When Denis and I almost became solid blocks of ice waiting for Dial-a-Ride on a cold, wet, windy December afternoon, I decided that I would knit lap blankets for the two of us to put over our legs while we're sitting on our scooters. Anything for extra warmth! I finished Denis's lap blanket a few weeks ago, so it was time to work on mine. (In fact, you can see a glimpse or two of Denis's underneath mine in the photo below.)
It is now done, and although it's rather dull-looking, it should definitely get the job done. Let's take a look!
I used a pattern called "Where the Sidewalk Ends" from the Fifty Four Ten Studio that I found on Etsy. I used two strands of Lion Brand Homespun 100% acrylic yarn in a color called "Edwardian" on US size 13 circular needles. I like this pattern and will probably make it again in a solid color so the stitches will show up better.
I chose this rather drab color because it coordinates with my red and black scooter. In addition, I have a tendency to lose track of lap blankets draped over my legs, so the probability that this one will have at least one side dragging the ground and possibly getting run over by my scooter is high. (I do try to think of everything!)
What was I watching while I was stitching away on my lap blanket? The rather dark and stylish "Zen" which the BBC adapted from the first three Aurelio Zen mysteries written by Michael Dibdin. I have to admit that I'm a bit of a Rufus Sewell fan, so I enjoyed looking at him as much as I did the series' setting in Rome.
Aurelio Zen is one of the few honest cops in Rome, and much is made of the fact that he's from Venice. No matter his reputation for being incorruptible, that doesn't stop local politicians from leaning on him to solve high-profile cases in the way that they want them to be solved. Somehow, Zen always finds a way to see that justice prevails while managing to keep his job.
Rome setting, dark, stylish, sexy, good story lines... this was an enjoyable three episodes. I just wish that there could have been more.
Lovely leg blanket which should keep your legs warm. As far as Zen goes, I watched those episodes a few years ago -- and yes, I swooned over Rufus Sewell. However, I saw the pre-war and post-war episodes and wondered what Aurelio Zen did during the war, as he was a police officer. I was reminded of this series yesterday when I watched the first episode of The Diplomat, with him in a leading role. Just a note: Four-episode Collateral on Netflix is excellent; it's a police procedural featuring two actresses I adore: Carey Mulligan and Nicola Walker. It is a shame this show doesn't continue with more seasons.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up on The Diplomat and Collateral, Kathy.
DeleteI love that lap blanket, Cathy! it looks so warm and comforting. Thanks for mentioning Zen. I've been meaning to watch that series, but just haven't yet, although I think the Michael Dibdin books are great. Time for me to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Margot!
DeleteI love the lap blanket. Makes me wish I could knit. And I love Rufus Sewell. I mean, what's not to love? We watched "Zen" quite some time ago and I, too, wish there were more episodes.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving hearing from fellow Sewell fans!
DeleteIt's a great color of yarn for a lap blanket because it'll never show the dirt!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike!
DeleteI think that "dull" color would look lovely with your red and black scooter. It's always frustrating when you enjoy a show and they quit making it.
ReplyDeleteI know-- while others that you think are a total waste of time and brain cells seem to go on forever.
DeleteWhere the Sidewalk Ends is the title of the wonderful collection of poems by Shel Silverstein, so I would have favored the pattern for that alone. I have to remember to try reading the Aurelio Zen series, because I somehow have not thus far.
ReplyDeleteI think I did read the first Zen mystery years ago, but for the life of me, I can't remember my opinion of it.
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