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.

Lace Top

Once I decide to knit something I try to make it as fast as possible, otherwise I’m in danger of never finishing it. This top, full of interesting knitterly details (short row shaping, nubs, eyelet cast on, three needle bind offs…) took me two years to complete! I knit the majority of it within a week, put it away for six months to work on my own designs, picked it up between work projects, put it away for another year and finally brought it out of hiding last week and completed the last bits. It’s designed by Mari Lynn Patrick and is in the Holiday 2005 issue of Vogue Knitting magazine.


Maybe, I’ll wear it this weekend to a wedding reception. Knowing myself, I’ll probably wear it everyday, sleep in it, and then put it away for a few months. Will I ever change?
I substituted the yarn for GGH Molina, which seems to have been discontinued. Hmm, oh well. Otherwise, it’s exactly as the pattern is written for size medium. That issue is full of pretty and romantic designs.

summer preview

I’m so excited to see this sneak peek of the summer Interweave Knits issue. The Lace Chuppah I designed looks so pretty!

Edited to add: The pattern is now available as a PDF download from the Knitting Daily online store.