fair isle sweater that is too big? That’s not what it looks like but that image jumps to mind when I hear Christmas sweater). I did not, however, make a note of how many buttons I would need or which size. I guessed it would be 6 buttons and purchased 8 just in case. It took 11 and they were much bigger than I had anticipated. While I am not saddened at the prospect of another Button Button trip, I did feel I should use these buttons wisely. I put 4 on the mock cable scarf and I feel that satisfied my quick project, buttery soft alpaca, and button needs all in one go.

The other re-knit I was working on is the 2×2 button scarf. The yarn I knit it in originally (Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Super Chunky) has been discontinued so I felt it could use a revamp. We recently received some new colours in the Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky at the shop and being a big fan of blue I picked out 2 skeins of Atlantis. I knit this scarf on 10mm needles and omitted the first and last 2 rows of the pattern.

These patterns are availble through Ravelry (Mock Cable Scarf here and 2×2 Cable Scarf here) or you can order through paypal (Mock Cable Scarf here and 2×2 Cable Scarf here) and a copy of the pattern will be emailed to you.

Tagged: Blue Sky Alpacas, button, Pattern, scarf

Inspiration

alexaludeman — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:15:16 +0000

I recently returned from a road trip with my charming cousin from Vancouver to Winnipeg. On our two week trip we camped and stayed with hospitable friends and family and had a blast. We a saw a little of our country and the sheer size, variety, and beauty is always inspiring. From the Rocky Mountains

To the Badlands

To the Prairies

It always feels good to take a trip and see some of Canada. I was inspired by some of the wildlife we saw to create another button scarf. I wanted it to reflect the great Canadian moose (although, sadly, the only one we saw was at the Manitoba museum), and I added a maple leaf button to complete the vision.

I used the new Spud and Chloe Outer (2 skeins) in a nice earthy tone called flannel. The yarn is a very soft combination of wool and organic cotton. It knits up super fast on 9mm (US 13) needles.

To purchase this pattern for $5 please click here. The pattern is sent via email in a PDF format.

PS. Thanks for being a great model Jess!

Tagged: Knitting, Pattern, scarf

Short Scarf with a Button

alexaludeman — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:01:18 +0000

Well, short scarves with buttons are all the rage here in cold Vancouver and I am right on the band wagon! I was inspired the other day by a scarf my trendy friend Robin’s mommy bought her. I thought: I can do this but with my own little flare and some gourmet ingredients! I immediately set out to make one for myself although Robin (ever supportive of my crafting endeavors) wanted another one for herself as well. I hit my LYS and Button Button and I was all set! I had cashmere, alpaca, wool and some great buttons. I found that buttons are really the key to the scarf although they are really the least amount of work (unless you are making your own button I suppose).

My first attempt went pretty well. It was a lovely purple number made with Blue Sky Alpaca’s Worsted weight yarn. Alpaca is a delightfully warm fiber and the worsted weight comes in a variety of vibrant colors. Who wants a mousy boring scarf? A hand made scarf should be the focus of your outfit! Robin chose a cool black-and-white button with a bunny and a frog on it. It was a little out there for me but she is really the fashionable one so I differ. This pic is of the scarf with a different button. Long story.

Next I vowed I would make something for me. I used black Mirasol yarn which is made up of alpaca, wool, and silk. A delightful yarn with many different colors within the black. In the sun it has hints of blue and orange. I had some neat bird buttons kicking around from an abandoned project which I felt would work for this project too. I abandoned my original single button design to create something new with two buttons instead since I couldn’t bear to separate the two. I absolutely love this scarf! It’s warm, unique, and a little trendy.

Once I finished those two I was on a little bit of a role so I made another purple scarf (I originally bought too much yarn for Robin’s) and a pretty springy blue scarf. I don’t really need that many scarves so I put a couple up on my Etsy store. I’m so enamored of these scarves I just want to make them in every color and with all different buttons! They don’t take long and they really showcase the colors, fibers, and stitches. A perfect project for any beginner or pro.