I ran into this gorgeous photo on-line yesterday while looking to make a frothy, laceweight scarf. This is the Alpine Frost Scarf from the Interweave Crochet Winter 2008 issue. It's crocheted, and designed by the talented Amy O'Neill Houck. I ordered the back issue of the magazine, but was too impatient to wait for it to come, so I kept looking on-line for something that felt like this. Eventually I stumbled upon the cuddly Claudia Scarf from Rebecca at A Little Slice of Life. Heavier, but still: deliciousness. While there, I also saw the beautiful Winterberry Warmer with its three perfectly rustic buttons and I went right to my shelf and got the special little glass-topped tin of three fancy buttons that my friend Shelly brought back from France for me a few years ago. Yes, that was it: I wanted to capture the feeling of those buttons in my scarf. So I thought: a flourish of cashmere, delicate and frothy, but still soft and warm.
I was remembering the cream-colored cashmere I had seen the other day at our very lovely new LYS, Happy Knits. So I put my shoes on, headed down there, and instead wound up with Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino (in #63 Natural). It's sooooo soft and light you can barely feel it — 470 yards in 50 grams (or not even two ounces) of yarn! But it still has a lovely matte sort of texture, and definitely looks like wool, which is what keeps it all from being too precious or, worse, shiny-fussy. This is the lightest weight yarn I have ever worked with — my first laceweight anything, actually. It feels like something a field mouse would spin into a warm little nest for herself. A confection. A wool meringue.
Funny how things are inspired by and connected to other things, then almost unavoidably change as you go along. With a B hook, the Claudia pattern, and some peppermint tea, I settled into the sofa and set to work, thinking that I really shouldn't be keeping this for myself, with Christmas coming and all. But I may not be able to give it up. (And to those who asked about my coy crochet from last week, that is definitely a present for a special person, so more details on that to come.)
I so need to learn to crochet - that scarf is beautiful, no wonder you were inspired.
Very pretty scarf!
It's gorgeous, and I love those buttons.
Inspired.
Intimidated.
Inspired.
Intimidated.
Need chocolate.
:-) I am making that first one for my Mum this year.
I want, in this order: the buttons, the scarf, a cup of tea, to learn how to crochet. HA!
I love the photo of the scarf,the umbrella, the red coat and the raindrops echoing the scarf. Lovely.No wonder you were inspired. Impossible to resist.
I'm off to brew a pot of tea. At least I can have one of the four straight away.
I'm with Maryannlucy. I too need to learn how to crochet. Now. Or maybe tomorrow..
I have never felt compelled to crochet (or knit) but the way you describe it (delicious, frothy, confection) with all those food words you're speaking my language. It is hard to overcome my traumatic upbringing with the garish pot-holders and scratchy scarves of my past. I'm still in therapy...
Very pretty and delicate looking.
This will sound SO self-serving, but if you ever go to make another crocheted scarf...check out this one in my pattern shop:) http://tinyurl.com/yjb3j8f I love visiting your blog! Especially loved the painting adventure you had recently:)
pretty scarf-I really, really like your new banner!
I'm making the Alpine Frost Scarf in Malabrigo Lace (Sealing Wax). Almost finished and it is SO lovely! You will love it.
The Malabrigo lace is terribly deliciously soft and lightweight. I knit a lace scarf out of it and have worn it everyday since.
Thank you for all of the info on this beautiful scarf, but as fast as that scarf seems to be going . . . maybe you can make another, since you've finished all your Christmas shopping. I know, I would LOVE to be the person receiving it :)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Those buttons are AMAZING! and the scarf is incredibly beautiful. I think I need one scarf and those buttons.
I love it! I wonder if I can find a similar knit pattern as I have no idea how to crochet.
blessings
~*~
I am inspired! Oh, my to make lists are getting so long. ~Kelly
Your blog is just what I need after a long day! I love the Alpine Lace scarf. I started it last year but never finished it. Your post is the motivation I need to pick it up again. Thank you.
Oh, that looks soooo delicious! Love the buttons too! Can't wait to see the finished project. I just love to crochet.. I find it much less complicated than knitting. Thank you for sharing the links.. I'm on my way to peek at them..
xoxo~
Abbie
I'm also on a scarf quest today. It's finally cool enough to wear one, but all those I tried on this morning were too warm, too itchy, wrong color -- something. I love the Alpine Frost -- looks so soft and light -- maybe I need to put it in my queue -- non itchy bamboo/silk in gray maybe?
Anyhoo, I also wanted to thank you for the best ever apple pie recipe (Sour Cream Apple Pie). I finally got around to trying it yesterday and it's soooo darn good!
That is going to be a beautiful scarf!
Oh my! I'm inspired! If only the closest LYS wasn't 90 miles away!
Oh my! What a familiar pattern I spy in that picture. I've been working on a Claudia scarf for a few months now--it's the project I keep tucked in my school bag to work on in little moments between studying and writing. I'm almost finished, which is good because it's a Christmas present for my mom, but I have loved making it and don't really want it to end.
I love it when you post about crocheting! (I love all of your other posts, too.)
I am making a Claudia scarf for my mother-in-law and a Cassia scarf for my mom in a lace weight baby alpaca. They have been two of my favorite Christmas projects, esp. with the baby alpaca. Your scarf looks beautiful!
Alicia, this post confirms the fact that so long as someone, somewhere, at some time of the day or night is crocheting a beautiful scarf inspired by a gorgeous photo (raindrops and red coat - a classic combination) all is absolutely right with our world...