xMeePx

feeling blue

For a very long time now my wardrobe has consisted mainly of grays, black, and sometimes purple. Some may gasp at this knowing about my love for pink, but it's true. I'm a metropolitan girl through and through and for a long time, purple wasn't even in the mix. Since i began knitting I've been trying to expand this fact, but aside from the occasional small piece here and there, it really hasn't happened. That is, until now!

I know many people may not consider blue as such an expansion of color, but I do, especially since for a VERY long time I hated the idea of wearing the color. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't opposed to the color under all circumstances, my boyfriend's eyes are blue, blue looks great on boys, and so forth, but wearing it was completely out of the question. And who can blame me? For a long time the blues that were out there just weren't right for my olive complexion.

Enter jewel tones. They have come to my rescue. Not only do jewel tones look great against olive skin tones, but they are a bright way to bring a bit of pop to an outfit without making me look like a child who loves to wear the brightest, loudest colors on the planet. This year I fell in love with two blues at my LYS and was determined to make something with them. Here is one of the projects I have come up with.

Th lucky pattern is the Cloud Chaser by Amy Swenson. This pattern caught my eye the second that I saw it and I immediately had to purchase it. I originally had the Road to China Light in mind, but wanted to keep my mind open to other yarns as well. After looking through the shop it became obvious that no other option would work as well. And voila!

Pattern: Cloud Chaser by Amy Swenson
Yarn: Road to China Light Sapphire, 5 hanks
Needles: Addi Turbos, US#5
Ravelry Link

The only adjustment made to the pattern was to not go down a needle size for the ribbing. Other than that, everything else was the same. It was a fairly straightforward pattern to follow and I definitely enjoyed knitting it. The vest has a very flattering fit that would look great on many different shapes. Now all it needs is a good blocking and a better picture. Thanks Amy for designing such a great piece.

lazy links scarf

After a few people have contacted me through Ravelry, I have decided to post the pattern for the Lazy Links Scarf. This scarf came about after a day of rummaging through my LYS's bargain basket I found two lonely balls of Rowan Cocoon. After looking through all of my pattern books and trying to decide on the perfect balance between the "perfect pattern" and the "pattern that would allow for the longest possible scarf," I came up with this. I hope you like it!

Lazy Links Scarf

Materials
Yarn: Rowan Cocoon [80% merino, 20% mohair; 126yds/115m per 100g skein]; color: #801 polar, 2 skeins.
Recommended needle size: US #11/8.0mm
(Note: Gauge isn't too important in this project.)

Notions
Tapestry Needle
Stitch markers
Cable needle

Abbreviations
K: Knit
P: Purl
SM: slip marker
Seed St:
Cluster: k2, p2, k2 from left-hand needle, slip these 6 stitches onto a cable needle. Wrap yarn twice from front to back around these 6 stitches. Slip these stitches back onto right-hand needle.

Directions

CO 32 sts.
Work 4 rows in Seed St. On last row, place marker after first 3 sts and before last 3 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K1, p1, k1, sm, p2, *k2, p2; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, p1.
Row 2 and every WS row: P1, k1, p1, sm, k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to marker, sm, k1, p1, k1.
Row 3: K1, p1, k1, sm, p2, *cluster, p2; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, p1.
Row 5: K1, p1, k1, sm, p2, *k2, p2; rep from * to marker, sm, p1, k1, p1.
Row 7: K1, p1, k1, sm, p2, k2, p2, *cluster, p2; rep from * to 4 sts before marker, k2, p2, sm, p1, k1, p1.
Row 8: P1, k1, p1, sm, k2, *p2, k2; rep from * to marker, sm, k1, p1, k1.
Rep these 8 rows until 1" less than desired length is reached.

Work 4 rows in Seed st. Bind off in pattern.
Weave in ends. Block lightly.

Special thanks to Leila for posing.

©Copyright 2010 Mia Rosa. All rights reserved. This pattern is to be used for personal use and may not be reproduced for sale or reprinted without designer's written consent.