Sunday 22 January 2012

MONKEY BUSINESS.....


Hey, it's done! My Monkey Bread scarf is finally finished. I made the infinity version, grafting the stitches together, but was unhappy with the finished result. The pattern asked for fifteen repeats, but in order to use up as much of the yarn as possible, I managed eighteen repeats and felt very pleased with myself. However, once finished I wasn't happy with the lay of the piece. I think the exrtra length made it too long, so it would not fit snuggly around the neck, without a rather long second loop of scarf that looked pretty ridiculous (in my opinion). So I spent a whole evening unpicking and the casting off both ends. However, I have to say that this is just the scrummiest, softest, lightest and warmest yarn you could ever wish to have coiled around your neck. The feeling of all consuming warmth is almost immediate!! It's truly gorgeous and I can't wait to use it again. So, my scarf of choice all week has been 'Monkey Bread'; inside and out!

I've spent a long time scouring the internet and pattern books to come up with a pretty, but not too fussy, little bolero for Sophie to wear over her flower girl dress at THE wedding in April. Nothing was quite to my liking, so I've resorted to a pattern that I've used before, from Rowan's 'Milk Cotton Baby Collection' book. I showed you the yarn and pattern last week. So far I've knit up the back and begun the left front. The pattern is simple, but needs a little adjusting as I am using Debbie Bliss cashsoft, a 100% merino wool instead of Rowan milk cotton and the tension is a little different. Rather than altering the needle size, I am adjusting the number of rows and pattern shaping instead.



I love the soft, pretty colour. Hopefully, it will blend in with the wedding colours of blues, lilacs and purples, the colours of English spring flowers. Here's the one made previously for Sophie's little cousin, Alice. It's a pretty pattern


The little button is knitted as well, which just seems to add that little extra special finishing touch.





I am desperate to begin the 'Almost Ovals' scarf, with the beautiful Christmas gift yarn from my pal Josiekitten, but I know I really must finish the bolero first. I also plan to make a stole or shawl for the evening of the wedding, for myself. Whether that will happen or not is as yet undecided, as time seems to be flying by.

Have a good week and thank you so much for stopping by. It's always lovely to hear from you all.

16 comments:

Lynne said...

Your scarf is gorgeous!! I feel your pain having to frog some of it though. And the little cardigans are great, I love the knitted buttons.

josiekitten said...

I can't remember how many repeats I did on my infinity Monkey Bread, but I love it. I know I had yarn over, so maybe I stuck to the pattern. Sophie's cardigan is going to be lovely! Have a good week. xxx

Kathy said...

It all sounds so complicated. It would break my heart if I had to undo such a lovely scarf. The little cardigan is going to be so pretty.
Have a good week ... half way through the half term. (Not that I'm counting down really .....)
xxx

Clicky Needles said...

I love the colour of the bolero, she'll be a wow at the wedding I'm sure.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

How beautiful the bolero will be... the colour just like the dainty violets that will be flowering about that time. The scarf is lovely too although a little frustrating I'm sure.
Have a great week.
Susan x

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Ros! Sweet Sophie is going to be a princess in the wedding! That bolero is really cute and I love the colour! You may think that I love all the colours beceause also your scarf has so beautiful colour and the pattern is great! I have made once a pullover like that.
We wish you great week and send hugs! x Teje & Nero

Sarah said...

The bolero is very sweet and the scarf looks good too. Why is it called 'Monkey Bread'?

Molly the Airedale said...

What a cute bolero and I just LOVE the monkey scarf!

Tracy said...

You are a KNITTING WONDER, Ros! The scarf is delicious... that blue is mesmerizing...*sigh*... and just loving that tiny bolero for sweet Sophie--love that light lavender hue. These are exceptionally pretty projects. I'm in awe! :o) Happy Week ((HUGS))

Helsie said...

Sophie's bolero is really lovely but don't forget yours is important too. the wedding colour scheme sounds perfect.
Cheers

Kat Jorgensen said...

I adore your Monkey Bread scarf. If it feels half as good as it looks, Oh Mama! Love it.

kate said...

Monkey Bread will be the perfect scarf for your seaside excursions! Gorgeous work.

Ha - my word verification is cabler :) They've been watching you, apparently.

Jennyff said...

I really feel the need for a chunky soft cable scarf today, it's cold snowy here, yours would be perfect. Sophie is going to look adorable at the wedding, hope you get lots of credit for your contribution.

Anna said...

I absolutely LOVE the scar and that little bolero is just darling...so impressed with the buttons! Have a good week!

melissa said...

love that scarf!

and the bolero is so feminine and perfect! wonderful work!!

Stadtwaldvogel said...

I love that scarf! It must be very warm! Have a good Sunday, Julia