Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Done!

Now that I've bound off the top edge of the Willow Cowl, I'm impressed with how light it is.  The ripples do exactly what they were designed to do, allowing the fabric to lay nicely against the neck.  It's a perfect spring or fall accessory--more style than warmth, but plenty of sparkle.

I find myself wondering how it would behave in a sturdier fiber such as a nice sensible wool DK.  I wouldn't want it in a solid, but some of the hand-dyed or self-striping yarns might make for a lovely piece if I knit it again.

Well done, Sin City Knit Shop--I definitely left Vegas a winner!

Next up, we hop to the other side of the country and return to Raleigh, NC.

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Day 3

Bi-Partisan Yarn-overs?

Now we get into the alternating patterns that enable this cowl to stack up so nicely.  I’ve accomplished one of each.  Actually, I found it rather ironic that I did one during the Republican National Convention, and the other during the Democratic National Convention.  There’s a metaphor in there somewhere, but I’m not quite sure what it is (or perhaps am better off not saying).  In any case, this year I made an effort to watch both conventions and scan a fact-checking site for review of each of the acceptance speeches.   So the only political cry you’ll hear from me is this: inform yourselves, and get your info from somewhere other than Facebook.

Maybe the best lesson in all this is that it takes BOTH patterns to let this cowl show all its beauty.  And that it takes lots of individual stitches (and voters, and candidates, and issues) to make up the whole.  And how one knitter can embrace many different stitches.

NeslisHandcrafts photo

Sure, it’s a cantankerous election year here in the U.S.  But knitters of all kinds can agree that our love of fiber knits us together, yes?

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Day 2

Going for the gold...

Well, you know, that didn’t turn out too badly.  It was tedious going, picking up that cast on edge, and I’m not quite sure I lined everything up perfectly.  In hindsight, I think it would have been smart to pin it in quarters like a hem. As it was, things didn’t quite match up at the end and I think the two sides were a little slanted on either side of the fold for the last inch.

Still, the edge has that lovely scalloped look that we all want from a picot edging. It also has a sturdy quality that will help it lay nicely.  As I mentioned, the way this cowl is structured impresses me.  It’s built to ripple nicely into almost concentric circles, thanks to an alternation of yarn-over lace and stockinette.

I’m using the first rows of yarn-over lace to build my continental yarn-over skills.  Often, when facing KTOG or YO, I default to my usual English throw style, but I’ve decided it’s time to improve my continental toolbox beyond the knit stitch.

I find I’m enjoying the little bit of sparkle in this fiber.  Normally I don’t go for the shiny stuff.  I don’t even use frosted lipstick or nail polish.  But this hint of gold somehow works, and it doesn’t feel like it will end up itchy.

Willow Cowl from Sin City Knit Shop - Day 1

Sunset stitches...

After all those tiny size 0 stitches in the Yellow Rose Mitts, these size 5 needles feel delightfully large.  The stitches are still delicate—I’m not a fan of chunky scarves or cowls—but not tiny.  The continual rounds of stockinette make for quick knitting and fast progress.  That’s the ideal compliment to the slow-going intricacy of my earlier project.  Knitting is delightfully diverse that way.

Now, my history with picot edging is a sketchy one.  It doesn’t always work nicely for me, so I can say I’m nervous that it won’t turn out to my satisfaction.  I’ve got the necessary rows laid out flat now, and my next step will be to execute the classic fold-over that picks up the stitches from the cast-on row and creates the charming little points we think of for picot edging.

Red Rocks  Entertainment photo

I’d never put oranges, pinks, and roses together—they’re not colors I usually wear.  Still, I like this “Red Rock” colorway.  It not only calls up the memory of my evening at Colorado’s famed Red Rocks amphitheater (so memorable I made it the location for a scene in my book The Firefighter’s Match), but looks to me like the colors of a sunset in the desert.  At least what I’d imagine sunsets in the desert to look like, since I tend to shun very hot places.

Of course, Vegas is just that—a place in the desert—but I don’t think the view from my hotel window really qualifies.

Onward to see if I can master the picot edge.

LAS VEGAS, NV

When you think of Las Vegas, yarn isn’t what comes to mind first.  But where people are, knitters are, and there are fiber finds even in Sin City.  So when a book event called me to Vegas this spring, I went. Okay, the chance to see Penn & Teller may have added a bit of motivation, but hey, can you blame me?  

Lots of people I know go to Vegas frequently, but I’m not a casino person.  Still, I can appreciate the drama and theater that the strip offers.  So while you’ll see a bit of casino attractions that are my favorites listed, this post is like every other DestiKNITions adventure: just fun things to do, eat, and knit.

We always start with the coffee, so head down off the strip for a little local java fix:

Grouchy John’s

8520 S Maryland Pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89123

702-778-7553

grouchyjohns.com

Most of us can find the chain establishments in many large hotels, but I always seek out the indie spots.  This place serves up good coffee with a funky, geeky vibe that I really enjoyed.  Let’s face it, we’re living in the golden age of the geek—why shouldn’t our coffee come along for the ride? Lots of art decorates the wall, with most of it for sale.  If you’re a StarWars fan, this is definitely the spot to grab your java (or should I say Java the Hut??—sorry, couldn’t resist).

Onto the fiber:

Sin City Knit Shop

2165 E Windmill Ln

Ste 200

Las Vegas, NV 89123

702-641-0210

SinCityKnitShop.com

Debbi McCarty and yours truly

Owner Debbi McCarty is a tiny woman with a king-size personality.  She opened the store four years ago in another location, shifting here after two years to accommodate “the crowd that packed in from day one.”  

It was packed the day I got there, too, with lots of lively conversation and yarny friendship.  Debbi recognizes her tourism-based clientele with lots of different kinds of yarn and  a big selection of chairs to sit down and make new friends.  “Pilots even come here to knit on layovers,” Debbi says.  She specializes in one- or two-skein projects that make excellent gifts or prime travel knitting.  

Like most great yarn shops, Sin City boasts several elements beyond just retail.  I love that they keep a “Knit Doctor” on site several days a week to help you with your problems. Got a group of 10 knitters or more?  Debbi will host a “field trip” for you, with meals and discounts to make your visit a full-scale event. The shop produced an anniversary pattern book with some of their staff and customer favorites. Best of all, you don’t just get a discount on your birthday, you get a discount your whole birthday month!  It’s worth noting that fiber became a family affair as Debbi’s daughter Laci launched TINK hand-dyed yarns.

Here are a few projects worth your exploration:

Maria’s Bracelet Class

Ideal for gift-giving, this lovely loop combines yarn, beads, and a button in any variety of ways.  This Christmas you could make a dozen different bracelets a dozen different ways.  I thought it would make a clever personalized bridesmaid gift as well (if any upcoming bride actually has time to knit…or just needs time to knit to calm down.)

Christmas Machine & Hand-Knit Scarves

Speaking of Christmas, here’s one of the most unique holiday items I’ve come across.  Sin City has an on-site knitting machine that can help you get a leg up on your holiday project.  Save your fingers for the decorative elements and get all that stockinette mechanized by booking time on the knitting machine.  Ingenious.  Plus, how adorable are these for the kiddo in your life (or someone who just acts like one)?

Double Down Hat and Cowl

This store exclusive pattern takes 2 skeins of Cascade Pure Alpaca and swaps base and trim colors to create a pair of hats and cowls.  “Double down” is a gambling term for a Black Jack player’s chance to increase their odds of winning on a hand by doubling their bet in exchange for one additional card.  So this pattern set is thematic:  You double your bliss by getting two items with a variety of style choices to get just the pieces you want.

Knit A Long:  Willow Cowl

This well-designed Ravelry pattern by Amelia Lyon tackles one of my pet peeves of cowls:  how they flop aimlessly around your neck.  Clever edging and ridges enable this accessory to lie in elegant rings around your neck and shoulders.  I’ll be using merino-nylon-stellina glam sock yarn by local firm Downtown Dye Works, but 350-420 yards of any sock yarn will do the trick.  With just a bit of sparkle in my “Red Rock” colorway, this one promises to be a pleasure to stitch.

If you’re ready for lunch, here’s a local favorite you won’t find in any guide book:

Boulevard Bar and Grille

9860 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89183

(702) 939-2583

boulevardbarandgrille.com

The gaming restaurant is a Vegas staple.  This unassuming eatery is a favorite of Sin City locals, boasting super-friendly servers and a huge, diverse menu.  Not much snazzy decor or bright lights here, just good food served up nice 24 hours a day.  They’re famous for their eggplant parmigiana appetizer and “real” New York style (i.e. super thin) pizza.  I opted for a spinach salad with truly splendid dressing while watching the Chicago cubs play baseball on the huge wall of televisions that lines one side of the restaurant.  Tons of homemade desserts can round out your meal, including huge chocolate and carrot cakes, but I can also recommend the Kahlua cheesecake.

For dinner, here’s another place that locals favor:

Sicilian Ristorante

3520 E Tropicana Ave

Las Vegas, NV 89121

702-458-2004

sicilianristorante.com

There’s something so engaging about “old school” Italian restaurants.  Our server, Louie—really, that was his name—struck me as what Al Pacino would be like waiting on your table.  A total character who made our meal a memorable experience complete with running commentary and wise-cracks.  I kept waiting for Dean Martin to hoist a cocktail from the next table.  My dining companion, who really knew her Italian cuisine, said the food was top notch, and my bruschetta bore that out.  Photos of Italian scenes fill the walls.  This is as authentic as it gets!  The desserts are good, but save yourself for one of our next stops.

Now we’ll default to the strip.  I like early evening—dark enough to let the lights work their magic, early enough that the crowd’s most colorful elements aren’t quite in play.  If you’re not staying at one of the strip properties, then the good (and free) parking at here makes it an excellent launching point:

Talking Statues at Caesars Palace Forum Shops

3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

866-227-5938

The walk through the Forum Shops shopping mall to get to the fountain is entertainment enough (the overhead painted sky changes!), but the over-the-top drama of “The Fall of Atlantis” played out by the 9-foot animatronic statues is not to be missed.  Is it cheesy?  Absolutely, but that’s part of the charm.  Plus, there’s a 20-foot winged dragon, so there’s that.  The show plays every hour on the hour, but get there a few minutes early before the crowds thicken and have your camera ready.

Erupting Volcano at The Mirage

3400 Las Vegas Blvd S

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-791-7111

mirage.com

I give credit to the guy who can make lights and water look like erupting lava.  This outside show sends fireballs and “lava” so high into the sky you can feel the heat even if you’re standing at a good distance (so stand at a good distance, okay?).  While spectacular to watch, the event’s mesmerizing score takes everything to the next level. If you want to get up close and feel everything, sources say the best spot is right in front of the hotel.  Eruptions take place at 8pm and 9pm nightly, with a 10pm addition on weekends.  Seriously, you’ll be tempted to bring your marshmallows.

Fountains at the Bellagio

3600 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

702-693-7111

bellagio.com

I’m torn if this attraction is better at sundown or full night.  Both are surprisingly peaceful and entrancing.  The shows start at 3pm and run every 30 minutes until midnight, with different songs for each presentation.  The sheer numbers are impressive:  8.5 acres of lake, over 1,200 jets shooting up to 24 feet high maintained by a staff of 30 working 24/7 to keep the aquatic ballet going.  This, in my view, is a can’t-miss.  While you’re at the Bellagio, however, walk through the exquisitely decorated Conservatory as well.

For me, there’s only one place to end the night (and you’ll be back near your car if you parked at Caesar’s Palace):

Serendipity 3

3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Yes, you can eat actual food here, and I’ve heard it’s good, but for me, this place is all about the dessert.  No, DESSERT—this selection deserves all caps.  My mom took me to the original Serendipity in New York City as a child, and I have fond memories of the place.  I’ll tell you, I loved it just as much as a grown-up. There are a selection of I-dare-you-to-finish-it size sundaes in decadent flavors, but the signature sweet is their frozen hot chocolate. Nothing else tastes like it in the world.  Go ahead, you’ve maxed out your FitBit pedometer steps today anyway.  And it is the perfect—if sinfully hypoglycemic—end to a fun day in Sin City.

Next up, we’ll cast on the Willow Cowl.