April 04, 2009
Bling-y Shoulder Warmer
So finally, I made myself get to work on the Bling-y Shoulder Warmer, and somewhat unsurprisingly, it's done!
Doesn't look much like she's happy with it, does it? Let's try another picture.
That's better!
She assures me that she is very happy with it, and that she intends to wear it. She'd better! She specifically asked for the yarn, itchy or not. Actually, I tried it on myself and the sequins aren't really itchy, just sort of aggravating.
Specs:
Pattern: Top-Down Shoulder Warmer by Laura Chau (Cosmic Pluto)
Yarn: Moda Vera Ballroom from Spotlight (3 skeins)
Needles: 4mm, Knitpicks Options
Mods: A couple. I found the sleeves were coming out too wide, so for the last few shaping rows, I only increased in the back of the shrug, and left the sleeves as is. Despite that, I still had to decrease a bunch of stitches across the sleeves. I only did short sleeves, as requested by the EmPress.
For the ribbing, I undertook the painful task of removing the sequin thread from the plain thread. It took hours. Hours. I'm happy with the result though. I think Em was worried it wouldn't be sparkly enough, but it's still plenty sparkly! And without added itch factor in the neck.
For what it's worth, I hate the yarn. Hate It. And it's not even the acrylic component, it's those bloody sequins. They kept getting stuck in the stitches. And the pointy needle kept getting caught in the hole at the top. And even though it's pretty sparkly, there are more sequins on the inside than the outside, but I don't care enough to pull them through. Never again, no matter how much she pleads or gives me puppy eyes.
And I finished something else, too! (Actually I finished this a week ago, I just needed to weave in the ends. What, you didn't know I was lazy?!?
My Flit n Float scarf is done! Nice, easy, quick pattern.
Specs:
Pattern: Flit n Float by Birdy Evans from Knitty Spring 2009
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Velvet Grapes from Yarn and Kisses
Needles: KnitPicks Harmony 3.25mm
Mods: I got halfway through, and had tons of yarn left, so I did a bunch of extra rows in the middle. Despite that, I still had 11g leftover at the end.
Not real sure how I feel about the Malabrigo laceweight. It's nice and soft for against the skin wear, but I don't really it. Being a single yarn, it biased a bit. It also felt a little heavier than a standard laceweight. I gave it a very gentle full wet block, and the ends have already felted a little, so it very much needs to be treated with care.
But I like the finished scarf a whole lot!
And seeing as I finished all my projects, I started something new.
MMmmm, silk, Mama Blue, laceweight, beads. What's not to like?
Posted by Donna at April 4, 2009 10:26 AMComments
Oh it does look super cute on Em! Maybe she can poke the sequins through if she wants it sparklier. You are a really good mum for knitting something that you didnt want to knit with. I love your scarf, what a gorgeous design and color.
Posted by: sue at April 4, 2009 12:57 PMCongratulations on getting that 'bling thing' finished - what a good mamma you are!
And that scarf is lovely.
Posted by: Lynne at April 4, 2009 12:57 PMI love Em's expression in the first pic. Make sure you save it to bribe her with later :)
Posted by: Michelle at April 4, 2009 01:13 PMBeautiful knits as usual! I love the shrug. My youngest is after me to make her one too, only the color keeps changing and I'm not starting until she makes up her mind! LOL!
Love the scarf too, I hadn't seen that one before!
Posted by: dawn at April 4, 2009 01:39 PMEmPress!!! Laughed out loud!!
Posted by: 2paw at April 4, 2009 02:01 PMREALLY love that scarf, very very pretty!
Posted by: Jejune at April 4, 2009 05:18 PMYay on finishing the bling thing. (It does look good).
And the scarf looks gorgeous. I'm trying my luck with Ene's Shawl in the Malabrigo lace weight, and I completely agree with you. There's just something hmmmm about it.
Your new project looks lovely. I'm intriuged.
Posted by: Shelley at April 4, 2009 05:28 PMThe shrug looks fantastic on Em!
How many skeins of laceweight did you use for your scarf? I've got two in Saphire Magenta & am searching for the right pattern....
Posted by: blueadt at April 4, 2009 06:29 PMThe shrug is really cute, and looks great on her! You are really a nice mom for knitting with that yarn - it sounds horrible!
Love the scarf - really pretty. I just finished a scarf with Malabrigo Lace - I loved the softness of it but wonder how well its going to hold up. And I agree - I think its heavier than most laceweights...
Posted by: Jeanne at April 4, 2009 11:41 PMEm looks cute in the shrug. Love the scarf. I really have to make one.
I have a bit of Malabrigo Lace in the stash. The first 2 skeins (different colorways) I used I loved. I recently started a scarf with a new skein and the yarn is much thinner and not as enjoyable. I noticed when I bought it that it looked a little thinner than the rest in the stash but I thought it was just me. After getting it home and now knitting with it, it is thinner.
Posted by: Suzanne at April 5, 2009 10:00 AMWhat wonderful knits...I love that scarf!
Posted by: angie at April 5, 2009 05:05 PMEm's shrug looks cute, really suits her and she is looking more like her mummy every time you post her here.
I really like your scarf, very pretty. I love the detail on the ends most.
Posted by: Leeanne at April 5, 2009 06:31 PMEm's shrug is very cute!! You're such a good Mummy!! :) Love the scarf too!!!
Posted by: Michelle at April 6, 2009 01:41 PMThat bolero is adorable and looks great on Em! Though honestly, she could probably wear a paper bag and still look cute. :) I love your scarf so much, I went and added it to my Rav queue before even writing this comment. I even have some Malabrigo in a nice gray to use for it.
Posted by: Marlena at April 7, 2009 09:49 PMThe shrug looks lovely on Em & I did you did a great job with the yarn. Love the scarf & the color - it's gorgeous. I better go & check on that pattern & put in on my list.
Posted by: Ann at April 9, 2009 11:43 AM
the reason there are more sequins on the inside is that the purl side of knitting takes up more room than the knit side. hence why stocking stitch rolls in and why is you knit stocking stitch with a fluffy mohair you will notice that it is fluffier on the inside.
i had a friend who made this retro 60s bright purple thing with mohair she picked up for cheap at lincraft and knitting it she ended up sewing it up inside out because she wanted that big retro fluffy look. (do you remember those jumpers i am talking about).
anyway...i am rambling on now and have taken over your comments. the bolero really suits em...it looks really cute on her. looking forward to seeing the shawl. btw. where do you buy your beads online?
Posted by: jacqueline at April 4, 2009 12:42 PM