SIMPLE SCARF PATTERN

Blue Water Creations- Arctic Ice- 2009

I picked up this scarf pattern while shopping at Stychentyme, Jasper, Alberta, Canada .  I modified the pattern - I believe that "Kathy" was the pattern maker.

What you need:

• Gather all the scraps of yarn, fibers, wools etc you have.One of my favorite yarns to work with is a rayon that is no longer being produced- too bad because it was soft, strong and gave a beautiful strength to the project.
• Separate into pleasing combinations of colour, texture etc.
• Make sure all the balls are wound and ready to use.
• Select anywhere from 1 type of yarn to 10- totally your choice
• Use the longest circular needle you have- the size can range from 5mm-7mm. It depends on the wools etc you are using. I generally use a 6 mm.
  
  
• If you want to add to your stock pile, purchase single balls of wacky yarns, fibers, etc.  I checked on line and a good place to look at a wide variety is http://www.woolneedlework.com/Yarn/fancy_effect_yarns.htm

The beauty of this project is you can design the scarf as you go along.  You will be knitting the scarf length wise.  By the time you finish all the rows, your scarf will be finished.

1. Cast on 150- 175 stitches.  Choose a yarn that has some strength and firmness.  You could use a fine yarn, but I would not recommend it.
2  First row: As you start to knit the first stitch of the first row, measure out 4-8 inches of yarn.
3. You can either cut the yarn off at this measurement or you can leave a big loop to cut later.
    (Envision this as the fringe at the end of the scarf.)
4.  Knit across all stitches.
5. Turn for the next row.  When you turn, you can either start a new ball of wool or continue
    with the ball you have.  I usually do 2- 3 rows of the same wool once I cast on. 
6.  Leave a big loop, or cut as above, before you start to knit.
7. Knit across all stitches.
8. Turn.
9. Leave a loop or cut the wool.  At this point you can start a new colour.  To start a new
    colour/wool/fiber, leave a 4-8 inch length, knit the first couple of stitches, then
    tie the loop/strand from the last row with the current loop/strand.  ( You can do this
    as you go or do it at the end.  I find it better to do the tying as you go to keep the work
    stable and to save you from losing any stitches at the end.  Because you are leaving the
    loop/strand, the first couple of stitches are rather awkward.)
10. Continue knitting back and forth, leaving strands/loops at the end, until you reach the desired
    thickness.
11. Cast off.
12. Go through the fringe on both ends.  Make sure all strands are tied at least three times.
13. Lay on a flat surface and with scissors or a cutting board, cut the fringe strands to the
     desired length.
14. Hand wash.  If you are giving the scarf as a gift and you have used different fibers- make
     sure you give the recipient the washing instructions.

HAVE FUN!

Variations:

 My friend Lauraine suggested using dice to pick the wool and whether you knit or purl a row.  If you use die of different colour, one coloured die can be for the choice or knit/purl; one colured die could be for the wool choice.  You would need 6 different wools.  Keep a chart- match the number with the wool.  I have used zip lock bags and labels to keep track.

TIP:As with any knitting project, have a notebook and whatever your system is for tracking where you left out, be vigilant in sticking with it.  For example, if you always check off a row in a pattern when you begin the row, make a note on the pattern that the check means you have started the row.  If you always place a check on the row in the pattern once you have completed the row, make a note on your pattern that a check means you have completed a row.

 Blue Water Creations: Arctic Shadows- 2009

Love and All Good Things,

The Peaceful Matriarch