Lace Ribbon Scarf – Second Version in Koigu Finished!

I have knitted the two skeins of Koigu merino in an array of reds and purples to coordinate with this season’s colors into a second version of Veronik Avery’s Lace Ribbon Scarf. I bought this yarn over the summer at Loop in Philadelphia.

Since I only had two skeins for a total of 350 yards, I made a few modifications to the pattern. I reduced the pattern by one repeat and added an additional knit stitch at each end to give the scarf more of a knitted frame like traditional lace. I also added 6 rows of garter stitches at the beginning and end of the scarf. In addition to completing the border, it helps the lace to lay better.

I knitted until I had enough for the last 6 rows and bindoff. I measured the width of the scarf and multiplied by 4 for each row.

While I would have liked a longer scarf, I love it! I make a loop and hook the ends through it.

Koigu Ribbon Lace Scarf in Reds and Purples

Knitting on Fair Harbor Beach in September

We managed to get one more weekend on the beach to get away from New York City and enjoy the lapping waves. September is a great time to go to Fire Island since the beach is empty except for the few brave souls enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the sands.  Of course, since I’m always cold, it means layers of clothes and coverings! It makes knitting with wool a welcome pleasure.

Fair Harbor, Fire Island in September

 

Fair Harbor Beach on Fire Island - September 2008

Koigu and Tess' Yarns Projects Protected on Fair Harbor Beach

Huddled beneath my layers of warmth (no swimsuits needed!), I worked on two projects, the Koigu Lace Ribbon Scarf and my Purple Chevron Sweater. It’s wonderful to work outside in natural sunlight which brings out the fullness of the colors. Here are some Yarn Harlot inspired photos.

Tess' Twinkle Yarn in Purple on Fair Harbor Beach

Purple Chevron Sweater on Fair Harbor Beach

 

Koigu Ribbon Lace Scarf Stretches on Fair Harbor Beach

From a creative perspective, the beach and environs are great sources of knitting inspiration from the undulating sands to the wild grasses.

Untouched Sands - Textured Knitting Inspiration

Wild Grasses as Textile Inspiration

Labor Day Knitting in Montauk

Heading out to Montauk on Labor Day may becoming a tradition for us. To take advantage of the last days of summer, we make a one day pilgrimage to the end of Long Island where the beaches are relatively less crowded. Of course, it’s a three and a half hour train ride which allows me more uninterrupted knitting time but we view it as an adventure. I used the time to work on my Saffron Tunic in Beige Cotton.

From the train station, we take one of the mini-van taxis into the center of town and walk to the beach from there. Despite the motels that line the road along the beach, the beach tends to be fairly empty. (Mind you this is a Manhattanite’s perspective. Beaches that are closer to New York City are so densely carpeted with blankets that it can be difficult to see sand until you’re at the water’s edge.)

Sea gull eye view of Montauk Beach

Enjoying Montauk Beach enables us to take an afternoon break for heros from the local grocery store followed by a yarn break at Purl By The Sea.  While I get to fondle the various yarns and indulge in stash enhancement, the hubster can settle into the spouse rocker and read.

Purl By The Sea - Montauk Yarn Haven

To my surprise there was a Labor Day Sale in progress. Music to any knitter’s ears. Since my stash was overflowing, I bought Barbara Walker’s Treasury of Knitting Patterns. It is a book that every knitter should have in their library. Although it would be improved if the stitches were charted.