Backyard Leaves
In my continuing quest to work beautiful things from my stash, I started on a scarf for my mother out of Brooks Farm "Harmony" (a silk, mohair blend yarn). This yarn is in perfect "Mom" colors. In fact, when I purchased the skein, I did so thinking that I would find something wonderful to make my mother for Christmas. But come Thanksgiving, I still didn't really know what I wanted to make out of 500 yards of luscious shiny soft warm yarn. So I did the most reasonable thing I could think of -- I let someone else make the decision. After a bit of pattern book browsing, Mom selected the "Backyard Leaves" scarf from Scarf Style
I've been intrigued by this scarf for a while, but really hadn't found just the right thing in my stash to make it with. I was also a little concerned that I would get bored/frustrated with what looked like a complicated pattern and get yet another thing started that I would almost certainly never finish. But I've been surprised by myself on this project. I actually find it quite engaging. I can't really do anything else but work on it when I am working on it, but watching the leaves take shape is almost as motivating as waiting for a new color or pattern come up while knitting with self-patterning sock yarn. I've promised myself to tackle at least one pattern interval per day. And so far, that's been no problem at all. Here we are, a week past Thanksgiving (the day I started) and I have seven repetitions all done.
Because the shiny properties of this yarn make it difficult to get good pictures with flash photography (and when the weather is as grey as it is right now in Chicago, flash photography is the only kind of indoor photography you get). The raised areas are the leaves. The color reproduction is reasonable, however. Beautiful fall maple leaf colors. I do think that the variagation does detract a little bit from the pattern, but I am hoping that when the time comes for blocking, the pattern will stand out a bit more. I may also do a few more intervals -- I've got 500 yards of Harmony to work with and I don't think my row gauge in the Harmony is the same as the Karabella yarn recommended. The point is for mom to have a warm, luxurious scarf. And if there's still left overs, maybe there will be some mittens or a hat in Mom's future as well -- I love knitting with the Harmony, and it would be terrible to let any of it go to waste!
I have had the same battle with Backyard Leaves! I love how the scarf looks, but every time I pull out yarn and needles to start it, I get discouraged by the pattern...You're giving me inspiration to try again. :)
Great yarn! I just finished Clapotis in blue and green Harmony. The scarf style leaf patttern has just begun in green cashmerino, I'll be interested to see how your leaf pattern looks up close. The Harmony sheen and snuggle factor can't be beat!
Here is how I photograph shiny. This works in sun or directly under an Ott light or similar full-spectrum bulb, but it only works for smaller objects or areas of a project. Basically I tape a white Kleenex/tissue/cut up plastic grocery bag around the camera, so that a tent forms around the object to be photgraphed. No flash, but the sun/Ott light filters through the tent giving true color but no "shine". Works like a charm for shiny beads or buttons.
That is a wonderful looking yarn you're using. I think it's ok if the gauge isn't exactly the same - as long as you like the look and feel of how it turns out. I too, had a few starts w. this pattern but I am merrily on my way to a shorter Backyard Leaves scarf. I happened upon the same Karabella yarn (but one less skein)for a good price. I really like the pattern now - it has taught me a wonderful edging too! It will be a fun block too. (Thanks for the post!)
Subway Knitter: (http://subwayknitter.typepad.com/subway_knitter/2005/12/laid_out.html) is also working on this scarf. She's at the blocking stage, and it looks lovely. Can't wait to see yours in the different yarn. Nice job, so far!
I heart Brooks Farm, too! And Colleen (aka Subway Knitter) said pretty much the same thing about the pattern: seems complex, but really IS do-able if one pays attention.
Great job!
The leaves are beautiful. I HAVE to start that pattern over...again...someday!
Really! It's on my list.
Funny, I'm working on the same scarf, in a similar color, and have 7 repeats done! I love the pattern so far. The first leaf took some getting used to but now the pattern isn't nearly so complex. It's not one that can be committed to memory but it's easy to keep track of so far.
Blocking makes a huge difference in this one, from what I have seen on other blogs. Here's a side by side comparison from someone else's blog:
http://www.elizabethklett.com/backyardleaves.html
Nice! I used Harmony to make a Clapotis in a pink colorway that looks very similar to yours. That 500 yards will go a long way -- I used 1 hank and a smidge more for my Clapotis. The sheen, warmth, and softness are fabulous. Be warned, though, Harmony sheds like mad. I have another full hank in blue; this scarf might be its destiny.
Whoa, very nice yarn!! It should keep your mom warm in the Chicago winter and wind. What a good daughter you are.....
Oooh, catching up a bit late here, but I have Backyard Leaves on the needles, too. In gold Karabella. I love it. Grumperina has said that the Karabella yarn loses its oomph after washing, and I'm a bit concerned about that, but still, I should get back to it. I started it, and it's been sitting there after one pattern repeat. Geesh, knitter's ADD, for sure.
Oh, Brooks Farm Harmony - super yum!
Kathy - My friend Jeanne also used Harmony for Clapotis (blue colorway), and you're right - it went quite a long way.