XFIL scarf final update

It's done! Fourteen iterations of the cable pattern. I probably should have done another iteration or two, but I'm bored with it so it will just have to do.




I have almost an entire skein of yarn left. I think I will turn it into dish clothes.

(Pattern)

The XFIL's scarf

I worked on the scarf last night. It's up to 11 iterations. This is a picture of my six foot tall Prodigal Son holding the scarf up to get a perspective on how long it is.



And as a special treat for all those people who wonder what I look like, I've included a snap of me holding the scarf.



~ giggle ~

That photo was an accident. The Prodigal Son handed me the scarf and the skein of yarn while I was holding the camera and I snapped accidentally.

XFIL scarf update

I've worked at bit on the scarf this week. I have it up to seven iterations of the cable pattern although I took the photos below while it only had six. I'm limiting myself to one complete iteration per knitting session. I still can't get a decent picture at the right angle to show off the cable pattern.

Scarf for the XFIL

I've tried to get a good shot of the cable pattern I'm using for the scarf, but the pattern is really difficult to see even in real life. I've completed three iterations of the pattern and it is working up really quickly.



I am using Coats & Clark Red Heart Fiesta yarn in 6661 Meadow. I'm using US number 6 needles but I think they might be too small.



The cable pattern runs over 20 rows and 22 stitches. I'm using two side by side repeats of the pattern for a total of 48 stitches. The extra four stitches are the first and last stitch, which my mother taught me never count, and two stitches at the end of the row to mimic the first two stitches of the pattern.

Completed scarf

This scarf is definitely for my XMIL for Christmas. It's not quite as long as I would have made it for myself and it doesn't have as much fringe as I would use, but I'm happy with the way it turned out.

It needs to be washed and shaped and boxed up in tissue for Christmas. Washing and shaping I can do, but I don't have any boxes or tissue paper so that will have to wait a bit till I make it to the store.

Scarf

This is a scarf I am knitting for my former mother-in-law as a Christmas gift for 2005. The pattern has no name and no instructions since this is one my mother taught me when I learned to knit 41 years ago. I have been using variations of this for years to make scarves in all widths and lengths.



I am using Lion Brand Micro-Spun yarn in color number 98 - French Vanilla and US #5 needles. The gauge on the yarn calls for US #4 needles, but I'm not particularly worried about gauge on this project.

Instructions:

Cast on 70.

Knit 5 rows.

On the 6th row, knit 1, * wrap yarn 3 times around needle, knit 1. * Repeat to end.

On the 7th row, knit 1, * drop wrapped yarn, knit 1. * Repeat to end. Pull to tighten stitches as you go along.

Knit 4 rows.

Repeat pattern starting with the 6th row until the scarf is as long as you'd like.

To finish, end with knit 4 rows. Use the next row to bind off.

Add a fringe.

First chickadee

First Chickadee
Christmas Traditions
Stoney Creek Collection, Book 28


I stitched this ornament for my best friend for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft.

Polar bear

Polar Bear
Lots of Christmas
35 Designs By Carol Emmer
Leisure Arts Leaflet 894


I stitched this ornament for my granddaughter for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft.

Candles

Candles
Christmas Ornaments Plain & Fancy, CSB-197
Cross My Heart, Inc.


I stitched this ornament for my step-daughter for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft.

Candle

Candle
Christmas in Stitches, CSB-151
Cross My Heart, Inc.


I stitched this ornament for my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida.

Peace on Earth dragon

Just Cross Stitch, 2002 Christmas Ornaments issue
Designed by Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams, Inc.


I stitched this ornament for my eldest nephew J for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft. I modified the pattern by stitching the words in DMC 498 instead of white so they would show up on the white background.

Choo choo train (#103)

Pattern #103
201 Cross-Stitch Christmas Designs
by Kooler Design Studio

I stitched this piece for my son's friend C for Christmas, 2005. It was stitched on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft. I changed the smoke from white to one of the greys so it would stand out. I don't remember which one I used.

Lollipop (#93)

Pattern #93
201 Cross-Stitch Christmas Designs
by Kooler Design Studio

I stitched this piece for ~ insert recipient here ~ for Christmas, 2005. It was stitched on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft.

(~ I'm not really sure yet who is going to get this piece for Christmas. I started out thinking I would give it to one of my son's friends, but then my best friend put in a request for it and I kind of like it, so who gets it is still up in the air.)

Updated 3/22/05: I've decided to give this one to the Prodigal Son's girlfriend. I have an idea or three what I'd rather make for the Best Friend.

Cactus (#92)

Pattern #92
201 Cross-Stitch Christmas Designs
by Kooler Design Studio

I stitched this piece for my Favorite Aunt for Christmas, 2005. It was stitched on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft.

(Yes, I know it's a cactus, but every year my mother sends her some kind of Texas kitsch - you know, armadillos and cow patties, that sort of thing - so when I saw this cactus I just had to make it for her to add to her kitsch collection.)

Not a creature was stirring

Just Cross Stitch, 2001 Christmas Ornaments issue
Designed by Jennifer Aikman-Smith of Dragon Dreams, Inc.


I stitched this ornament for my youngest nephew W for Christmas, 2005. It was done on 14 count white Aida by Charles Craft. I modified the pattern by leaving off the border so I could make it into the pillow ornament.