Sunday, October 14, 2012

Gale's Gallery VII: Art Anyone Can Create--Scarves

Hello Arts 'N Crafters!

I do apologize for a) that I haven't posted any craft pieces lately-- usually involves taking pictures and thinking instead of my normal rambling verbiage... b) if you aren't into making scarves I think you'll want to browse the 77 other posts for now...sorry to disappoint!

However, lots of you have read the other Gale's Galleries, so I will continue as I have many projects left in my "art arsenal."

Today we will knit a super simple scarf that my yoga instructor and friend Bonnie showed me.  If however, you feel you would just like one and not make it, please let me know and I will give you her contact info as she makes them to sell in a variety of colors.  Bonnie could make a killing if we could only find scarlet and gray yarn!  They have one, but it has black and white in it.... but I digress.

First, the yarn.  At first glance this looks like a nightmare to work with.  It isn't the fastest, but it is doable.  The key is to get it separated beforehand.  It will pop back somewhat, but I chose to wind it on a leftover remote (Finally!  A use for the dozen that sit around!  It just happened to be handy, anything will work.)  There are many types of yarn for this, but I've tried Red Heart Boutique Sashay.  It requires size 9 needles.  (I hate working with long metal ones, they are cumbersome and slippery.  For easiest results, I got bamboo circular needles and just kept flipping it.  That way the project is safely stored on the loop when not in use.)

Leaving a 5 inch tail, you cast on 6 to 10 stitches, depending on how wide you want the finished project.  You can make a scarf a skein if you go 6.  You don't even really have to cast on, just run your needle through 6 holes.

Knit into the top row of stitches in the yarn.  It doesn't matter if it's not always in the same spot as you won't see it anyway.  Keep stretching out the yarn as you go to make it easier.  This is easy straight knitting, but kinda slow going because of the yarn bunching up.

Below are steps of what the yarn looks like to help visualize the technique:

The original skein of Red Heart Sashay yarn found at least at Jo-Ann's and Michael's.

What it looks like unfurled.

This one I used metal circular needles, but stitches kept slipping.  From now on, I will only use bamboo or those rubbery "baleen" needles.

Almost done!

Keep going until you are about 10 inches from the end, then cast off leaving about 5 inches left of a tail.

I chose to skip the sewing part on the ends, because the knit is so loose it looked like it would be a pain and might not hold.  So, I knotted each end then sealed with "Fray Check" liquid fabric glue after I cut off any excess.  Since the ends are covered by the lace, you can't see it and it will hold forever.

I actually got a bright idea to try and stretch the yarn width-wise before knitting it by putting in on a "bobbin."  Since there were several old remotes nearby, I wound the yarn on one.  Humorously, folks thought I had used my current DirectTv remote and panicked!  Like I would do that (at least on purpose????)


So enjoy sitting in front of the TV and knitting these quick little fun scarves!

Until next time,

Gale


3 comments:

  1. Very nice Gale. Of course the principals of knitting are beyond me, but it looks cool when done.
    Cher Sunray Gardens
    Goldenray Yorkies

    ReplyDelete
  2. let me try this...bb

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you! LMK by email if you have problems commenting or following. I am also grateful if you would kindly refer a friend or two! Thanks!