Q: What do you get if you cross seven jewel-coloured balls of Drop’s Kid-Silk…….
…..with 266 of the finest Swarovski crystal beads?
A: Seven of the softest, lightest lacy scarves you will ever come across!
Using the FREE ‘Party Lace Scarf’ pattern by Lisa Sisk on Ravalry (available here), I thought these scarves would make perfect Christmas gifts for the women in our family.
The yarn is 75% Mohair and 25% Silk (so no itching) and weighs just 25g per ball. Each scarf requires just one ball which means you end up with a superwarm scarf that is so lightweight that you barely know you’re wearing it at all!
In case you are interested in making your own, you can buy the yarn from The Wool Warehouse or Love Knitting.
From the top, the colours I chose are: – Beige, Pink, Off White, Light Beige, Lavender, Medium Pink and Sea Green.
I bought mine with an introductory 15% discount at Love Knitting, getting each ball for just £3.91.
I also used 300 Swarovski 3mm Xilion Bicone Crystal Beads (£2.50 for 50) from The Bead Shop, which equates to £2.14 per scarf.
Assuming you already own a set of 4.5mm straights, each scarf works out at a £6.05 and takes about ten evenings to complete – a bargain, if you can spare the time!
Would you like a closer look?
The lace pattern is a two-row repeating pattern, alternating with a row of purl – very easy to memorise and a great one to start with if you are new to lace knitting like I was.
It’s so hard to photograph the crystal beads, seen here along the edge, but they sparkle in the light and add a subtle glamorous touch.
The beads can, of course, be omitted for a plain scarf…..but why would you?!
Here they are again – don’t they look lovely piled up together like that?
This one was reserved for a follower of the blog and is ready to be sent in time for Christmas.
I think they make a great present, a real touch of luxury at a ridiculously low cost.
You’ve still got time to make a Party Lace Scarf – who do you know that would love one?
December 8, 2015 at 10:46 am
That is impressive! They are utterly utterly beautiful! and the crystals make them extra special – lucky family!
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December 8, 2015 at 11:03 am
Thank you! I made them over the course of six months so allowed plenty of time to get on with other projects in between. Hopefully the recipients will appreciate a little bit of handcrafted luxury:)
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December 8, 2015 at 11:13 am
These are absolutely beautiful! I have used a similar yarn in the past and I love the way it knits up.
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December 8, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Yes, I agree, it’s so light and soft that I used it in the KAL for the Lace Leaf Shawl back along. It’s impossible to frog, though, so I just live with any mistakes:)
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December 8, 2015 at 11:54 am
Gorgeous 😊
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December 8, 2015 at 12:10 pm
Those are absolutely gorgeous! If I could only knit. The yarn and beads make these stunning. Must learn how to knit, I really must. I do crochet. Do you know of any patterns you can use this for in crochet?
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December 8, 2015 at 1:51 pm
Thanks Pamela – have a look at these two lacy scarf patterns for crocheters: – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/airy-shells-scarf
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/champagne-goblets
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December 8, 2015 at 1:38 pm
I agree with Pamela. Every time I see a beautiful pattern, it always seems to be knit. And these are really, truly beautiful.
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December 8, 2015 at 1:53 pm
The knitted pattern is beautiful, but I have found a couple of crochet patterns that might suit – the links are: –
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/airy-shells-scarf
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/champagne-goblets
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December 8, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Oh, thank you!
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December 8, 2015 at 2:08 pm
My jaw just dropped as I saw your scarves….. wow……..
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December 8, 2015 at 2:16 pm
They look more impressive when they’re piled up like that, don’t they?!
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December 8, 2015 at 2:35 pm
They do indeed! 😍😍😍
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December 8, 2015 at 2:33 pm
They are absolutely beautiful!! I love the crystals. They do add a touch of elegance. I don’t knit so I definately will check out the crochet patterns. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and fantastic blog with us. Your photos and descriptions totally make my day. Much love and hugs to you and your family. xxxx
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December 9, 2015 at 8:59 am
Thank you! You see, scarves don’t have to be a boring present, not when they’re all mohair, silk and Swarovski crystals. So glad you’re continuing to enjoy the blog:)
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December 8, 2015 at 2:49 pm
Omg. Absolutely gorgeous.
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December 8, 2015 at 2:59 pm
Thank you:)
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December 8, 2015 at 3:24 pm
Positively gorgeous, and they look soft as a cloud. The crystals are a such a luxurious extra….so beautiful.
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December 8, 2015 at 3:28 pm
They really are as soft as a cloud and who doesn’t love a bit of bling?
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December 8, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Your scarves look beautiful
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December 8, 2015 at 4:52 pm
Thanks very much😀
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December 8, 2015 at 6:00 pm
What an achievement, and as you say especially pretty displayed as a group. The recipients will be so touched by your style and generosity.
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December 9, 2015 at 9:01 am
It was a bit weird, sitting outside in mid-summer knitting scarves for Christmas, but the planning paid off – no last minute panicking!
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December 8, 2015 at 6:12 pm
I loved these so much I immediately downloaded the free pattern! They do look beautiful piled up together – stunning in fact. The crystals are an inspired touch I think – I haven’t added beads or crystals into anything I’ve made yet [I cheated once and purchased ready beaded silk yarn] and this has to be my next experiment 🙂 Of course I particularly loved the colour you showed in most of the photographs – the lace work looks beautiful! Your lucky follower will be thrilled I’m sure with such a beautiful hand made gift!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:03 am
I’m pleased to have inspired you – that’s what I love so much about blogging! The beads are understated and just thread on for the second and penultimate rows, so no fiddling about with them as you knit the main body of the scarf. Hope you enjoy making it:)
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December 8, 2015 at 6:57 pm
These are beautiful, what a lovely gift!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:03 am
Thanks, I hope they’re well received:)
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December 8, 2015 at 7:08 pm
How exquisite, they really are beautiful x
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December 9, 2015 at 9:04 am
It’s the luxury yarn and crystals that make them more than ‘just a scarf’, I think. The pattern is just lovely, too.
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December 8, 2015 at 9:33 pm
These are lovely. I love the way they look individually and also stacked together and what a brilliant idea adding crystals. Thanks for breaking down the cost of each one, too. You’ve put so much thought into the colors, design and even the planning to ensure you got them done before the holidays. I’m so impressed.
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December 9, 2015 at 9:08 am
We host Christmas through to New Year (because we have the biggest house) every year for a total of about twenty-five people which costs a fortune, so I try to plan ahead and spend time rather than money on gifts. The colours are personal to each family member, bearing in mind their usual palette, so I hope I’ve got it right!
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December 15, 2015 at 3:49 am
I’m sure you got it right. The scarves are extraordinary.
Wow…twenty-five guests in your home for a week. That is an amazing undertaking. It does sound quite expensive, too. You’re a good soul. I can’t wait to read all about it. Best of luck with your planning.
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December 15, 2015 at 10:31 am
We’ve got thirteen for Christmas Eve through to 27th Dec, then another set of guests arriving and staying for the New Year. Of course, now I’ve cut up two sets of bedlinen for costumes recently, I don’t have enough and will have to wash it all between guests!!!
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December 15, 2015 at 8:13 pm
I love that you cut up bed linens for costumes. I don’t know why that makes me smile but it does. Sorry about the extra laundry duty, but less to store so win-win.
You could always go the youth hostel route. We had to bring our own “sleep sack”, essentially a sheet folded in half and sewn into a sleeping pouch. The hostel provided the blankets. 😉
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December 8, 2015 at 11:08 pm
Obviously, I did not choose wisely when I joined my current family. 😉 These are so beautiful and an impressive bit of advance planning, too! Great job!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:09 am
Ha ha! That made me laugh! Thanks for the compliment:)
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December 8, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Those are lovely!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:09 am
Thanks Abigail – do you knit?
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December 9, 2015 at 1:06 pm
No, I crochet, this is almost my second year of crocheting, but I really would like to know how to knit! My sister does it all, she knits and crochets, but I’m trying to teach her how to sew. 🙂
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December 8, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Stunning! The colours look so pretty stacked together like that. May have to investigate this wool and pattern!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:12 am
Thank you, they look particularly pretty stacked together, don’t they? It’s a free pattern, so why not print it off for the future?
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December 9, 2015 at 12:53 am
Lovely scarves!
I feel so slothful… 😉
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December 9, 2015 at 9:14 am
Thanks – it’s a case of ‘needs must’ as we host Christmas which is very expensive, so planning early for time spent rather than money spent makes sense:)
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December 9, 2015 at 5:53 pm
Wonderful & creative planning – cheers!
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December 9, 2015 at 8:09 am
They’re stunning, I can almost feel the snuggliness! Don’t think I’ll have time before Christmas but it’s my mums birthday the end of January. She’d love one! The crystals do make them extra special. I’ve not done lace with all that yarn over business, but now is the time! 😀
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December 9, 2015 at 9:17 am
They’re more than just a scarf because of the yarn and crystals used, I think – a touch of luxury. Download the pattern and have a look at it. It’s not complicated, you could do a test swatch to see if you can cope with it.
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December 9, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Pattern downloaded. Feet up tonight in front of the telly with some inherited mohair I have in my stash. 😃
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December 9, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Just finished my first 5 rows and acquired an extra stitch! Aren’t I clever, lol 😳 Think I’ll start again.
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December 9, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Oops, it’s a pig to frog, too.😜
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December 9, 2015 at 10:17 pm
No frogging here, I’ve loads of this fluffy pink candy floss so started again! There may be a post in the morning about my progress. All 2 inches of it!! 😃
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December 9, 2015 at 9:08 am
Wow they sure are beautiful. 70 hours though!! That is dedication!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:10 am
No, two hours an evening…20 hours per scarf…140 hours in total….!
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December 9, 2015 at 9:21 am
Oh yeah I meant to say evening so 70 evenings, lol 140 hours… :O
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December 9, 2015 at 9:22 am
When you put it like that, it makes me sound like I don’t go out much! Wait a minute….I don’t:)
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December 9, 2015 at 2:49 pm
I’ve really been enjoying seeing glimpses of these as you’ve made them over the last few months. Great to see them now all together and ready to go. That yarn really does make the best of that
pattern. Well done!
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December 9, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Thanks, the yarn is beautiful and this stack of scarves really shows them at their best:)
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December 10, 2015 at 7:10 am
It does. I was taking notes from the way you staged them on that lovely white case. Although you have made them beautifully too.
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December 9, 2015 at 2:51 pm
These are lovely and I have just the yarn in my stash. And so, although they don’t know it yet, has my Secret Santa recipient 😉
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December 9, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Wahay, lucky them! Maybe you should print off a copy of the pattern and include it in the parcel?
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December 9, 2015 at 7:10 pm
If only I hadn’t already sent my parcels. Sometimes one can be too efficient!
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December 9, 2015 at 3:19 pm
These are just so beautiful Sheila, I want to bury my face in the squishy softness of them. You should have some very happy recipients come Christmas! x
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December 9, 2015 at 5:31 pm
Thanks, they really are as soft as they look, too! Not at all itchy which is down to the silk content, I suppose.
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December 9, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Wow, these are beautiful, and look so soft! The colors are gorgeous, they look so lovely in the stack.
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December 13, 2015 at 10:40 am
Thanks Melissa, they are as soft and light as they look! It was more interesting to knit in a range of colours, too – kept me from from getting bored:)
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December 9, 2015 at 8:15 pm
So beautiful Sheila, almost a sham to break up the grouping thy look so pretty together, but they must be worn 🙂
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December 14, 2015 at 9:29 pm
I’ve just spotted you’ve already had over 60 comments on this post and I’m not at all surprised – such beautiful scarves that I am sure anyone would be thrilled to receive.
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December 15, 2015 at 10:21 am
Thank you, I do hope so:)
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December 20, 2015 at 12:46 pm
Really pretty and the little beads are just the perfect finishing touch! There are going to be seven very happy ladies 🙂
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December 20, 2015 at 2:24 pm
Thank you so much – knitting is so much more a labour of love than sewing, I find:)
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