The Clincher Bandana Scarf from Ewe-Nique Yarns - Done!

I made it!

Seriously, there was a nothing more than a grape-sized ball of yarn left over, but I made it to the end of the loop trim. And yes, the black does indeed work with the other colors.  

I expect there are about a dozen ways to wear this bandana scarf, and I plan to have fun exploring them.

Ewe-Nique Yarns, thanks for an interesting yarn adventure and one of the most unique scarfs I've knit on this blog.

Next up, DestiKNITions visits San Antonio Texas!

The Clincher Bandana Scarf from Ewe-Nique Yarns - Day 5

Getting loopy...

I made it!  I’ve started the fascinating I-cord loop trim that makes up the distinctive end of this scarf.

I wasn’t sure I’d like the charcoal trim on this multi-colored scarf, but I do think it works.  And when you factor in the huge amount of black and grey in my wardrobe, it’s useful.  

So color?  check.  Technique?  Eh, not so much.

This is one time I wish I had the opportunity to look over someone’s shoulder.  The directions are explicit, but like entrelac or turning your first sock heel, you’re prone to read them and go “Huh?  Wait, that cant work.”

The trick for me was making sure I did the final “knit 4” after the loop section of the I-cord.  Otherwise, you are not at the right spot to pick up the wrapped stitch and bind off where you need to for the inner loop edge.  Undoing complicated stitch-work in dark wool is always traumatic, and I confess to several nasty words while doing it the second time.  By the third attempt, I nailed it, and did a little victory dance around my couch. No, there isn’t a video.  Allow me my dignity.

I made it through the first of the dozen or so loops required.

Only now I’m stressed.  I can’t imagine how the tiny ball of yarn I have (25 yards) will make it across all the loops I need.  It looks like it can’t possibly be enough, and any restocking I’ll need will have to come all the way from Peoria.  Such is the risk of out-of-town knitting.  It’s not as if this is a problem Amazon Prime can solve, you know?

Nothing like a little creative “will I make it?” tension to give a clever project a nail-biter of a finale.  Stay tuned—anything could happen.

The Clincher Bandana Scarf from Ewe-Nique Yarns - Day 4

Pressing matters...

The color is pretty, but the rows are long.

The yarn has that marvelous wooly elasticity, but the rows are long.

The loopy closure looks really interesting, but I’ve got long rows to finish before I get there.

Do you sense a theme?

I think if it were all garter stitch, I wouldn’t be so grumpy.  But half the rows are purling, and purling just seems to go soooooo slow for me.  I can’t continental purl. Well, I can, but then after a few minutes my fingers cramp.  For a long row, that means I’m stuck with American style.  The fact that I can knit continental style—which is faster—just makes the purl rows feel that much more like slogging through molasses.

I’m determined to finish out the rest of my ball of Prairie Spun today so that tomorrow I can begin tackling those fascinating loopy closures.  It’s a rainy, chilly day in Chicago—the exact opposite of my last post—so it’s a good day to hunker down and knit.  

If only I didn’t have writing to do, errands to run, and this guy I married who has a right to expect some interaction (and some dinner made) from his spouse.  I’m writing the climax of my book, which is always rather exhausting (yes, writers get caught up in their work), so I want to run away and hide in my knitting.

So, today is going to be about pressing on.  In my writing.  In waiting for Spring take up permanent residence in Chicago instead of just swooping in for a day or two and then handing the keys back to Winter.  In finishing these ever-elongating rows of knit and purl.

Onward.

PEORIA AND MORTON, ILLINOIS - Day 2

Orange you glad you're here?

Orange, because Morton is “the pumpkin capitol of the world.”  Why?  Libby’s pumpkin—choice of pie-makers everywhere, myself included—is canned here.  But this charming midwestern town boasts more than fall gourds (or, technically, fruits).  It boasts some nifty knitting and other adventures.

Leaves N Beans

213 S Main St

Morton, IL 61550

lnbcoffee.com

Start your day at this local roaster’s coffee cafe.  It’s so friendly you can leave your mug hanging on a rack on the wall! Your choice of three omelets (which they’ll make in to burritos at no charge!) or “Eggwiches” give you nice, heartier-than-usual breakfast options.  Wash those down with a wide array of well-brewed coffees, and you’ve got an ideal place to launch your day.

Protein and caffeine acquired, head over to acquire great fiber finds to:

Ewe-Nique Yarns Etc.

110 E Queenwood Rd

Morton, IL 61550

309-266-9398

ewe-niqueyarnsetc.com

I’m especially fond of stores that manage an open, uncluttered floor plan while maintaining a cozy feel.  Owner Debbie Showalter has created an inviting space in this her third Morton location.  A town resident taught to knit by her Bunco partner, Debbie dove into the knit shop business with characteristic passion to create an enterprise that’s lasted eleven years.

“Our customers tend toward smaller projects,” Debbie says, “so we have a particular focus on accessories.  Lots of shawls and lots of socks.”  That’s my kind of store!

Debbie, Yours Truly, and Jenny

Debbie and her daughter Jenny Johnson have created a large store well-stocked with good quality basics.  You’re not likely to find a fad-yarn destined to lead you astray here.

Debbie and her staff will ensure you have a satisfying knitting experience.  Technique and project classes offer instruction while Open Knit Night every Thursday evening ensures you have plenty of camaraderie as you stitch.  

Ewe-Nique also is one of the sponsors of the podcast Knitting Pipeline’s highly popular retreat.  Worth a listen even if you can’t make the event.

Here are some projects to consider:

Hitchhiker Shawl

Martina Behm’s popular shawl pattern calls for fingering weight to a make long, narrow, asymmetrical accessory.  If you want something with a little more heft, Debbie will be happy to teach you the modifications she’s made to the pattern to utilize a chunky yarn like Cascade’s Eco Duo and 10.5 needles.   Who wouldn’t want a bigger, chunkier one of these?

Hat and Mitts

When you’ve got a great fiber like Dye For Me Baby Llama Glow, you want the yarn to take centerstage.  This hat and mitt set, a Ewe-Nique exclusive pattern, takes only 2 skeins to knit up the set.  The feel is second to none, and the bit of sparkle is a terrific touch.

Three-Color Cashmere Cowl

Cowls can be basic, or they can make a real style statement.  This Joji Locatelli design has a snappy attitude with a trio of colors you choose and a bit of lacework.  I love the extra long length.  Choose 1 hank each of three Cascade Heritage colors (or any sock yarn) and stitch up this light but cozy piece to warm your neck or just add a snazzy pop of color for those cool spring days.

Pumpkin Hats—in All Sizes

Hey, what would you expect from the pumpkin capitol of the world?  Pumpkin hats for everyone, of course!    Jenny’s store-exclusive pattern knits up the iconic pumpkin topper in toddler, child, and adult sizes.  Super fast in Encore Mega, you could whip up a family patch in no time.

Knit A Long:  Clincher Bandana Scarf

I own a lot of scarves and shawls, but I love the clever closure in this pattern by Ash Kearns.  Lacing through a series of loops not only provides for a memorable detail, but or an eye-catching dash of color as well.  Grab a skein of a fingerling yarn like High Prairie Fibers Prairie Spun Journey 100% wool, then pair it with a contrasting High Prairie Fibers “little bits” mini-skein for those lively loops. I’m looking forward to making this unique piece.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the collection of supplies for tatting.  It’s a lost art that seems to be making a fortunate comeback!

Now for some more Morton adventures...

Desserts Unlimited, Inc.

108 E Queenwood Road

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-3510

http://dessertsunlimited.webs.com/

Not that it takes a lot to twist my arm for dessert before lunch, but you’d be foolish not to avail yourself of the amazing cheesecakes mere feet away.   Choose from Desserts Unlimited's wide range of delicious flavors—or you can get a “cake” made from slices of several flavors so you don’t have to choose.  We sampled raspberry swirl and chocolate turtle.  Seriously yummy.

Eli’s Coffee

205 W Jefferson St

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-0507

http://www.eliscoffee.com/

Here’s a one-of-a-kind independent coffee shop that not only serves up great coffee but also a nice menu of wraps and salads. Set up in an old house, you feel right at home here grabbing a spot of lunch.  The staff and atmosphere are wonderfully friendly. I had the Parisian Melt, a sophisticated yet homey blend of excellent bread, turkey, apples, and just-on-the-right-verge-of-gooey brie.  Save some room for their legendary scotcharoos!

The Rustic Junktion

201 Jefferson Street

Morton, IL 61550

309-264-9716

https://therusticjunktion.com/

Just two doors down the street is an appealing little boutique.  They were closed for moving during our visit, but the raves we heard tell me it was our loss.  Featuring “shabby, rustic, vintage, and retro treasures,” the place looks like one of those places great for poking around to find something truly unique.  We peeked in the windows, and even the decorated front porch told us this would be a terrific store.

Lulu’s on Main

142 S. Main 

Morton, IL  61550

309-263-6180

More fun shopping to be had here—and some great sale bargains, too.  Artisan gifts combine with some spiffy clothes and accessories.  There’s a little bit of everything in this stylish local business. I scored a whimsical pair of Christmas owls to sit on my kitchen windowsill next winter, and at a super price to boot.  Or is that to hoot?

Great American Popcorn Co.

126 S Main St

Morton, IL 61550

309-263-4272

http://greatpopcorn.com/

This isn’t just a store, it’s a taste adventure!  Hit up the enthusiastic staff for a few tastes of some of the craziest, yummiest popcorn flavors like “Pure Evil,” and “Ridiculicious,” not to mention Chocolate Shop Ice Cream flavors like “Zoreo,” and “This $&@!* Just Got Serious.”  It’s as much entertainment as it is snacking.

There you have it—a pair of Peoria-area adventures with enough food, fun, finds, and fiber to make any DestiKNITter happy!

Up next, I cast on the Fog shawl and see how a “knitting recipe” cooks up.