Monday, August 12, 2013

Kit Carson Shawl and The Outlaw

I have an infatuation with all things western so it's only natural that this shawl named for the American frontiersman and Indian fighter Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson would appeal to me.  Simcha and I spend so much time alone hiking in the mountains of Topanga it provides me with plenty of time for daydreaming and my thoughts often turn to the era when wagons rolled through these hills and cowboys rode herd and all the land was open.  For that reason I'm calling this my wild wild west shawl and chose rustic colors well suited to the rugged terrain where it will be worn.  In reality I'm sure it's just as well that I didn't live during that time as I'm not someone who appreciates rustic living enough to forego indoor plumbing.



Sometimes I take it for granted that everyone grew up with old american western movies and books and naturally understand its appeal.  But in case you aren't familiar with the genre you might try reading a story set in the american west such as  Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (which is a classic) or for something lighter perhaps try a fun western romance romp such as the Wife Lottery Series by Jodi Thomas or Texas Trilogy by Lorraine Heath.



Now Fall might not start officially until September 22nd but for me mid-August is when I start to notice subtle changes in the landscape and begin to anticipate the season and its cooler temperatures, beautiful foliage, spooky Halloween decorations and the excitement of a new unblemished college football season (I'll be rooting for my alma mater the University of Notre Dame Here Come the Irish of Notre Dame!).  It's also a great time to add a few knit pieces to your wardrobe that can carry you into the Winter and so if you haven't got anything on the needles for Fall it's time to get busy.


Particulars:  Carson designed by Rosemary {Romi}Hill (this shawl is part of a collection celebrating Romi's home in beautiful Nevada and includes a free modified three color version of the shawl on Ravelry); 2 skeins Hedgehog Fibers Sock yarn (both are sock club colorways); US 5 circular needles; I opted to eliminate the suggested rows (i.e. rows 167-170) and worked the shorter chart A border; no modifications.  This is lovely shawl with a wonderful drape as a result of the soft sock yarn I used.  I find that Hedgehog Fiber's sock yarn is a not highly twisted and as a result I'm not sure how well it wears for socks but it's soft and perfect for projects requiring drape and I'm always happy with projects that I've made using it.  Other projects I've knit in Hedgehog Fiber yarns are Asking for Roses Shawl and Mystery Socks.


PS the jeans I'm wearing in this post are Paige Denim made in America and carried by Nordstroms and I love them!

Simcha The Outlaw


Simcha is also a fan of the american west and here he is doing his famous outlaw pose.  Be warned he's got a quick draw and is a bit of a card shark so know that before you sit down to play with him!


Until next time be well and love well and have fun getting ready for Fall and if you don't have a college football team to root for, then by all means adopt The University of Notre Dame!

17 comments:

missyinedmonds said...

This is a beautiful shawl Claudia! I can feel just a subtle change in the air here too...the little spiders are prolific spinning their webs and I can't go outside without wildly waving my arms about trying to stay out of them! Enjoy this time in your hills.

Anonymous said...

I love the drape of this shawl, Claudia. You've captured it perfectly. Chloe

Bridget said...

Love love love the shawl! I may have to give it a try myself.

And yes, I can't wait for college football season to start.

Simcha looks like a pretty tough customer - I'd definitely want to stay on his good side ... ;-)

Unknown said...

Go ND!

Rebekah said...

BEautiful. I need to read a western again, its been ages.

Simcha is of course has handsome as always.

Anonymous said...

love everything about this!

Gail said...

The shawl is beautiful Claudia and so is Simcha, he looks like Rin Tin Tin! I'm also thinking of fall and getting out the yarn again. Your talented with those needles my friend!

shabby girl said...

Oh my gosh, your dog is gorgeous! I would spend all day staring into those eyes!

Hilary said...

Thisis SUCH a gorgeous shawl! Romi actually lives in Nevada, too, enhancing the western appeal of the design! I love that the colors are a subtle nod to your Alma Mater as well. :) Well done!!

SissySees said...

Stunning - the shawl, you, the jeans and of course, Simcha! My father was a huge fan of spaghetti westerns and the novels that inspired them.

Willow said...

Lovely shawl! I like the circular (not pointed like a triangle) form.

Since driving through the southwest this summer, I've been on a Louis L'Amour kick--reading every one of his westerns in our local library.

Tracy said...

LOVE the drape of the shawl! And the photography! Those jeans are great too... I have such a hard time finding jeans that I really like. Simcha is a cowboy dog some ways, isn't he? You could just see him out on the trail somewhere... *swoon*... For some reason this post has me daydreaming about the pink cowgirl boots I've always wanted... ;o) Happy Days, Claudia ((HUGS))

Kate said...

Just beautiful, Claudia. I'm mesmerized by Simcha's eyes. So alert and confident, yet so relaxed. - Kate

t does wool said...

love your outlaw,Claudia ;)...and the knit~~~yes for ND!

Tanya2 said...

Love, love, love the Carson! Your colors are fabulous. I just bought that collection of patterns; there are so many other wonderful ones in it too.

You already know I love Simcha :-)

Carolyn said...

Love the shawl Claudia, it's getting quite autumnal here too. I loved Lonesome Dove, you might enjoy this too http://www.amazon.com/No-Idle-Hands-American-Knitting/dp/0345362535 obviously non-fiction but still ...

elns said...

The shawl is beautiful. I am glad that my step-mother and husband have educated me in the ways of the Western movie genre. But I have yet to give the reading a crack! happy knitting!