FO: Branching Out in Alpaca & Silk

I LOVE this scarf on George!! :D

It really makes his eyes and gaping mouth pop. *L*

Speaking of George, check out Walter Greatshell's blog! In this post he featured George. Isn't that sweet. Zombie Love for everyone! :D

Last March I started Branching Out. This past February I got around to finishing it. The sad thing was that it only took about two weeks to knit. One week last March and one week this February. This was a very simple project that I'm sure would have gone a lot faster had I used the chart. *hangs head in shame*

Instead I used the written lace pattern. The year long stand off to complete this came from my lack of keeping track of which row I was on. Then I started a bunch of other projects...

I, KnittyOtter, had an addiction with casting on to new things. I've never been very good at that whole project monogamy thing. I blame that bad relationship with that RockStar back when I first started knitting. Boring Bastard ruined me and now I'm always looking for the next big high.

This year I have decided to make a change. I will try to work on only one or two projects at a time rather than 5 or 7. But first I have to finish up all those projects waiting around for my attention. So in order for me to start Madli on time I wanted to make sure I had one of my lace projects completed. I also completed a pair of socks figuring before I start any new project this year I will need to complete two or more that are unfinished.

Here's the detail shot:

Started: March 11 2008

Completed: February 18 2009
Pattern: Branching Out
Size: 6' 11" long and 6.5" wide
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca & Silk - Peacock
Yardage: 2 skeins = 292.0 yards - I had just a yard or so left over.
Needles: Bryspun US 7 16" Circs now a pale shade of peacock...
For: Me!
Purchased at: Jimmy Beans Wool in Reno, Nevada

This really is a great beginning lace pattern. After having completed this I felt way more comfortable starting something with lace weight yarn and a more complicated pattern such as Madli. Although somehow Madli seem's even easier than Branching Out, but that may just be some weird perspective I have now after Rachel talked to me about reading my lace. :D She also gave me a tip about adding a Yarn Over without ripping back if you forget to add one. I've done that twice now and what a relief not having to frog back over nupps! *L*

The yarn was also a dream to knit with, Mmmm Alpaca and Silk.... So Soft!

Here's one last modeled shot with George. This one shows the color best as it truly is.

Madli Update: Last night I finished the 5th pattern repeat of the center chart… after having to rip back a few rows because I lost a stitch somewhere and got off balance. I think I K2tog'd when I shouldn't have.  But Madli and I are back on track again. Woo!

Comments

[Cookie]

Great scarf! It looks wonderful on George. Of course, everything looks wonderful on him.

I'm so glad you're feeling better about your lace knitting now. How is the chart reading going?

xo

[Karen]

Really, really lovely scarf!

Don't know which I love more - that scarf, that scarf on George, or the reassurance that I am not the only polygamous knitter. Or maybe a combination of the three?

[Carrie]

Purty! I keep repeating sections on madli and I end up two stitches off at the end of the row, and have to count all the way through and tink back. Grr. I'd wait until I have some quiet time, but I think I'd look like George and require being buried with my yarn and beads before that will happen.

[Stacey]

It does bring out his eyes! Great job.

[Rach]

Looks even better on Otter! :) Great job! And I love your new lace too. I'm so jealouse you got the gorgeous "lot" of that lace...but I'm so glad you are knitting it up just for me, right?

[Alicia Joynson]

Hi Hi! I couldn't find a contact email address so this was the only way I could get a hold of you.

I am on a long lost search for a specific pattern. I remember at the top of the pattern it said “Otter Original.” I recieved the pattern from an old knitting pal a long time ago and I do not have access to it anymore. Of course I lost the pattern. I have been on a quest to find it everywhere. I think maybe the "otter" I am looking for could be you?… if not, disregard this message if so, HI!!! I finally found you!

The pattern I am looking for is a sock pattern. I have one sock done and more than halfway done with the other. It is a pattern to help “disect” the sock pattern. It is a great pattern if it is your first time making socks. Do you happen to know what I am talking about? It is step by step, very clear, precise directions…

Oh, how I hope you are the “otter original” I have been looking for!!!!

Thanks,
Alicia

[Angie]

Marvelous lovely scarf! George is such a runway hog. But he looks great doing it. :D