Have A Little Hempathy

Truth be told, my favorite part of knitting is going to the yarn store. To walk into a shop that is full of color and texture is a treat for my senses.

First (as re-enacted by my daughter) I thoughtfully peruse the inventory, keeping in mind the type of yarn and weight I need for my project.

My eyes move from one vibrant spot to another, soaking in the rich hues.

My gaze falls upon that one color that makes me swoon. That one shade that sticks out over the rest. I check the weight, I check the yardage, I check the price and ...

... ding, ding, ding we have a winner!

This Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy yarn in Aquamarine dazzled me. It is made of all natural fibers, including hemp, and feels soft and light.

I have learned quite a bit since November in the art of knitting. I can knit, purl, increase, decrease, turn a heel and have nearly perfected a Kitchener stitch. It is time to learn something new. So, I am going to knit a scarf.

When I told my husband I was making a "summer scarf" his eyes got very big as he imagined me wearing a heavy wool scarf in 90 degree weather with my tank top and flip flops! Yeah, that's not what I'll be doing. To me, a summer scarf is lightweight, more of an accessory. I chose to do the "Hourglass Eyelet Scarf" that will help me to learn a lace pattern and cables.

Taken from Interweave Knits Holiday 2008 issue, I thought this scarf looked lovely. The price of silk yarn, however, not so lovely. So hemp yarn it is! My scarf will have a more lace-like texture.

Now, my hope is that this scarf won't take nearly as long as those socks!