A quick something
Do you suffer from that pathological crafter’s condition where you realize you haven’t organized a present for someone whose birthday is in three days and you figure you’ll just make something from scratch? I do. This wouldn’t be a big problem if my craft were baking or cartoons, but knitting is time consuming. Unfortunately, common sense and practical experience of the space-time continuum as we know it are no remedy for this condition. And that’s how I found myself turning to Stephen West (how long could a jaunty neckerchief take, really?), rummaging in the stash for a skein of Malabrigo Sock and some Socks That Rock leftovers and casting on for Akimbo on August 24th.
No, I didn’t finish in time, especially given the need for blocking and shipping to New York. But Fortune handed me a cookie. Essentially the same hour I cast on this quick something for my brother, his wife went into labor. This meant that he would not exactly be watching the mail slot for his birthday present. And all that garter stitch was ideal — I needed something meditative to focus my nervous energy while I was waiting for news. Alas for my sweet sister-in-law, I was nearly done with the neckerchief by the time my wee niece made her appearance, and I am not holding any records for knitting speed.
I did try to get Akimbo out the door as fast as possible, though, and that’s my excuse for not having staged better pictures. I “borrowed” this little scarf for a cool morning’s walk to the coffee shop and liked it so well I’m going to have to knit another for myself. I’d basically like to have the entire Stephen West design collection in my closet for fall…
Akimbo, by Stephen West
Malabrigo Sock in I’m not sure what color… maybe Indiecita?
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight in Pond Scum
NB: STR Lightweight is significantly heavier than Malabrigo Sock. I’ll be wary of combining these yarns in the future.
Posted: September 12th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Love it! Also, your knitting speed is very impressive, considering you’re a new mom.
Posted: September 12th, 2010 at 5:09 pm
You’re not the only one who would like the entire Stephen West collection in your closet before fall. Thanks for making the introduction.
Posted: September 12th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
The right knit for the right time–and it looks quite nice in the garden!
Posted: September 12th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Looks fabulous – love the colour combination. Well done for getting any knitting done at all!
Posted: September 13th, 2010 at 11:00 am
wow, that’s so pretty! Your yarn choice is spot-on.
Posted: September 13th, 2010 at 11:14 am
i just love it! you did a great job!
Posted: September 13th, 2010 at 11:49 am
Very nice. I love the Malabrigo sock, but I have a glut of sock yarn that I could probably use in this.
Posted: September 14th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
So does that mean that you will have two super close in age cousins in the family? That’s as awesome as that fantastic scarf, which has made reconsider the pattern!
Posted: September 15th, 2010 at 4:55 am
I adore that color combination…and what a fun name, pondscum 🙂 And a big congrats to your brother and sister in law for their new little adddition!
Posted: September 16th, 2010 at 8:34 am
That’s so great looking! I love your color combination. It really makes the design pop. I also seem to think I can knit something last minute. I don’t know why we always convince ourselves of this despite past experiences.
Posted: September 16th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Delurking to say the scarf looks great and to ask what your secret is. My son was born August 8, and I’ve managed to knit all of 4 rows since that time. He needs a slightly bigger hat, though, so I need to pick up the pace so he stays toasty warm as the days get cooler!