Candy Wrapper Scarf

Well, last weekend I promised to post the pattern I used for my ISE4 pal's scarf. Finally, I remembered to do it! I call it the Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf because when I looked at two sections of the cable and the knitting between, it reminded me of a candy wrapped up in its foil wrapper. I know the pictures aren't all that good, but it does look cute, and it's a very easy pattern to follow.

If you would rather have the Word document of the pattern, just email me (on my profile) and let me know and I'll email it to you.

Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf

By
Shelley Snyder

* Cable pattern taken from Knitting Stitches by Mary Webb, Medium Stitch 13, page 183

Glossary of terms

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 together
Yo = yarn over
Sl = slip
Ssk = slip slip knit

C6f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 4; knit 2 stitches from needle
C8f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 6; knit 2 stitches from needle

Directions

Cast on 40 stitches

Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)

Row 1 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 2 – k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2

Row 3, 5, 7 – same as row 1

Row 4, 6, 8 – same as row 2

Row 9 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 10, 12 – same as row 2

Row 11 – same as row 1

Row 13 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 14, 16 – same as row 2

Row 15 – same as row 1

Row 17 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 18 , 20, 22, 24 – same as row 2

Row 19, 21, 23 – same as row 1

Repeat rows 1 to 24 until you reach the desired length of your scarf

End with 4 rows of knit (garter stitch)


Close up of cable pattern:

Lookie Here!

Remember I told you I was working on a pair of children's socks out of the yarn hand dyed for my by my SP10 pal, Robyn? Well, lookie here:

I finished the pair today, on break at work none the less. This pair went quickly, probably because I was anxious to see how they would look. They are nice and bright and pretty. I call them my Summer Sunset Socks because of the sunsetty (is that a word?) colours.

They are my typical stocking stitch children's sock knit on four DPNs (I think the size was 2.75 mm). In the picture they are resting on the rhodedendron out front.

Next up, for my knitting at work, will be a baby sweater done in Lion Brand Cottonease (I think) with a pattern I got from one of those tear off pads at Michael's. I chose the same colours as wasin the picture on the pattern because I liked the way they looked. There is a yellow (not bright but more mustardy I think), a rose pink shade, and a berry colour. I'll take a picture at some point when I start knitting so you can better judge the colours. Anyway, I liked they way they looked together. I'll also take sock yarn and needles along just in case I feel like working on another sock and not the sweater.

I ran into a big of a snag with my sockapalooza socks. I hope my pal doesn't stumble along to my blog and read this, otherwise she'll know I'm her pal. I've sent her an email with this in it, but she hasn't replied yet. I did a swatch with the needles and yarn, consulted my Sensational Knitted Socks book to see how many to cast on. So, I get 72 stitches because I'm using fine/sport weight yarn and size 2.75mm needles.

I've knit several rounds of the cuff, and only have a few more to go before starting the leg pattern, but to me this sock is looking big and would be too stretchy. I'm also afraid that if the sock is big, I'll run out of yarn (100g). She doesn't like toe up socks, so that is out of the question.

I guess my question to anyone who can help, is this: is 72 stitch too much? Should I cast on less? Should I disregard the gauge I got and just cast on the number of stitches the pattern calls for (60 stitches, but the size is for women's medium...my pal wears a US size 8 sock with a 10" foot length and 9" circumference). Help! I don't know what to do! I'm not good at substitution, so I don't know if I were to use a regular sock weight yarn if the pattern/sizing would work out well (since it would be a different weight sock yarn). Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas? I could really use your helps since I need to get cracking on these socks!

And, to leave off on a happy note...

The Time of Revelation

Gee, that title sounds kind of apocalyptic or Biblical doesn't it? Well, in all actuality, the revelation is neither apocalyptic or Biblical - the revelation is of my awesome SP10 pal! That's right! Today I found out who my secret pal is!

She is none other than Robyn from Knit and Purl Mama! Today I received an envelope with a pattern for the Seize Diamondbacks socks, as well as the dvd for the Knitty Gritty show the designer of the socks was on.

Robyn, thank you so much for all the awesome gifts you've sent - I love everything! You've made my first experience with Secret Pal wonderful, and I'm so glad I decided to take part this time. I'm going to join again, though it probably won't be until SP12, because I'll be getting reading and heading to South Korea during the next round (assuming they start it in the next couple of months).

Robyn has an etsy shop (she actually got me sent me some earrings from there pretending that she ordered them from "Robyn", not letting on it was her shop!), called graphicdesignchick. Go check it out - look at those oh so cute dragonfly stitch markers! She's also going to be opening her own online yarn shop that will be located at www.robynsnest.ca. Right now, however, it takes you to her blog but once she has the shop up and running that is the address you can find it at. I can't wait to see the yarns she'll have!

In other news, I've begun a children's pair of socks in the red/yellow/orange yarn that Robyn sent me a little while ago. I've got one sock finished and will begin the other one this weekend. I've been pretty much knitting this sock at work during breaks and lunch, but I did do the cuff and gusset at home. I'm also planning on starting the socks for my Sockapalooza pal this weekend, and I really hope they turn out!

When I finished my ISE4 pal's scarf, I promised to post a picture and the pattern when she got the package. However, I sent it out on June 7th but I haven't heard anything from her. I don't know if she has gotten the package or not. She's also not posted anything on the ISE4 blog saying she received it yet either. Regardless, I will try to get the pattern and picture up Sunday or Monday.

Well, off to read some more of Robyn's blog - you should see her little fella; he's so adorable and has the sweetest smile!

A Scarf In June

I got another awesome package today! This one was from my International Scarf Exchange 4 pal, Elizabeth (aka Stashkitty) who I think is blogless (though if she does have a blog, I hope she'll leave the link in the comment section since the only one linked to her on the ISE4 blog is to that very same blog...).

Here are the contents of the package she sent (forgive my mom's diabetes pills in the background...those did not come in the package, lol). There is the lovely scarf, some pretty stitch markers, a bag, and some delicious treats from a bakery in her neighbourhood. Let's see some closeups of everything.

First up is the scarf. See how pretty it is? I'm not sure of the pattern, but I love it! The yarn is Savanah DK and is an organic cotton/silk/linen blend, and its nice and soft. I really love the scarf, and I can't wait to wear it (I'll take it with me to South Korea)! Here's a closeup of the knitting. She did a great job on the scarf!

Next up are the beautiful stitch markers. They look a little red in the picture, but they are more brownish. I don't know if she made them or not, but they are so cute. You can see that they are on the bag that the scarf was in when I opened the box.

So, since you have been teased with a small portion of the bag, I'll show it in its entirety. The fabric was made at the place Elizabeth works at. She didn't say if she made the bag, or if it was made where she works, but I've sent her an email inquireing. Isn't it pretty? It's big enough to hold a knitting project bigger than a pair of socks, so I'll be able to use it when I make the next child's sweater that I have waiting in the wings to knit up. I had to use the flash in the picture so the fabric looks a little washed out or faded. In reality it isn't, though. I should have taken it outside to photograph when I took the scarf out, that way the picture might have been better.

And finally, the yummy treat! Yes, I said yummy. I've already sampled some after supper and it is soooooo good! She got it, as I said, from an old Italian bakery in her neighbourhood called Court Pastry Shop, according to the name on the box it came in. I don't know what this treat is called, but regardless of the fact, it is really good! I've never tried these before, but let me tell you, I wouldn't mind taking a little trip down to Brooklyn (where the shop is located) to get some! I decided to Google the shop and came up with this link to an article.

Anyway, thank you so much for the fabulous package Elizabeth! You did an awesome job with the scarf. I love it and everything you included!

A Prize For Me!

Not too long ago, Holly of Knitnspinner had a little contest and I was one of the winners. She emailed me and asked me what I would like for a prize - some yarn or some roving. I said that either was fine, and told her she could surprise me. Well, she did; and here's what she sent:

It is some merino/silk top and it is sooooo soft!

Now, this made my day - I love getting mail (except bills and stuff like that). I was thinking that it might be my scarf from my ISE4 pal because she emailed me a few days ago to let me know she'd send it out and I should be getting it soon.

However, when I looked at the customs sticker, it said nothing of the package containing a scarf. To be honest, the fact that I had entered the contest and this awesome package was on its way had completely slipped my mind; and I haven't ordered any more yarn for a little while - since finding out I'd be going to South Korea (so now I'm trying to save my money for that - no more yarn purchases for me for a little while), and when I opened the box and saw the contents (there were also some chocolate included - yummy!), I remembered the contest. Holly, thanks so much for the prize - it is awesome and I love it! I can't wait to spin it up! The closeup (above) is close to the actual colour.

I took a pic with and without the flash (this one is without) outside a little while ago. I'd say in reality, the colour is a smidgen darker than the picture (the other picture wasn't very accurate).

On the Sockapalooza front - I think I've decided on yet a different pattern to knit for my pal. While cruising the SAM3 blog, I came across a post that had the link for the Fluted Banister Socks and thought they looked great. Now, the pattern says that you use sport weight yarn, 350 yards/100g, and I have fine/sport weight that is (I think) 225 yards/100g. It is noted in the pattern that the test knitter has plently of yarn left over...it also said that for the pattern repeat in the leg that 15 repeats gave 7 1/2 inches. My pal only wants 7 1/2 inches from heel to cuff (so that would include the heel flap too, presumably) so I won't be making that many repeats. I am just wondering if my 225 yards/100g will be enough. My pal also said that she prefers cuff down socks as opposed to toe up, so I can't start at the toe and knit until I run out. I've really got to get these socks started

Where Am I?

Well, I'm still here. I wish I could say I've been so extremely busy that I haven't had time to blog, but that's not the case. I've just been a little lazy I guess.

I got a postcard (from Boston) and another package (haven't taken the pic yet) from my awesome Secret Pal. She said she's got one more package for me - the reveal package, in which I will find out just who she is. She asked me in the card that was in the last package if she should wait til the end of the month to reveal herself or if she should send it sooner. I'm quite fine if she decides to wait til the end of the month...afterall, we're pretty much half way through June now (where has the time gone?). Thank you so much for the package & post card SP!

In knitting news, I've been working at the mindless knitting at work - the scarf made with the yarn I dyed with Easter egg dyes. It's looking pretty, and I'm not far from being finished with it. I only work at it during lunch and breaks at work, that's why it's not finished yet.

I've also been slowly working at the scarf for my friend at work. I've only got about three repeats of the pattern finished though. I'm doing the Dayflower Lace scarf, and I'm wondering if the yarn I'm using is working with the pattern. I'm sure once it is blocked it will look more like the pattern. Right now it's a little difficult to see the pattern, but when I stretch it some I can see it a little better. I just hope it turns out well enough to give her as a retirement gift.

I was waiting for my yarn to come in so I could start on my Sockapalooza Pal's socks. It finally came in yesterday, but now I don't know if I'll have enough. I got some Panda Wool (2 skeins) to make her socks, and the pattern I was going to use (and an alternate one) both say to use nearly 3 skeins of the wool for larger socks. My pal's feet is a smidgen bigger than mine and she likes them about 7 1/2" from the cuff to the heel. I'm afraid that I won't have enough yarn with the Panda, so I just might go ahead and use some sock yarn from my stash (though I might also have to use a different pattern because my stash yarn doesn't have any solids in it, and the patterns I planned on using would look better in a solid yarn). I've been thinking about using one of the patterns (as an alternative) from Sensational Knitted Socks, but now I think that pattern might also look better in a solid yarn. Oh, what to do, what to do!

I want to get these socks started soon so I can get them completed and off to her before I have to spend my time getting ready for South Korea. I think we have to have the socks to our pals in August, and since I leave sometime in August, I'd like to make sure I get my pal's socks out on time - if not a little early. But first, I have to finish the Razor Shell sock (still slowly working on it from time to time) because I need those needles...unless I use a 2.75mm needle...though that would make for a looser sock.

At any rate, I should work on one of my WIPs and get it completed instead of doing little bits of several of them. That way I'd have some pics of FOs to show. Off to work on some knitting since I've slowed down on that in the evenings so I won't aggrivate the carpal tunnel. So far it isn't bothering me, so I guess I'll get some knitting done while I can!

As Promised...

Here is the pic I took of everything my Secret Pal sent in the last package...the pic I forgot to download from the camera for the last post:And as you can see...Tinker Belle had to make her presence known and approve of everything (which she did).

Also, I did some knitting over the weekend. I started the scarf for my friend at work, but there isn't enough of it done yet to show any pics. I'm using the Yarn Guard and a set of the needles my SP sent in this last package with this project. I also worked a little on the scarf that I take to work with me...the mindless knitting one.

Also, I made one of these: a dishcloth dress. The pattern calls for 5.0mm needles, but my 5.0's are in use with a UFO/WIP, so I used the 5.5's that my SP sent in this last package. The stitches are a little loose, so I think the size 5 needles would be best. I did a sample one not long ago on 4.5mm needles (I messed it up so I didn't take a pic of it), and it was smaller in size.

The picture on the left was taken with the flash so the colours are lighter, and the one above right was without the flash and of course the colours are showing darker. The actual colour is probably closer to the top part of the "dress", and it is made with Bernat Cotton.

This is a really easy pattern, and it is so cute! If you'd like to try the pattern, you can find it here (it's free). I've got some other colours of the cotton to make a few more of these.

And finally, remember I've been saying I've been preoccupied with something, and was late with my SAM3 socks? There is a good reason. I had a phone interview that night. You can read about what is going on with regard to that at my other blog, Confirm The Work Of Our Hands, and see what my future holds.

I Hit The Mother Load!

Ok, first off, for HDW I submit the following picture of my May socks. Yes, I know I am a day late with it, but I had a good reason for the hold up. Here they are:

These are children's size 2-4, knit on 2.75 mm (I think) DPNs, using Paton's Kroy (I forget the colourway) in a basic stocking stitch pattern. I've already added them to the bin I keep for stuff to put on the mitten tree at church at Christmas.

Ok...now on to the real fun - not that knitting socks isn't realy fun, but this next fun is a different kind of fun! You see, my awesome Secret Pal told me the other day that she sent out my final package. She had said I should receive it by today (Friday). I actually got the package the day before yesterday. It took a whopping 2 days to get to me - 2 days! Is Canada Post good or what!?

Ok...I just realized that the main picture I had taken with most of the loot did not get put onto the computer...so I'll make do with the onesI have. I will try to get that picture posted another time though.

Here you see the lovely Tinker Belle claiming things as her own. In this picture you see some fortune cookies (yummy), Jolly Rancher candy (also yummy), 2 sets of kniting needles (sizes 10mm and 5.5mm) one pair in teal, one in pink, some point protectors, a pretty shade of pink ink stamp for card making/scrapbooking, and a foam sheep to decorate (it's really cute). What you don't see is the beautiful card my SP sent...and that is because Miss Tinker Belle is laying on it! Also in the package were three kinds of beads (white ones, pink ones and goldish coloured ones), some other candy (chewy gum drop kind, Jolly Rancher Rocks, Hubba Bubba gum, two little snack cakes, a package of French Vanilla cappuccino mix), a little book of search a word puzzles, a small blank scrap book, some 3.00mm bamboo knitting needles, a key chain...and I'm sure I'm forgetting some other things. However, I do have some pictures of other items from the box!

This is a cute little angel ornament with a knitting charm. I have one like this that I got from one of the older ladies at church last year when I graduated. Instead of the knitting charm, though, it has one of those hats you wear for graduation.

Next up is a set of pretty stitch markers! I love these! She also sent a pair of adorable earrings and a heart shaped measuring tape! I was going to get another measuring tape so that I could keep one at home and take the other with me in my knitting bag so that I wouldn't forget to take it with me some time (it's been known to happen...). This one will go with me in my knitting bag for sure.

Next up, below, is a yarn guard which will come in handy and help keep the kitty from trying to attack it when I'm knitting. SP had packed several of the smaller items from the package in the yarn guard...very clever! I probably wouldn't have thought to do that.
Also in the box were 2 skeins of sock yarn (that is going to look great knit up into socks!), and 2 hanks (I think that's what you call them) of red yarn - 30% silk, 70% wool, 50 g/500 m. There is no ballband on the yarn, so I am assuming she may have spun (and maybe dyed) the yarn herself. Hopefully she will let us know in the comments about the yarn. Anyway, it is so soft and squishy and I have a strong feeling it might become a lace scarf...

The final picture I have is of a gorgeous little bag! It is pink and black, with a black lining, and I absolutely LOVE this! It is the perfect size to carry a sock project in progress. It looks hand made, and again I don't know if she made it or not. I do know she sews because she made that cute little dpn holder for me a little while back.

My Secret Pal has proved over and over again that she is absolutely AWESOME!! I love everything you have sent to me, SP. You have really outdone yourself and made my first experience with secret pal a fabulous one. Thank you so, so much!!