I’ve resolved to include in this blog more pictures of projects in the making; however my latest project had to be kept a secret as my Dad reads this blog! I chose this coloured wool for a scarf for him because I think Dad is an Autumn like me, or more accurately I should say I am an Autumn like my Dad! This lovely wool leapt out at me as soon as I laid eyes on it at Calico and Ivy and I knew it would be perfect to complement his wardrobe as I see him wearing dark brown or green jumpers a lot during winter. Also my husband bought himself a scarf recently which he has been wearing a lot even in this hot weather, and I am quite liking the look of scarves on men just as a decorative accessory and not necessarily as a functional neck warmer.
I used three balls of Lang Mille Colori, made in Italy, colour 914, and 3mm needles (if you plan on making this, bear in mind that I knit quite tightly and a “normal” knitter will probably be using 4mm or 4.5 mm needles, check your tension if in doubt)
Cast on 24 stitches (incidentally the age Dad was when I was born!) and knit 1, purl 1 until end of row.
Next row; Purl 1, knit 1 until end of row.
Repeat these two rows until wool is finished.
Easy peasy!
This, of course, is moss stitch. I debated over using moss stitch as I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. I love the look of it, but hate doing it. All that wool forward, wool back; breaks up the easy flow of knitting and requires concentration. However, scarves only really look any good if the back looks the same as the front, and I think garter stitch can look a little amateurish. I wanted Dad’s scarf to look smart, so moss stitch it was.
When it comes to knitting scarves where there is not really a defined front or back, the knots and joins can sometimes be a problem as you can’t just hide them in at the back. I usually just tie a really tight and tiny knot and then weave the ends in a best I can (see close-up picture). If you can hide the very fluffy end bit inside a strand of wool in the knitting, so much the better. I know this sounds nit-picking (or should I say knit-picking?!), but these little finishing touches can make a big difference between an obvious homemade job and a smart and beautiful piece of wearable art.
Many thanks to Dad for agreeing to pose for the blog!
Sandi said Handsome photo of your Dad Carolyn. Scarf does suit him. Calico & Ivy such an inspiring shop and worth a visit by all crafty people. I must admit I did get a bit lost the other day. Got depressed by the news paper on the window at Glyde street location mosman but luckily after turning back towards stirling highway I realised they had relocated again but just across the road. The smile returned.