Black Olive Is: In The Loop

The Attack of The Scarves: Christmas Vacation

The Scarves: They Are Done.

The Christmas scarves, that is. It turns out, that in my limited space, I only had room to block Midwest Moonlight and The Scarf That Is Nameless. Backyard Leaves will have to wait until my next blocking session.

The Scarf That Is Nameless was a huge success. My Step-Mother absolutely LOVED it. At one point, I thought she was going to leak -- something which makes me all nervous and uncomfortable, but which, in this instance, was rather sweet.

Midwest Moonlight was also a huge success. Mom loved it and wore it to Midnight Mass. But, not before she threw in a few guilt trips and one bargain to try and get me to accompany her to Midnight Mass. Hehe. I shall not be manipulated! No structured religion for me!

I'm only in it for the visuals, the music, the vacation time, the massive fun of gifting things to people en masse, the adrenaline rush of shopping on a deadline and getting to hang out with family and friends in the glowy swirl of gastronomic delight and good will.

Anyway, I was rather pleased with The Scarf That Is Nameless and am planning on working it up into an actual pattern with nifty borders and maybe some creative modification to the stitch pattern itself. I was also immensely pleased with Rowan Cashsoft DK. Compared to Debbie Bliss' Baby Cashmerino, it edged out into first place because of it's superior memory and stitch definition. However, I'd definitely recommend either of the two because those differences were slight and not enough to pass up a good deal on Debbie Bliss or it's luscious softyness.

Here they are enjoying some quality time blocking:

And here are the requisite "dramatic lighting" shots:

I have to say, this holiday was quite mellow and stress-free. I had a good time, didn't over-extend myself with promises of hand knits and discovered the joys of The Gift Card. Hehe.

There you go.

This week, I hope to unveil another yummy fiber-related purchase which shall, no doubt, come as no surprise to some of you like-minded souls out there.

In the meantime, go relax and savor the last bits of the holiday weekend.

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The Scarf That Is Nameless

Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK (57% extra fine merino, 33% microfibre, 10% cashmere; 50g/130m/142yds; color #SH516)

Needles: Size 6 Addi Turbos

Gauge: 22sts, 30 rows over 4 inches

Pattern: My own (stitch pattern taken from "Beautiful Knitting Patterns," by Klopper)

Finished Dimensions: 60 inches

* * *

Midwest Moonlight:

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% merino wool, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere; 50g/125m; color-"red")

Needles: Size 5 Addi Turbos

Gauge: 25sts, 34 rows over 4 inches

Pattern: Midwest Moonlight from "Scarf Style," by Interweave Press)

Finished Dimensions: 60 inches

Xmas Knitting (or, Attack of The Scarves...)

The Christmas Knitting has begun!

Actually, I haven't really promised more than two things -- the rest of the items are not-promised and can be abandoned or gifted when I wish or when they're finished, since the intended recipients (one of whom is a dog) have no knowledge.

It's a lot less stressful this way...

Pictured above is Midwest Moonlight from "Scarf Style." I cast on for it this past Saturday and am about three-fourths of the way through the 25 repeat pattern.

I have to say, this is one addictive and easy pattern. I don't even need to glance at it anymore!

And MAN, this Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino is amazingly soft. SOOO soft.

Did I mention soft?

This one is for Mom. I have to knit her gift first each year or she gets EXTREMELY ornery. Hehe.

Here are some close-ups:

And, remember this:

Yes, it's Backyard Leaves (also from "Scarf Style". I finished it WAY back. I was going to wait until it was blocked before posting about it again, but I really enjoy staring at all the leaves and how they just POP all unblocked and such.

Aren't they cute?

This one is my scarf gift to myself. It's not officially a Christmas Knit, but it's a scarf, so bear with me peeps.

The next Christmas Knit is for my Step-Mom. She will hopefully be the recipient of the Interlocking Balloons scarf from the same book.

Now, you see why I had to knit Mom's scarf first, right? Or maybe you don't. Maybe it's just MY family who has serious maturity issues.

;-)

Hopefully the next pics of these two babies will be blocking photos since I plan to block them together.

I'm on a roll, people! Just TRY and stop me!

Hehe.

P.S. Thank you all SO much for all the kind comments and enthusiasm about Rogue! The Knit Blogosphere can be a really cool place. You people RAWK!

Hehe. ;-)