Monday, November 9, 2009

the SCARF

Well, my sojourn continues!

What I thought was going to be a pleasant diversion from the afghan, has turned into an adventure all its own...all of my own doing. I decided that it would be nice to have pockets at the end of the scarf, to keep mittens in, or to warm your hands sans mittens. Then I decided it would be nice to incorporate the college initials into the pocket, as well as into the outside of the pocket so it would show no matter what side was out (I'm planning on this ensemble keeping my son's girlfriend warm when she goes to football games at her alma mater). Then I decided to knit it all as one piece with the pocket being worked as a pocket (no stitches to come out or loosen up and having the pocket compromised)...and the adventure was off and running.

It has taken me about five tries (because I was in a hurry to get this done in time for a birthday present and didn't have time to swatch...don't go there) to finally get the pocket on one end done....well, I'm not exactly done, but the school initials are worked in correctly, which I consider a HUGE accomplishment. It has taken awhile to get this done, so I'm not sure I'm going to put them into the pocket on the other end of the scarf. I might just do some fancy color changes to give it interest without all of the bobbins, and cutting, and weaving in ends.

I started out working the scarf on four needles: two circulars and two double pointed) but finally figured out a way to do it on two circular needles, but at the end of each half round you have to transfer three stitches (the binding edges of the pocket) to the empty circular needle, then knit them back onto the needle you just finished knitting with. Then you have to start by knitting those three stitches again onto the new working needle for the other side of the scarf...sounds too complicated, but I'm hoping that with some diagrams it will be easier to understand. (One can only hope, and hope springs eternal!)

Now I have to finish the scarf and then knit a hat and mittens to go with it....that afghan is looking pretty good right about now!

With Christmas coming. I have chosen the fabric I plan to use for the school ornaments I give to the children each year. That will be a big challenge to get done with the afghan rearing its ugly (well interesting) head. I am hoping to give COMPLETED gifts this year, rather than wrapping the completed portions along with the materials for completion, and giving the recipient the option of finishing it themselves or returning it to me for completion. (People ALWAYS give it back to me to complete...but I can keep trying!)

I've also got Christmas cards to do...so much to do, so little time.

Onward and upward!

Posted by stealthystitcher