Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sea change

This morning didn't dawn, it "lightened." Last night as predicted, a deliciously cool front pushed in from the ocean, covering us with a marine layer this morning. I slept so well! That may have had something to do with how late (early?) I stayed up finishing my Melpomene....
Unblocked, but very wearable!


When I near the end of a knitting project, I become rather obsessed with getting it off the needles, and this project was particularly compelling. I spun the yarn (superfine Merino) during Tour de Fleece and I think it is my favorite and best handspun yet. The pattern is engaging and knit from end to end, so no interminably long rows to bog you down. Finally, you can knit the increase side until you've used half your yarn, then start the decrease side and knit to the end of the pattern – perfect for non-standard amounts of yarn like mine.

My Mel ended up asymmetrical; when I reached the end of the pattern, I still had a significant little ball of yarn remaining. So I just kept knitting the decreases and was able to add several inches to what I knew was going to be more of a neckwarmer than a scarf. When it is wrapped around my neck and fastened with a pin, no one will know but me, and I actually like the tapered tip. In fact, if I knit this pattern again, I will start with fewer stitches to make both ends more tapered!

In the meantime, this forecast spell of cool, cloudy mornings (followed by warm, sunny afternoons) will give me the perfect opportunity to enjoy my Mel and hot drinks in the morning, and good sleeping weather at night. Color me happy!

That's it for today from . . .

13 comments:

Mama Pea said...

A-DOR-able picture! (Mighty purdy knitted piece also.)

Michelle said...

Given how much Jackson hates to have the camera pointed at him, he did me proud!

thecrazysheeplady said...

That's beautiful!!!

Theresa said...

Let's color Jackson happy too! That's a beautiful neck warmer. I've been looking at cowls for a quick fall knitting project. Any suggestions?

Michelle said...

Thank-you, Sara!

Michelle said...

Theresa, I have a whole bunch of them bookmarked in Ravelry. I don't like to pull things over my head, though, so most if not all of them button or something. Quick tip? Big yarn!

C-ingspots said...

Nice colors! This morning's weather was refreshingly cool - I had to find a jacket!! I wasn't sure if it was a marine layer, fog or cold smoke in our valley. I almost had to pull out some socks, but I just won't do it, not until this weekend when it officially becomes fall. So, I left you a suggestion of reading material on your horse blog. Check it out - Kate's blog. It's soooo good!!

Christine said...

I so needed to see that picture today. LOL What a good boy!

farmlady said...

A beautiful scarf and a charming model. Isn't it wonderful when you really love what you've knitted at the finish?
Wish the fog of San Francisco would reach us here. Color me... waiting.

Tina T-P said...

Beautiful shawl - very cute model too - looked like he knew he was being special :-) T.

Mary Ann said...

That is a beautiful neckpiece, and beautiful model!

Susan said...

I love the colors! It makes a wonderful neck warmer - and that picture of Jackson is priceless! Yay for cooler weather!

Anonymous said...

It's cooling off significantly here on the coast too. Leaves are falling and the animals are storing up for the change in season. It's my favorite time of year. I love the scarf!