Strictly speaking, this is my final project of 2008, not my first one of 2009, as I started knitting it on 26th December. But it’s not for me and isn’t selfish. Well, maybe a little. 
This pattern, the Lily of the Valley scarf, was the one project – other than the gorgeous cover shawl – which really stood out when I was first given my copy of Knitted Lace of Estonia. And it coincided nicely with the UK Swap and needing to knit something suitable for my swap partner.
Ideally, I would have liked to have used the Jojoland Cashmere specified in the pattern. I do have some stashed, but it’s not the right colour. After a bit of a search, though, I found that Malabrig(i)o Laceweight has the same meterage and comes in better colours. Despite the colour name (Emerald), the yarn is more peacock/teal. And knitted up, it is hard to tell that it’s not cashmere. It’s incredibly soft. The yarn is a little bit uneven in places; it does have thicker and thinner spots, but they’re not noticeable in the scarf, just when I come to p5tog for a nupp and then think that I have too many stitches because there’s one thick one taking up loads of space.
I’m pretty much halfway through the scarf now. I’m aiming for a pattern repeat a day, which is a nice relaxed pace and will still mean it’s finished well before the deadline. 
Ooooh. What an incredibly lucky swap pal you have! That is absolutely gorgeous! I love Malabrigo laceweight, that colour looks fabulous.
It’s gorgeous!! Is it for me?
That is beautiful, Malabrigo is my favourite yarn ever, all weights!!!
Lucky swap pal! (and I love Kai’s optimism!!!) Beautiful colour. I still haven’t tried Malabrigo – but it looks gorgeous.
got to love that Malabrigo – you make it look even better!