Over the last couple of weeks I have been very much enjoying using some supersoft, cuddly alpaca yarn. I had been admiring the "Clarity" scarf by Kim Hargreaves for ages and finally decided to have a go with some Rowan Alpaca Cotton that I picked up in a sale recently. Just two evenings of work and I have ended up with the most gorgeous, warm, snuggly scarf. As with many of Kim's accessories, this is a simple pattern that is easy to make but looks very striking. The Alpaca Cotton is perfect for this design as it is very light and fluffy but still has good stitch definition. I love the scarf and am planning to make another in cream coloured (or as Rowan calls it "Rice") Alpaca Cotton.
Thinking about alpaca led to me digging out a kit that I bought from Toft Alpaca ages ago - the "Net and Flower Scarf." It is a long wrap around scarf crocheted in Solomon's Knot stitch and embellished with a layered flower. I have never used this stitch before and am enjoying the challenge. The lace is very open at the moment and I think it will be more effective when it is scrunched up and wrapped around the neck a few times. I have done just over half of the scarf and look forward to getting to the flower part of the pattern.
In anticipation of imminent cold weather I have almost finished a sweater in Patons Misty, which is a very nice mohair yarn. I am using the yarn double as a substitute for Rowan Kidsilk Trio. It is looking pretty good. The pattern is called "Curio" and is from the Kidsilk Trio booklet.
Still working on the Noro Sekku tee, and there is just a sleeve and the bottom band to go.
