I have/had a lot of design work I've been doing (well, it seems like a lot to me. I know other people do a ton more.) And some Christmas knitting to urgently finish (Martin's socks! Raevan's arm warmers!). And I just now feel like something is lifting off me. Like I can choose what I might do today, what I might knit. I don't think of Christmas as a weight or pressure at all. I freaking love Christmas. But I am happy to look forward now.
And back too. Mabel's Cafe & Knittery was a wonderful place here in my neighborhood, which has transformed now into Tandem Cafe, equally great. Back when it was Mabel's they sold yarn, and they had lots of store samples around. There was one scarf with a maze design that people asked about frequently. I was there on the couch all the time, and I heard a lot of patrons ask about the pattern. But the staff people weren't sure where that stitch pattern had come from. It became a sort of mystery scarf in my mind.
I decided to create something inspired by it, in honor of old Mabel's. So I'm designing this scarf. It's actually not at all like the original mystery scarf, but it's really a lot like the design I had in my mind. I find that with practice I'm getting better at that - seeing a design in my head and then really making it look like that. It's taken, well, just a lot of practice. World domination can't be far behind.
I'm going to publish the pattern by next week. The design was surprisingly complex, and I had some mind-bending moments putting it together. Then I ripped a few samples in gauges I didn't like, and with edges I didn't like. I settled on a knitted-in i-cord edge, done in the reverse direction from usual (with the purls on the right side, for those who've done this edging).
The yarn is Malabrigo in Sunset. Soft as buttah, as always. And sort of the color of Rice A Roni before you add the water. I love it.
That's really beautiful. I was just getting ready to cast on a scarf in a very similar color. I think winter weather screams out for the color of sunshine.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | December 30, 2007 at 09:25
I know what you mean about being able to choose. I'm not there yet as sickness put me behind on a few gifts. Oh, January, you are calling my name.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | December 30, 2007 at 09:37
I love the pattern when I saw your pic on Flickr. I have 2 skeins of Malabrigo in the color Frank Ochre that would look great in that pattern.
Posted by: Oiyi | December 30, 2007 at 10:39
Lovely! I'll look forward to the pattern.
(as I sit here in Tandem reading bogs when I'm supposed to be working)
Posted by: cari | December 30, 2007 at 11:45
I know what you mean about looking forward. I do love Christmas, but it's nice to be able to knit for me.
Posted by: Alex | December 30, 2007 at 13:15
Wow, I love the look of that scarf! I'll have to stash dive to see if I have anything appropriate for it... add item #4 million to my queue :)
Posted by: Katie | December 30, 2007 at 13:30
oooh I love it!
Posted by: korin | December 30, 2007 at 14:33
Rice-a-Roni before the water....that's priceless!!
Posted by: Heather | December 30, 2007 at 19:58
That color (and pattern too!) lifts me. I've been knitting gray and black and I needed some sunshine. Thank you very much!
Posted by: Valerie | December 31, 2007 at 08:56
Beautiful! The yarn and the pattern!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 31, 2007 at 09:52
so lovely! and, frankly, what a great way to celebrate a place that you loved.
Posted by: cosy | December 31, 2007 at 13:48
ohmigosh! i've been reading your blog for ages now and didn't realize until now, when i read the "Mabels is now Tandem" comment that we're both in the same city (well, NOW we are, i just returned a couple of weeks ago and this time i plan to stay).
Posted by: dori | December 31, 2007 at 19:51
Oooh, it's stunning!
And that spider in the last post?
Divine.
Happy 2008 (aka Book-Publishing-Year!)
Posted by: kt | December 31, 2007 at 22:36
Intriguing! waiting to see the pattern and how the mystery is solved!
At this point in winter we call any color close to this 'happy yellow'. We certainly need it...all else is grey
Posted by: Pat | January 01, 2008 at 07:51
I'm happy to be looking forward, too. That color of yarn is wonderful and so is the design. I want to reach out and touch the texture of it!
Posted by: Amber | January 01, 2008 at 13:36
The scarf is awesome. I am so glad that I got to Mabel's Cafe while it was there. I spent three happy evenings there when I visited and I treasure every one.
Posted by: Julia | January 01, 2008 at 15:12
That color is a burst of magnificent sunshine. Sometimes I forget why one might want to buy yellow yarn. I just remembered.
Posted by: moirae | January 03, 2008 at 16:52