It's a Beautiful Day for a WIP

I've lived a really abundant life-- a life full of opportunity, experience, love and growth. Some of it has been hard. Most of it has been nearly blissful. If you haven't sensed it yet, my nostalgia meter is ticking right now, and for good reason. The most recent work-in-progress (WIP) on my crochet hook has me reflecting and reminiscing. Do you ever do that when you crochet? Let me show you what my WIP looks like...

Now that's not very helpful. But since I'm not ready for a full reveal just yet, it will have to suffice. Ok, I'll show you another...

At least you can see the stitch pattern a bit, right? This design is all about nostalgia, memories and childhood. And I'm really excited to begin telling you the story behind it. But before we get to the story, let me tell you a bit about the yarn I chose for this design.

When I was planning this most recent project, I immediately knew that I needed Scheepjes Cotton 8*--a soft fingering cotton in a glorious array of colors, and very affordable, too. It has a nice hand, lovely drape, and beautiful stitch definition. It has been perfect for this design, particulary because of it's weight. I decided on a 3.5mm hook (from my favorite Clover Amour hook set, of course*) and it works up well, although gauge is not at all critical for this project.

You might remember that I made a gloriously happy and rainbowy blanket with Cotton 8 that I named Illuminations Blanket (free pattern here). You can also read more about the Cotton 8 I used for the project here. And get your Scheepjes Cotton 8 at Wool Warehouse here.*

If you're looking with ghastly fear at the ends, there's no need to fear as THERE ARE NO ENDS TO WEAVE! As part of my planning, I knew that ends would become a nightmare with this project and although I'm not one to shy away from a project with ends (because the wee bit of extra work is always worth the beauty of the color), I was not wanting this project to be anything near overwhelming. It's supposed to be a project for happy reflection, gentleness, kind thoughts towards yourself and everything positive. Hence, NO ENDS TO WEAVE! Also, to note, this pattern is very much suited for beginners, but will give you a bit of simple practice at surface crochet if you want to give it a go. And did I say, no ends to weave? 

Now to begin telling you the story behind the inspiration for the scarf...

As a child, I was blessed with an abundant life full of opportunity, good friends, and stability. I recognize that this is not the case for many children, and I am indeed very, very grateful. One of the opportunities I had was to travel quite extensively as I ran my way around the United States and other countries. Literally, I was running. Yes, just like Forrest says, "I was running!" See, early in my childhood I discovered I could run really fast--like fast enough to beat all of my older brother's friends in races. And I loved it! Quickly my parents discovered that there were many opportunities to race with other kids my age around the US. So I spent my summers at track camps, local races and national competitions.

One summer during high school, I had traveled solo across the country to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to compete in the Jr. National Championships in the 100m hurdles. My father had arranged for me to stay with an engineering colleague of his who lived in a pleasant cobbled street neighborhood in Pittsburgh called Squirrel Hill. As we were approaching his home on the ride home from the airport, just before the crest of the hill, I turned to my left and saw, right there...

Continued next week...along with a complete reveal and explanation of this design. (Am I not just so mean? But my mother reminded me time and again as a child that "waiting is good".) 

Be well, my dear friends! I'll finish up the story next week!! xxoo

*This post contains affiliate links which, if used by you, will not cost you any more but may provide me a small commission. Thanks so much for supporting my blogging and free patterns.