Don't Blink

People assume that time is a strict progression of cause-and-effect... but actually, from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly... timey-wimey... stuff.

I am a huge Doctor Who fan. LOVE. My first Doctor was David Tennant's characterization of the titular character so I'll always pledge my allegiance to him, but Matt Smith's portrayal has quickly won me over. He really demonstrates the Doctor's old age and experience (despite being the youngest actor to step into the role) and I love his quirky, nearly uncomfortable repartee with others, particularly the ladies. Also? He's adorable. And bow-ties ARE cool, dammit.

Anyway, I've always wanted to knit something Doctor Who related, but was a little apprehensive of tackling the miles and miles of stockinette stitch that characterizes the most iconic piece of Doctor Who knitting, the Doctor Who scarf. Worn by the fourth Doctor (portrayed by Tom Baker), this beast is truly a multi-colored runner that is nearly double (triple?) the height of the wearer.

Utterly insane, like the Doctor himself.

So as you can see, it's a really cool piece. Not so much to knit. Quite recently, one of my favorite yarn suppliers, Knit Picks, added a new color to their Felici Sock yarn called Time Traveler. Although they don't reference Doctor Who specifically, the fans among us knew that this delightful color (comprised of alternating shades of red, yellow, cream, grey, purple, and brown) was a sly nod to the original Who scarf. Armed with a couple of skeins of Time Traveler, I became inspired to knit my own version of the Who scarf:

Faience by Peggy Pignet
Needle: 4
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici Fingering Self Striping Sock Yarn, Time Traveler
Skeins: 2
Size: one size

I decided on this particular pattern for its clarity, ease of modification, and the kicky chevron design. (Really, doesn't it look like something Missoni could have produced?) I decided to make the scarf a little skinnier so I cast on 48 stitches and followed as written. The pattern was super easy, consisting of only two rows to (barely) memorize.

A splash of color.

Regarding the yarn, I've used it before and loved working with and wearing it except that I made the mistake of making a pair of socks with it. The yarn is incredibly soft and therefore not really suitable for hard-wearing items like the heels of socks; I quickly wore a hole through my pair and eventually had to throw them out. Sads. However, I definitely recommend it for scarves, hats, gloves, really just about anything. It's wonderful.

Anyway, I've actually finished a few more knit items that I need to add to my inventory, as well as book reviews. Sigh. I've actually read about 5 or so books this year but just didn't have the mental fortitude to write reviews for them. I might add them next year and finish up the cannonball at my own pace. However, Cannonball Read 5 will be starting shortly so definitely look into joining the race!