Hi Everyone

Back at the beginning of January, I was having a mad love affair with Berroco’s new yarn Flicker.  Flicker is a blend of 87% Baby Alpaca/8% Acrylic/5% Other Fiber (the sparkle).  I was nervous about going to  TNNA and how my yarn ADD might take over and make me forget all about Flicker.  I was tempted, as you’ll see in the coming days – REALLY TEMPTED.  Yet I have stayed true to my Flicker, which pleases me to no end.

Flicker is super soft and because of the acrylic content and its construction, its lofty, light and has a wee bit of stretch or “memory” to it.  I knew I wanted to knit a simple scarf that would be squishy and cozy and warm.  I initially thought of a rib pattern but then took to my stitch pattern books for further inspiration.  I couldn’t shake the ribbing out of my head and finally decided to go with my gut.  I cast on for a 4×4 rib – big and chunky-ish – I knew it would fit my criteria for this project, even if it’s not the most inventive or challenging pattern.  I was so right!  Yay me!  Here’s my progress to date:

I’ve got about 25″ knit and I’m nearly through my second ball.   The first ball got me 15″ so I’m figuring 4 for this project.  The yarn calls for a #9 needles but because (a) I’m a tight knitter and (b) I wanted as much squish and loft as I could get without having a sleazy fabric, I am up on a #10.5.  I have not question I could have gone to a #11.  Look at my loft and squish:

I’m using my WEBS Interchangeable Needles and they are a dream with this yarn.  No snagging or anything and the stitches are sliding seamless over the joins.  This yarn is a dream to work with.  For the record, my width is about 6.5″ unblocked and relaxed.

I’m not as far along as I would like to be – story of my knitting & crocheting life isn’t it?  But I am staying true to the scarf until I get to the 45″ mark or 3 hanks knit.  Then as a reward I will allow myself to add another project into the mix.

Had I been smart, I would have opted to make something a bit less time consuming.  The lovely Andra designed the Grey  Quartz Cowl using only 2 skeins of Flicker.

(Photo courtesy of www.andra-asars.com)

She’s a faster knitter than I to boot.  Oh well, I am going to love my scarf and it’s all mine.  Of course, given the freezing cold, snowy weather we’re having, I am guaranteed an early spring if I get this project finished by March 1st

Next update at the 45″ mark!

Enjoy!

Kathy

Hi Everyone

Just a few things to share today.  This is been a crazy week at WEBS – both yarn and beads!

1.  I came across this great “yarn bombing” on Craftzine.com:

The photo was taken in Rome by Flickr user Start The Day.  It is just so cool and I love that it’s crochet!  No more tea cozies – it’s a car cozy!  This smart car looks adorable.  I don’t think my SUV would look nearly as darling and think about how much yarn I’d need!

2.  We recorded this week’s episode of Ready, Set, Knit and our guest is our lovely Berroco rep Andra.  She did a training session this morning for the staff.  The best part is getting to see many of the garments in person and to try them on.  While at the shop she picked buttons for a darling sweater she knit using Remix:

It’s on the cover of the dedicated Remix pattern book #303:

Andra owns her individuality with a fierceness I just love.  Here’s her “stamp” on this sweater:

I only wish my boys were small enough to wear it!  The buttons are from JHB for anyone who is interested.

3.  We’ve added a great selection of large-hole beads to the bead site.  These will fit perfectly on those cool bracelets that everyone is sporting these days and they are MUCH more affordable – only $6.99 each!  Be sure to check them out!

Enjoy!

Kathy