In Progress: Ishbel Scarf

Since this is first and foremost a crafty blog, how about an update on my actually crafting activities?

First of all, an updated about the State Fair. After some thought, I decided not to submit any items to the fair this year. I’m going to consider this year “research” and see exactly what sort of things actually are submitted, rather than just whip something up just to enter it. This way, I’ll have an entire year to work on an item, instead of just a couple of months. Which takes a bit of pressure off, you know?

In the meantime, between the new camera and allergies and other factors, I haven’t really had the opportunity to sit down for a decent stretch of time and just knit. Until this weekend, when I finally started on the lace charts for my Ishbel scarf:

I’m so glad I waited until I could work on it for a large chunk of time. The charts aren’t that complicated, but it still requires attention. I’m not using lifelines, but I’m counting after every right side row, and so far, so good. I’ve completed the first two charts, and the scarf is getting large enough that I’m going to start counting stitches on each half every right side row, so I won’t have to tink back too far in case of error.

I’m not quite halfway through the charts, but I think this will continue to move pretty quickly.  I’m hoping to have this complete in the next week or so. I’ve never blocked lace before, so I’m curious to see exactly how that works. I suspect the hardest part will be keeping the cats away from the wool while it dries!