Bulky Shrugs

I have 3 skeins of Araucania Liwen in my yarn stash... It looks like this:

It's a pretty mixture of beach glassy colors, and I have seriously struggled with what to do with 350 yards of it. As you can see, I started a big, foofy scarf in a herringbone stitch. Let us examine all the things that are so, so wrong with all of this:

First off, there is no edging on this sad little scarf square. I don't care if the world thinks I'm wrong, but at this point in my knitting life, I am a firm believer in the power of edgings- they just make things look so much cleaner, handmade and less "crafty". Have I mentioned my dislike for the term "crafty"? It conjures up images of pipe cleaners and glue guns, which just aren't the same, to me.

Secondly, I live in Houston, Texas, where What the Heck Am I Going To Do With This Giant Scarf? I already have a giant scarf that is currently vacationing in the outlands of Jacki's Closet, so why am I bothering with this?!

So obviously, I'll be tearing this little beauty out, in favor of something else. Maybe a bulky shrug that I can wear during the two weeks of spring that we have?

I found the #101 Shawl Collared Shrug by Sweaterbabe, which is adorable and classic:

Pretty in Misti by Kitman Figueroa could be super nice in the yarn:

And finally, the adorable Bazan by the adorable Jane Richmond. I swear, Jane Richmond could macrame a g-string and I'd queue it.

Or maybe an accessory? I'm not married to the idea of a bulky shrug, but I generally don't do well with things like knitted bags. Hmm....

Anyone have any suggestions?
- YX

Video: Contiguous Shoulder

I haven't had many FO posts lately because I'm working on a big sweater project, but I did a video this week on the contiguous sleeve, which is an alternative option to the traditional raglan or seamed sleeve.

Contiguous sleeves are seamless, but look seamed. I love them! Rav member SusieM invented the method, and there's a group on Ravelry with more information on how to complete the sleeve.

Here's a WIP photo of the shoulder:

The bottom of the sweater is still above my natural waistline, so I have quite a way to go before I can start on the dreaded sleeves and hood. I hate doing sleeves! I actually have a sweater that is all but done, thanks to the sleeves.

Queued: Aphrodite

I love knitwear. I really do. But I have a complaint.

Now, wait a minute, come back! I think it's a fair complaint. The vast majority of knitwear exists in the realm of medium to bulky weight. When I say this, I mean comparatively. Look at the knit goods available in a clothing store. There's stuff like simple v-neck pullovers that are the teeniest machine stitches, knit shirts with completely indiscernible gauge, and accessories that are cobweb weight at best.

Relative to the rest of my wardrobe, my knitwear tends to fill the same textural application in a daily outfit: The large, soft, obviously-knitted niche. Which is why I'm obsessed with this:

Eeeeeeeeeeeep!! It's Aphrodite by Jamie Besel, and it doesn't even look like it's knitted! It's so flowy and translucent. I audibly gasped when I first saw it.

Upon further inspection, you can see some incredible detail and the teensy stitches. This is Habu 20/3 bamboo on size 1 needles. Look at the shoulder, attaching by what appears to be just a thread. 

The drape is incredible, too. I love the smocked appearance on the bottom, and the Grecian style of the overall design. This is so feminine and sexy, but still modest, for those of you who aren't high on low necklines.

The back and fronts are similar. The top is just enchanting. I could see so many variations on this top, including using the gathering concept to create a maternity tank with pleats over the midriff.

I can't imagine this in a color besides white/natural. Maybe a dove gray? Black would hide all of the incredible texture, and colors would seem distracting.

I would love to knit this one as soon as I get Versio off the needles. So many potential projects! I DO want to work on a pullover for Andrew, too, since we're married now and it won't mean the demise of our relationship.

Have a great day!
- YX

Fantasy knit spaces

If you had endless cash, what kind of knitting space would you create? I have a chaise lounge that is great for knitting, but I generally find myself on my couch next to my husband. But given the ability to create just a space for knitting and relaxation? I might do something like one of these:

I need a decent view, an inviting space, and plenty of space to put up my feet!

What do you need to make a great knit nook?
- YX

Window shopping: Etsy yarn

I was idly browsing Etsy last night and happened upon some interesting yarn! Although I'm on somewhat of a yarn diet, I figured I'd share it with anyone who was actively shopping.

Etsy is such a great resource for handmade things, but it's also great for hand dyed and spun yarns, as well as recycled yarn! Great cashmere at reasonable prices, silks, and a guilt-free conscience for re-loving fiber that was given away.

Sunrise Fiber Co.'s Neon Green Silver sock yarn:

Lightbrown Hare's Jackalope sock in Luna Cat:

Wild Hare's Handspun Self-striping Bulky Superwash in Peacock Gradient:

ShopYarnLove's Poppies in Winter sock:

Gnome Acres's Fawkes the Phoenix lace:

I love them all! That first one is really killing me! I can't wear green near my face, but I could see awesome gloves or iPhone accessories with it! Eeep!

Leave your pick in the comments! 

- YX