Persistent Knitter

Well, I just couldn’t resist making the Harry Potter bookscarf (pattern here).  Modeled here with Book #2, which I haven’t quite finished:

I chose to be traditional, and use Gryffindor’s colors as suggested in the pattern. I did choose a different gold color. I’m not sure how true the colors are, but I like them, and not being a total fanatic, it’s Ok if they aren’t completely accurate.  The Pearl Cotton is kind of a pain to knit with. I used 2mm Pony Pearl DPNs (the 6" length).  Mainly it was a small circumference and you went round and round and round.  Lots of nice details in the pattern, and very well written.  In fact, I just picked up enough Pearl Cotton to make a Slytherin and Ravenclaw version as well.  As I was taming the fringe, the husband expressed interest in the bookmark. He claims to not have one to use….

The other bookmark is a cross stitch bookmark I made years and years ago (over 10 to be exact. I signed the year on it: 1993)  I got the dragon motif out of some cross stitch book I had (and probably still have on a shelf somewhere in the house). I don’t think it was designed to be a bookmark motif, but was way better than any of the stupid cute bunnies or flowers you’d see on some patterns that were intended as bookmark patterns.

The fabric I used was a fairly soft flexible one- it’s not the stiff feeling low cost Aida you can buy at Michaels. It was leftover from another project I did, and happened to be just the right size.  I made the fringe by zig zagging over the ends, and then pulling out the weft threads so it left the warp threads still attached.  Kind of a mechanised hem stitch.  The sides are sewn down with a scant 1/4" seam on the back with a straight stitch in thred that matches the fabric.  This bookmark has really stood the test of time. Being light colored I have to wash it every so often.  A quick rinse and some dish soap (usually whatever’s closest) and then I lay it flat to dry. (It’s actually wet in this picture - since I had a new bookmark to use, this one could be washed finally)

I originally made the bookmark for my then-not-yet-husband.  He used it for a while, and then I noticed it sitting idle. I’ve been using it for the past 5 years or so.  Maybe that’s why he’s all interested in a new one?

I’ve also made bookmarks using card weaving. I’d show you a picture, but for some reason the one I know of that we still have has been viciously chewed on by the cat, and really isn’t fit for public display.  Card weaving is fun; and I have several books on the topic. As with any weaving project, most of your time is spent in the planning/setup phase.  Maybe someday I’ll find my cards, my books and get back to it.