Scarf Knitting

Karen is away on a much deserved vacation, leaving me with a few tasks that are usually hers. This is not normally much of a problem - I have been on my own in the store many times. But this time, I have been left to do a blog entry. This is my maiden voyage into the world of blogging. It’s actually a little scary. But at least I am talking with you about one of my favourite, familiar knitting projects – SCARVES. Scarf knitting is an often maligned obsession which I passionately defend. I love scarves! Here are a dozen reasons why scarves are wonderful
1. Scarves can be as easy or as complicated as you wish; straight garter stitch or complicated cable. Scarves are perfect for beginner knitters but the right pattern can still challenge the most experienced.

These 2 scarves are samples of a beginner and advanced scarves you could learn in the class on short rows.

2. As a gift, they are perfect. They always fit. A scarf is never too tight. A nice scarf never makes your hips look bigger.

3. They are small, portable projects, good for the car or dragging off to the rink while your child plays hockey.

4. They are a fabulous opportunity to indulge in a luxury yarn that you would never consider spending the price to knit as a sweater.

5. There are hundreds of free patterns on the Internet for just about any style scarf you may want to knit. Or dig out your favourite stitch dictionary and design your own.

This scarf is from a simple Rib Lace Pattern from one of my favourite stitch dictionaries. It has a gentle ripple to it which is accentuated beautifully by the subtle striping found in Nashua Geologie.

6. In February, when winter is dragging your spirits low, a bright colourful scarf brightens everyone’s day. (Fun, bright socks can do the same, but that is for another blog)

7. I love to play around with colour. Scarves really lend themselves to playing with colour, especially with the self-striping yarns.

This simple "Skinny Scarf" was so much fun to knit in two contrasting but complimentary colour ways of Kaffe Fassett self-striping sock yarn. A Kf&b in the first stitch and K2tog at the end of the row sets the stripes on the diagonal and makes it even more interesting.

8. Many scarves knit in a fun chunky, yarn can be completed in an evening when time is in short supply.

This "Skinny Scarf" uses 2 balls of Needful Joy; a self-striping chunky yarn. I knit this scarf in an evening while watching TV.

9. They can be the perfect project for those one or two balls of yarn that have been sitting in your stash forever.

This scarf used up 2 orphan balls of Woolly Stripes. All those colours are from one colourway!

10. If one of the reasons your stash is overflowing is because you also happen to be afflicted with an addiction to sock yarns, many sock yarns are just as much fun in a scarf as they are in socks.

This simple "Yarn Over Wave Scarf" is stunning in Fleece Artist merino 2/6 sock yarn. One skein makes a generous large scarf.

11. They can be an easy way to practice a new technique without the extra complications of shaping.

This scarf is a pattern I developed as a class project for the Short Rows & Lizard Ridge course. You can have fun playing with the vibrant colours of Noro Kureyon as you learn the short row technique used in the Lizard Ridge Afghan.

12. Most scarves when you are finished knitting, you are done; weave in a few ends, you might need to do some blocking but no complicated finishing.

So have some fun, take a break from larger projects and knit a few scarves. Many of the scarves in this blog and others on display in the store come with patterns free with the purchase of yarn. There is still time to knit up a few last minute Christmas Gifts.

Posted by Beth