Friday, March 26, 2010

A Transitional Scarf ~ for a Transitional Time

Thank you all for playing along and divulging your favorite teas in the last post! You sure are an eclectic group of tea drinkers. Congratulations to KnittySue the winner, compliments via a random number generator.

A Transitional Scarf



Times of transition and change can be difficult as we adjust to the new "normal." But some transitions are enjoyable and are easier to welcome. Such is the transition from Winter and it's darkness to Spring and it's longer days, burgeoning flora, and crisp blue skies. The transitional month of March takes us from Winter to Spring and is the perfect time to knit a transitional scarf to ease you into the warmer days ahead.

How do you go about choosing which transitional scarf to knit? Sometimes it just happens, as in my case. My choice began with a swap I joined back in December hosted by Theresa, of TDoesWool. It was my good fortune to be paired with Kim of Chronic Ennui, who, as you can see from the picture above, gifted me with the Cadillac version of a Magic Yarn Ball. Kim (on top of her skill as a world class shopper) has a great sense of humor, is a prolific knitter and following her knitting adventures is a pure delight.


The yarn she sent me needed to be transformed. But into what? For that I had to first transform it from a Magic Yarn Ball into a simple skein so that I could view it unadorned and in a natural state. The seawall in San Clemente was a perfect spot to study it.



After seeing it this way it was easy to decide, for I could see that this yarn needed to be a simple design allowing its natural hues and simple beauty take center stage. I settled on a design by Evelyn Clark that featured a garland of hearts along the trim. I know. Let's hear an "aww isn't that sweet." But that's one of the design features that I really like about Evelyn Clark. She has a knack for creating shapes in knitting. For example, her Pacific Northwest Shawl has fish, trees, and waves all clearly depicted.


I've decided this will be my "guest scarf." If you are like me, you will have had guests who forget to bring along something to pull on as the day turns chilly. This scarf with its neutral color will be the perfect accessory for that purpose and will transition from person to person with ease, sharing it's warm and beauty.


Particulars: Heart to Heart Lace Scarf by Evelyn Clark Designs; US 4 circular needle; 1 skein Casbah sock yarn by Handmaiden Yarns. As with all Evelyn Clarke's designs, this is a well written pattern and easy to knit. The only modification I made was to do one extra repeat (16 total) for the "fingerling" directions. Due to this yarn's high merino wool content (80%) it will not hold a block as well as other fibers. It has "relaxed" into the finished dimensions of 56" x 11." Other Evelyn Clark designs I've knit: Pacific Northwest Shawl; Flower Basket Lace Shawl; Shetland Triangle Lace Shawl; Swallowtail Shawl; Versatile Scarf (modeled by Mr Puffy).

A Transitional Time

And the biggest Transitional of all? The addition of Simcha ~ which means joy ~ to our lives. There will be more about Simcha after we all settle into our new routine. But, for now, I leave you with his picture. Until next time, be well, love well, and enjoy your transition into Spring!

48 comments:

t does wool said...

what a fabulous idea...a guest scarf...you are so thoughtful and clever,Claudia.
what a great use of the yarn!
and your new addition!!
perfectly perfect..what a sweetheart!
give a hug from me to simcha~

Hilary said...

Well, good luck getting your guests to leave behind that gorgeous scarf when they leave! I wouldn't be surprised to hear it was "accidentally" slipped into one's bag... I love the heart border and don't think it's too "awww", especially in the rich chocolate brown yarn.

And congratulations on the addition of little Simcha to your family!! He is so cute I can hardly stand it!

Rebekah said...

Yay! Simcha. I was hoping you'd add a new furry friend to your life. And what a cutie! I want to snuggle her, that fluffy fur is just too much.

I also love Evelyn Clark, she is perfect in my opinion. Her patterns are so clear and well written. And you are right her designs are just exactly as they should be.

That yarn is beautiful. I love the colors.

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

That is an amazing magic yarn ball! And you scarf is beautiful - suits the yarn perfectly.

Can't wait to see more about your beautiful new puppy!

Monika said...

Beautiful scarf! Your guests are sure spoiled! :o)
What an adorable picture of Simcha. I hope he'll bring you both much joy.

Willow said...

Hello, Simcha! You lucky puppy, you! You've got yourself the perfect mom and dad! I hope you will stop over at my MamaMia's and see her new girl, Bailey. Bailey already loves going for runs!

Love that scarf! If ever I am a guest at your home, I intend to 'forget' my wrap and insist that I am a little chilly, so I can have the delight of wearing it!


Happy Spring!

Kristen Rettig said...

Be still my heart, is this little bit a German Shepherd Dog?

subliminalrabbit said...

1. i love the idea of a "guest scarf", and this one is beautiful!

2. hi simcha! (what a cutie!)

raining sheep said...

I am kissing my monitor. He is soooo, SOOOO cute. I am in love. Of course I absolutely adore your scarf, but as much as I love great knitting, I think I love puppies just that tiny little bit more :) I see trouble ahead, he has that rascally look...your shoes are definitely in trouble. I am so looking forward to future pictures because puppies just grow so quickly. Give him a big hug. And...don't let him near that beautiful scarf.

Sue said...

Oh my goodness how lucky am ! Thank you so much for choosing me. I really like the idea of the house guest scarf, what a lovely idea to wrap your guests in some handknitted love. You never know, they might request one for themselves or want to knit one! Your new little boy is just adorable too, I cant wait to hear more about him.

Ginger said...

Oh... I wish were live next door so we can play with Simcha!

Allie said...

Congrats to KnittySue! Oh Claudia that scarf is so beautiful, I love the delicate edging.
Simcha is ADORABLE - look at that face!

kim said...

Oh, what a sweetie. Look at that face. No, not you - although you are sweet too. Simcha is just gorgeous. I am so happy for you. The scarf is lovely. If I were your guest, I'd slip it into my suitcase. ;) I can't wait to see more pictures of the new baby.

betty said...

Awww -- you got a new dog! Life is always better with a dog, in my humble opinion.

You live in SoCal -- I did not know you have seasonal transitions!

amanda said...

I love the idea of a guest scarf. I once had the rather ambitious notion to knit Birch scarves for the women at a barbecue I was hosting. Needless to say that idea got knocked on the head fairly quickly~! :D

CelticCastOn said...

OH MY!! He's gorgeous, i can't wait to hear all about him!!!

Elizabeth said...

The scarf is gorgeous, the perfect colour. But my heart is stolen by Simcha, how cute does this small puppy looks.

Northernstar28 (Michelle) said...

Coming to your house would be so lovely. Tea to be savored, a shawl to keep cozy, a cute little puppy to watch and the perfect hostess to have lovely conversations with! Simcha is so cute and has a heartload of love to share with you and Steve!

The shawl is just perfect and I love your analytical way of deciding what project to use for a particular yarn!

Renee said...

What a beautiful scarf and wonderful purpose for it.

Simcha is handsome and expressive. Looking forward to hearing about his adventures and watching him grow. The hardships in finding a new puppy help add to the appreciation of them once they finally join the family. Hope he adjusts to your schedule quickly and you are all bonding well!

Michelle said...

The scarf looks lovely. The heart edging is very pretty. I have several Evelyn Clark designs but haven't knit any of them yet. And how adorable is that puppy face! Can't wait to hear more.

jillian said...

It's gorgeous! And you are so generous to make it your guest scarf.

And oh my gosh, Simcha. That look, those eyes, that fur! So glad Simcha found a good home and you have a new furry delight!

dogwithbooks said...

I'm so happy for you! Simcha looks adorable!

Kathleen said...

Your shawl is so beautiful! And Simcha is just too precious for words. I know Mr. Puffy would be happy with your new member of the family. Looking forward to seeing more of the 'new baby'!

Bubblesknits said...

Gorgeous scarf! And welcome Simcha! :)

Bridget said...

Beautiful scarf! I love the shading of it.

Oh.My.God. Simcha. It should be illegal to have a face like that.

KnittySue said...

Beautiful scarf and sending a pet, pat, hug and kiss to Simcha...how cute is that face, you are one lucky puppy.

knittingdragonflies said...

I'm totally in love, he is such a sweetie, Oh yes and I love the shawl.
What a cutie, may your floors and woodwork survive his puppyhood.
Giggles
Vicki

Larissa said...

Oh Simcha, you have arrived at the perfect home - you will be so happy with your new mom and dad! And just so you know, there may be some modeling of gorgeous hand knits involved but you should have no trouble with that cute face of yours.

And Claudia, i LOVE the idea of a guest scarf - what a treat for your guests! Enjoy all your transitions!

Tracy said...

Simcha...Hello, sweetie and welcome to bloglant! :o) Oh, he is BEAUTIFUL, Claudia... Look at those soulful eyes. Can't wait to see/hear more about him. I am glad you & Steve decided on a new fur-baby for your lives to share with. Hope all is going well. Splendid scarf...love the elegance and simplicity and the earth-tones--this is lovely! And what a great idea--a guest scarf. I'm afraid I'm one of those who gets chilled very easily, so the offer of a shawl or wrap is so welcome. :o) Cuddles to Simcha...Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))

Carol said...

Kisses to adorable Simcha!

Anonymous said...

I can imagine Simcha, besides getting proper puppy training, will also be getting training in "tea-time etiquette" and "how to model knitwear".

He's a beauty and so is your new scarf!

SNOWBIRD said...

Just how cute is Simcha? TOO CUTE. Love the new member of your family

Katherine said...

Thanks for the link to Evelyn Clark's site. I went straight there and got the pattern for Heart to Heart.

What a wonderful face Simcha has! He looks very thoughtful and intelligent. I'm so happy that you have been able to take the giant leap into giving another furry friend your love.

SissySees said...

What a lovely boy! Can't wait to hear more about him. The scarf is quite nice too, as are all of your knits, but that handsome furry face drove all the thoughts I had about the scarf right out of my head.

Knitting Out Loud said...

Beautiful scarf! And what a sweet puppy. Congratulations! He will bring you lots of joy.

Ally Jay said...

What a beautiful scarf and a beautiful idea. It drapes so nicely and the colours are so engaging and pleasing to the eye. Welcome also to the new addition to your family. May there be much fun ahead.

Imene said...

I can't figure out which I like best your scarf or simsha ;o)

Anonymous said...

Mr. Puffy would be very proud that you rescued someone else and pleased that he left enough room in heart for it. ENJOY

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Your scarf is beautiful! And what a sweet addition to your family, beautiful puppy!

Teddy Rose said...

Simcha is adorable. Congrats!

Nice scarf too

KnittySue said...

Have a great holiday.

Anonymous said...

I've been on vacation and away from blog-reading so was thrilled, Claudia, to get back to your blog and see Simcha! Like Rebekah (and many others) I was hoping you would find a new furry friend. And I am so looking forward to reading about Simcha's and your new adventures.

Ursula

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I am very touched by the very warm welcome for Simcha. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Mo said...

Simcha is adorable!

Needles And Ewe said...

A guest scarf is such a good idea..though with such a beautiful one, your guests might "forget" more often now!
Simcha is so cute. You just need to look at his face to make your heart melt.

Jenny-Jenny said...

Love the scarf! It is so pretty with the lacy edge. I'll be there soon, but I'll probably forget a scarf so I will probably need to borrow this one. Beautiful.

Jules said...

Congratulations on your new puppy! So adorable. Is it pronounced Sim-cha, or Sim-ka?

knittingdragonflies said...

I love the guest scarf idea!! How wonderful!
Take care
Vicki