Short Row Brights

I love it when a pattern and a yarn come together in the perfect combination. I think this is one of those times.

Short Row Ribs Scarf

Pattern: Short Row Rib*
also see others on Ravelry and my Ravelry post
Yarn: Noro Kureyon
Color: 166
Amount: 3 skeins, about 330 yards, a few yards leftover.
Needles: US 8 (5 mm)
Size: 7" x 72"

I know a lot of people have complaints against Noro yarns, and to some extent I understand: it's not always the softest yarn in the world (but soaking and blocking does wonders!), sometimes it comes with knots and "twigs," (although I personally haven't seen much of this), and some of the color changes can result in a muddy stretch of yarn.

But I still love Noro, love their colors, and I love the yarn and the effects I get with it.

Here's a perfect example.



I loved the brights in this yarn but wasn't sure what would be the best way to use them and not have them get lost. Then I stumbled on this pattern -- and I couldn't be happier with the combination.

It's a relatively quick and easy knit. It says it's for "intermediate" knitters but I think if you're brave and have done some simple work, you won't find this hard at all. You have to pay attention in a few places and then it takes off.

The pattern I used is basically the same as the one I linked to but the link isn't the original (which has apparently been removed from the internet) -- so there may be slight differences. Let me know if you run into any problems or questions. I've already walked a few people through this pattern.

A blurry but good depiction of the short rows.

The pattern uses a technique called (in case you haven't figured it out) "short rows." On initial reading, the directions may not necessarily make sense, but if you just plunge in and go, it works. And look at the wonderful color banding you get!

The technique is the same as I used in a scarf I made for a friend although the pattern is a little different. Both were fun knits.



Happy knitting!

Multi-directional Diagonal Scarf

Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf

pattern by Karen Baumer; find it here
yarn: Noro Kureyon, color #188
100% wool
amount: 3 skeins (108 yds., 50 gr. each)

finished measurements: apx. 6" x 72"
needles: size 5mm (US 8) *

This is hardly my first completed knit project but in some ways it sure feels like it, although I'm not sure why. It feels like a major accomplishment and a huge monkey off my back. The pattern involved a new technique (short rows) -- that part I enjoyed -- but I got sick to death of it before I got done and it's a gift so I felt like I had to finish it. I've decided I don't care for the pattern that much although maybe it's just the yarn choice; I think if worked in something that has texture/variegation but isn't self-striping it might appeal to me more. I also got tired of the colorway, which is odd because I like purples and greens. Maybe getting tired of something is normal for knitting. I did love doing short rows and I'm pleased with the overall result. It feels, to me, warm and snugly, and I like the drape. I sure hope my friend likes it because come the holidays, it's going to be hers!

A couple of notes: Although I've heard that short row knitting can leave holes where the rows join, I didn't have that problem. All I can figure is that I picked the right technique for joining (the pattern gives a choice of two; I chose to SKP). Also, I really like the way the selvages formed -- a nice flat edge with a neat look to it that goes well with the pattern and the yarn. I used the alternate ending mentioned at the bottom of the pattern so both ends would look alike.

This is also the first time I've blocked something so I wasn't really sure what I was doing. I wouldn't normally bother with a scarf, and the baby blankets I've done didn't need it. On this scarf, my stitches at one end were slightly tighter than the other end so I wanted to see if I could even out the width. It's a gift, after all, and I want it to look really nice. I was afraid of somehow damaging the scarf so I barely dampened it, carefully and gently squeezed it, and took to my blocking pad (a camping pad with a beach towel on top). I started pinning and smoothing the fabric from the center out across the width (it didn't take me long to realize I didn't want to pull on the edges), then let it dry. The entire scarf is the same width. For now.

*for the same look, others might want to go up a needle size or two -- I knit loosely and always go down a couple of sizes from any pattern recommendation. Initially I did try this with a larger size needle and the more open look was nice but I decided I wanted the look of a tighter weave for this fabric/pattern/yarn/friend.