Knit-Along: Elemental Changes Scarf from Aylin’s Woolgatherer - Day 2

Do over...

After my disastrous beginning, I actually found the first section of this scarf to be quite entertaining. The fact that you are working three distinct patterns on each row is a bit tough to get your head around at first. I highly suggest that you do the first twenty rows on some practice yarn or just expect to frog it and start over. Like entrelac, it’s one of those things you can read ten times over and it just won’t make sense until you see it happen before your eyes. I can’t tell you how many times the words, “Oh, now I get it!” left my mouth on this section.

And make no mistake, this pattern requires brainpower. This isn’t the kind of project I’d take to my local knitting night where we all sit around a chat and drink and eat spiffy deserts while we knit. I can’t be distracted while I’m working on this--which is good; it flexes a different kind of knitting muscle in me than something like socks or a baby hat I can practically knit from memory. I’d classify it as “challenging” rather than “daunting” or “pull your hair out and go get some chocolate.” I had toyed with the idea of doing two repeats of the pattern to make a slightly wider scarf, but couldn’t for the life of me calculate how many stitches I needed to cast on to make that happen. And, no, I refused to cave and call Aylin’s for help (even though I knew very well they would happily guide me). I reasoned with myself that it’s better to stick with the basics on a new project than to go off and get all cocky. No hot-dogging, kiddo. Mature of me, don’t you think?

I found it MUCH easier to use the chart directions on this, even though I’m used to lacework where every other row is purled, so it took me a while to realize that all I needed to do was follow the chart exactly as written. Right to left. Every row. I made myself a little cheat sheet with the basic pattern on the front and the two edging patterns on the back. That made for too much flipping of charts. For the next section, I’ll put everything on the front--basic in the middle with edges on respective sides.

I’m feeling secure, because the next section still uses the same three designs, just in a different order. So that tricky row from the third section I almost botched this time doesn’t stand a chance in the next section--I’m a veteran now.

Up next? Section “B”--stay tuned.

Knit-Along: Elemental Changes Scarf from Aylin’s Woolgatherer - Day 1

You don’t tug on Superman’s cape.

You don’t spit into the wind.

You don’t pull the hat off the ol’ Long Ranger...

If you’re old enough to recognize these lyrics, you’ll know I’m about to discuss a mistake. Or, more precisely, a poor choice of actions. One of those things that should have a disclaimer running on the bottom of the screen. Like the Jeep ad that had the famously rugged car running vertically up the side of a house. As if a Jeep could actually do that. But just in case you entertain the notion, the bottom of the screen read those now famous cautionary words: “Do not attempt.”

I’d like to think that the human race has evolved far enough not to have to be told that driving a car up the side of a house wouldn’t meet with success. I guess I’d be wrong.

But then again, I can’t really call the kettle black on this one.

Don’t worry, I’m getting to my point.

My very favorite caution of late comes from the world of personal electronics. I have a Blackberry Storm. I love my Blackberry Storm. It’s the fourth Blackberry I’ve owned and I’ve loved every single one of the priceless pricey gadgets. I go into cardiac arrest if I can’t find it. My son calls it “Mom’s little black brain.”

But even I don’t have to be told....

wait for it....

“Do not lick your Blackberry to clean it.”

Exactly how has someone earned enough money to purchase a Blackberry if they don’t know enough NOT to lick it? Ever? Even in the name of cleaning it? C’mon people, why don’t you just lick the hotel television remote (reportedly a germ fest) or the handle of a public telephone? Driving a BMW up your new vinyl siding makes more sense!

Nice rant, Allie, but what’s this got to do with yarn?

I, at my advanced knitting years, should not have to be told...

“Do not start a lacework project at 9:30pm.”

Enough said. We’ll never speak of this again.

Until next installment, when I tell you how nicely the first section of my Elemental Changes scarf worked out.

The second time I did it.