Stormy

Isn't this adorable?

So it's been awhile since I've posted. I'm going to blame good ole' Irene for this one. Yes, I know, I was technically on my computer in my house all weekend, but I was too excited about the big cane to do anything too productive. Of course, it ended up being an anticlimactic event. The most exciting thing that happened was a bit of howling wind at around 5pm this evening, but that was short lived as well.

Another reason it's been awhile is that I have been hard at work on Martha's Knitted Neck Scarf, which takes a lot longer to do when you have to restart it multiple times because you keep losing stitches and getting sloppy.

After a few attempts, and a few sore fingers, I finally prevailed! I think the scarf collar looks great: I am not sure how I will wear it exactly, but I am excited to have something new for the approaching fall. After this hurricane, I am in a winter weather state of mind... as sad as I am to say good bye to my favorite season of all.

Instructions: from Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/knitted-neck-scarf#slide_0

Introduction
When instructed to rib in the pattern below, knit 1, purl 1 alternately across the row. To wear the scarf, slip one end through either of the loops at front.

Step 1 Cast on 3 stitches.

Step 2 Row 1: Knit 2, slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 3 Row 2: With yarn in back, knit 1, increase 1 (see how to increase), knit 1, and slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 4 Row 3: With yarn in back, knit 1, increase 1, knit to last stitch, slip last stitch purlwise.

Step 5 Repeat row 3 until you have 24 stitches. (Piece should now measure about 4 1/2 inches wide.)

Step 6 Continue to knit across every row, still slipping last stitch of each row purlwise, until piece measures 4 inches long.

Step 7 Divide (see how to divide). When you're finished, half the stitches will be on double-pointed needle and the other half will be on your working needle.

Step 8 Rib across the stitches on your working needle (leave the stitches on double-pointed needle as is), still slipping the last stitch purlwise. Continue for 1 1/2 inches. Transfer these ribbed stitches onto stitch holder. Break yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in later.

Step 9 Rejoin yarn, and rib across the stitches on double-pointed needle for 1 1/2 inches.

Step 10 Transfer all stitches onto 1 needle as follows: Slip 1 stitch purlwise from double-pointed needle, then slip 1 purlwise from working needle. Repeat across row until all stitches are on 1 needle.

One day, I'll be able to knit like this. Or not.

Step 11 Knit every row, slipping last stitch purlwise, for 15 1/2 inches. (To adjust the size of the scarf, knit fewer inches for a child or more for a large adult.)

Step 12 Using same method as in step 7, divide the stitches between the 2 needles.

Step 13 Repeat steps 8, 9, and 10.

Step 14 Knit every row, slipping last stitch purlwise, for 2 1/2 inches.

Step 15 To finish: Knit 1, decrease (see how to decrease), and knit to end of row, slipping last stitch purlwise. Repeat this sequence every row until only 3 stitches remain. Bind off. Using tapestry needle, weave in ends.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Knitted Neck Scarf - Martha Stewart Crafts