purple is the new black

Knitters like Ms. Frick have always acknowledged the coolness of purple.  I am late to the game.  It is only recently that I have learned that I actually look good in purple.  So I decided to weave myself a scarf--a purple one.  Knit Picks just came out with the Gloss Lace line, and I was wondering how it would hold up on a loom, so I ordered some and decided to test it out. 

As a warp, it worked out fine, the silk content gives it the strength it needs to hold up on a loom. I encountered problems with the weaving.  When using Gloss as a weft (the horizontal bit), it helps if you have the right heddle in the loom.  I did not.  I forgot to switch my 10-dent heddle for a 12-dent one (which would have still been off, I think, I think I would have needed something to get 20 or 24 epi).  Since I am lazy, I figured that it would be easier to just find another yarn to use as weft.  But I didn't see anything suitable in my stash (which, given the quantity of said stash is amazing) so I spun something up. 

I had a nice naturally dyed wool roving I bought from Stefania at Rhinebeck (last year) that seemed just right for the job.  The yarn was spun to dk-worsted and it seems to have worked out well. 

I like the scarf, but I don't love it.  The problem is the color.  I am more a fan of darker purples, like Aubergine (you can call it eggplant, I just like saying aubergine).  I don't think lilac looks as good on me, and since I am likely to make myself 50 bajillion scarves in the not too distant future, I figure there was someone out there who would love this scarf more than I. 

So in addition to the person who is getting the scarf, I figure I should share the other people I am sending fun stuff too.  Thanks for your suggestions, it was fun going through them and realizing that I am not too off the mark in popular reading, viewing and music (having read, viewed or listened to many of the suggestions).  I couldn't think of a fair way to pick the winners, so I used a random # generator after printing out the comments and assigning each a number based on the desired prize.

The scarf is going to Reluctant Mango.

The fabric scrap bag is going to Oiyi.

The spindle and roving is going to Nell.

And the sock yarn is going to Mari.

I will e-mail the winners soon for your addresseses and for the roving and yarn winners, color preferences.

To answer a few questions:  the rug is indeed from Target.  The red bookcases were purchased from Ikea (as was the couch and the desk in the corner).  The TV is against the wall that the photo was taken from.  I like all genres of reading and movies and would be interested in knowing about any you have opionions on (Kristy).

Thanks for reading, commenting and celebrating.  It's been a great two years of blogging, crafting, commiserating and learning.  And seriously, if I was not a knit/quilt/weaving blogger, I would have no idea about trends like purple being the new black; and, I would have never made so many great new friends. 

Scarf details in the gallery.

Comments

[emmms]

It looks awesome! I'm seriously impressed by your weaving skills.

[Kristy]

Wow, it has handspun in it, too? It's a beautiful scarf.

I'll work on a list to send you :)

[earthchick]

Beautiful, beautiful. Congrats to the winners. And happy blogiversary!

[Shell]

Very nice scarf, I play with weaving but have not as yet made anything that beautiful! Keep up the great work!

[Jen]

Beautiful scarf, Nova! I will have to take a weaving class someday. I never have wanted to learn how to spin, but WEAVE...oh yes, I'd love to learn how to weave. You are mighty good inspiration.

[stacey]

Nice! Pretty neat you can crank out scarves on the loom - much faster than knitting!

[Kara]

I can't even wrap my head around weaving and looming. Your scarf is amazing!

[Opal]

That scarf is awesome. I love the colors. Purple must really be the new black. :)

Congratulations to the winners!

[kathy]

What a great scarf. You lost me on the whole warp/waft thing, but I know it's perty! :~)

Congrats to the winners!

[Heather]

When are we going to learn that JulieFrick is basically always right?? Love the scarf:)

[tiennie]

It's just gorgeous Nova!

[Pat]

WOW - you have branched out in your fiber crafts while I've been away - beautiful scarf.
I'm very jealous of your new craft space - what I would give for that!
AND mostly I want to say congratulations on Baby Disco!

[Felicia]

Very pretty :)

[Kate/Massachusetts]

I am new to your blog! Your scarf is beautiful! I think it looks fabulous on you and like the color.

[kathy b]

Congratulations on the upcoming BOY! Scarf is lovely. Your blog is beautiful. I haven't been around for awhile!