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Saturday, May 10, 2008

Gossamer Stars Scarf


Yesterday, the mailman delivered my Summer ’08 issue of Interweave Knits. I designed two patterns, Gossamer Stars Scarf and the Tapestry Skirt. Living in L.A. summer knitting is a natural fit for me. I can wear knitted skirts year round and I’ve always been a scarf girl. Today, I’ll talk about the Gossamer Stars Scarf. I noticed that the photograph in the magazine shows the wrong side of the scarf. Not that it matters, I mean both sides are pretty, but if you’re reading the chart you might see the difference.


For once, I managed to take a couple of photos of my project before sending it off. Maybe you can see some of the details in my backyard, knitting photo studio!
The yarn is Fiesta La Luz, luscious to knit with and touch, and the needle size is US 7 (4.5 mm).


I wanted to show my submission swatch. I don’t have the original but a scan of what I sent in. It’s worked in Fiddlesticks Knitting Zephyr Lace Weight Wool-Silk (50% Merino Wool, 50% Tussah Silk); 630 yds [576 m] / 2 ounces; Aegean Blue. I used needle size US 5 (3.75 mm).
If you’re looking for lace weight yarn I highly recommend this one. It is wonderful to work with and comes in a wide range of beautiful colors.

I’ve been asked for yarn substitution suggestions. I think it looks beautiful in both yarns and I say choose a yarn that is pretty, has drape and is monochromatic. It would probably detract from the stitches if you use a variegated yarn.

16 comments:

lori said...

Its a lovely scarf Kat.

I really appreciate when designers show their submission swatches. Thanks!

Gudrun Johnston said...

aahh...submission swatches...I'm steeped in them right now.....beautiful scarf and I even have some Zepyhr wool-silk in my stash...mmmmm...is this wool-silk the same as the Jaggerspun do you know?.....
Oh..need to go and get a copy of the mag as I believe my subscription has run out!

A&AC project said...

Beautiful elegant scarf and your skirts are always lovely so looking forward to seeing your new one.
Must look into getting a subscription too...

Michele said...

have said it before but i just love that swatch! the whole scarf looks beautiful in IK.

Marnie said...

Ha,how funny that they chose a shot that shows the back of the scarf. It's actually obvious you're seeing the wrong side, once you know, but it doesn't take anything away from how pretty it is.

j said...

very beautiful.

Anne said...

The scarf is one of my favorite patterns in the new issue. You are so talented!

raining sheep said...

Kat I got a copy of the magazine as well, and I spied that scarf right away - it is so ethereal and beautiful that it is going on my to do list. I am kind of leaning towards a silk lace yarn to make it out of because I love how silk lace drapes. It is gorgeous!

Poethead said...

I just love the scarf. I can't believe IK didn't know the difference, but I think that's a credit to the scarf. Both sides are beautiful! I appreciate the list of substitute yarns. The Fiddlesticks Zephr looks like a winner! Hi Felix! Is he still wearing his poncho?? Too funny!

Connie said...

I have a lot of Zephyr in my stash actually. And your scarf would be gorgeous in a lace weight yarn I think! :) I would never have thought of using one if I hadn't seen your submission swatch. Thanks!

DonnaC said...

This scarf was my favorite pattern in the latest IK. If I use the Fiesta La Luz, how do I block it? It says dry clean only.

kat coyle said...

thank you for all these nice comments!
donnac368: I hand washed the scarf in cool water and layed it flat to dry. I didn't stretch it dramatically as I would have with lace weight yarn.

Anonymous said...

That is a seriously beautiful shawl! I got my IK Summer issue in the mail yesterday (it takes a little while extra for them to get all the way to Stockholm, Sweden) and I just could not take my eyes from the photo of your Gossamer Stars Scarf. My husband thought I was looking at yummy food, because of my oohing over it. :)
Thanks for a great pattern!

Unknown said...

I have a small yarn shop, Yarns in the Farms, in Beverly Farms, MA. Everyone is cooing over the scarf... What do you think of Blue Heron Rayon metallic? I have a semi solid Chocolate color that i love... OR Would the Alchemy Haiku be better? Thoughts? LOVE it!

Maureen said...

I started knitting the scarf a few weeks back - am half way through the second pattern repeat (life keeps interupting upon my knitting time) and I'm loving the way it's turning out. Beautiful pattern!

kat coyle said...

Hi Maureen, Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog. I'm so glad you are enjoying the scarf pattern!