Thursday, June 12, 2008

A Summer Scarf

I'm away soon. We are leaving on a short trip to Alaska for a wedding and I'm very excited about going. I've never been as far north as Alaska and I can't wait to see what this area of the country is like. The bride is the daughter of close family friends and she is a terrific young person. She joined the Peace Core after college and spent a year living in a remote village in Peru teaching about nutrition and sanitation. Since then she has worked for the park system in Alaska. It is so nice to see her find someone with a similar love of nature and interest in helping improve this world.

By the way, if you happen to see Mr Puffy, please do not mention this trip. He's not going and it's a bit of a sore subject for him.


I think I'm going to take this scarf with me on the trip. I love the pop of color it gives and I like the way it spruces up an otherwise casual outfit. There is, after all, different degrees of casual and even in the wilds of America one does like to look put together!

There is also something I want to point out about this scarf. Notice the natural color tones. That's not by accident. Have you ever fallen in love with a stunning brightly colored handpainted yarn only to realize after knitting it up that it goes with absolutely nothing in your wardrobe? I have. As a result I'm now a little more circumspect when I select yarn colors because, frankly, I am a project knitter and not a process knitter. I want to actually wear what I've knit and not just around the house. But it's an evolutionary process. You simply have to knit with that spectacular sparkly yarn with eyelash embellishment at least once just to get it out of your system. Someday I'll share a project (or two) illustrating what I mean. When I feel you need a good laugh, that is. Not that there is anything wrong with brightly colored embellished yarns per se. I have seen really gorgeous shawls and scarfs knit with these yarns. I just think that it is harder to wear them, you know, out in public.


In any event, this happens to be an example of what I would describe as one of my more judiciously selected handpainted yarns. It is still a gorgeous handpainted yarn but using more natural and wearable colors. It's currently my favorite summer accessory because the yarn is cool and drapy and I like the way it feels (it's 100% silk).

Project Specs: Shoulder Wrap kit using Handmaiden yarns, 100% silk spun, nova scotia colorway, I believe.

The gourd in the picture is from Frannie's Gourds an artist located in Santa Ynez Valley, California, a small rural town near where I grew up (Santa Barbara, California). In the fall these gourds start appearing in the local Farmers Markets and while I bought mine already painted for those crafty ones out there - and you know who you are - I think it would be a fun project to paint your own gourd. I've seen them made into birdhouses and I think that is a pretty cool idea. Here's a link to a craft site that sells them already prepared for painting and crafting.

Have a fun weekend everyone and I'll see you when I get back from Alaska!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Claudia have a great trip...the wrap is soooo lovely...and you look great in it...I should try this kit :-))

Monika said...

Your summer scarf is lovely, but what impresses me most are the pictures of you posing with a background which looks like from a fairy tale. It doesn't look real - it's beautiful!
Have a great time in Alaska. It sounds like a nice trip. This is actually a direction I would travel to, never south. :o) Mr. Puffy would be welcome to stay with us. I'm sure the pups would all have a great time! :o)

Denise said...

That looks really lovely, especially with the white shirt. Have a fabulous time in Alaska!

Firefly Nights said...

As usual you look great in what what you've made. I really like the design and the colors.

Hope you have a great trip, but poor Mr. Puffy.

Unknown said...

Where in AK? I lived in Anchorage for over 15 years! Seems like a long time ago. The last time I was there was about 10 years ago. Not much changes up there. Enjoy the long daylight, fantastic views, incredible sunsets and fresh air. Your silk wrap will be perfect.

Unknown said...

I am writting this from my iPhone so it doesn't automatically use my blogger I'd. Anyway last post was from me (sittinandknittin) have a nice and safe trip.

SissySees said...

Have a great trip! I hope to get to that part of the country some day to see the beauty in person.

Love the scarf. I finished The Moth last night, and while blocking will help, I think it would be more practical with longer edges/ties, like yours.

kasiaiscarly said...

Enjoy the trip and don't get freaked out by all the daylight :) My FSIL lives in Anchorage, we can't wait to be able to go visit!

kasiaiscarly said...

ps - be sure to bring Mr Puffy home some Yummy Chummies. They are Alaskan Salmon dog treats that Auntie Anna sends to our pooches every year. I guarantee the fact that he was left out of the trip will be forgiven when he tastes them! (but be prepared, they are STINK-Y!)

jillian said...

Have a great time! That scarf is luscious. Can't go wrong with Handmaiden/Fleece Artist, IMHO. I know what you mean about handpaints. I also focus on the wearable - I want to wear my Fos too!

Hilary said...

It's beautiful! I love the two different ways you're wearing it -- tied like a scarf, and wrapped like a shawl. So chic!

Have fun in Alaska, and you MUST show some of your sparkly, eyelash, bling blong yarn projects when you get back!

Bridget said...

The scarf is beautiful, and how fun to have something to take with you on your trip that you just recently finished!

I hope your trip is a good one. I don't know anyone who has visited Alaska and not fallen in love with it.

I hope Mr Puffy can find some attention and entertainment while you are gone ...

Pat K said...

Have a fantastic trip!

Anonymous said...

Such a pretty scarf! Have a great time in Alaska. Really, if you like seafood - you must eat the king crab legs - they are so delicious and fresh there!

Ally Jay said...

Have a fantastic trip Claudia. Take lots of photos. The scarf looks delightful, it has a natural drape and does lift the outfit to another level.

knittingdragonflies said...

Great scarf, Nice colors, have fun in Alaska, and you better bring back a peace offering to Mr. Puffy.
Vicki

amanda said...

The scarf is just lovely. Have a wonderful trip and share your photos, please!! I'd love to take a trip to Alaska someday.

PS. I won't tell Mr Puffy.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a wonderful visit to Alaska. I've always wanted to go. Will you please take pictures?

I just love the scarf you knitted yourself. You always pick such gorgeous yarn. I don't think I even own 100% silk.

I always hate to leave my Jake behind when we go on vacation. He never holds it against me long. Mr. Puffy is such a gentlemen. I would expect no less of him.

Anonymous said...

Know exactly what you mean about the handpainted yarns. They can be so difficult to resist in the skein, but often end up at the back of the wardrobe when knit up! Your scarf is perfect. Very wearable.