This beginning knitter (started a month ago) decided she was ready for prime time - no more practice squares; time for a project!
I am working on a garter stitch scarf, a very easy scarf from Knitbook: The Basics and Beyond (that’s a link from bn.com), with some slight modifications. The book recommended bulky yarn; all I had on hand at the time was worsted weight. (Although I probably could justify the trip to the LYS or the craft shop as “stimulating the economy” I just was not in a mood to go out!) Thus I decided to cast on more stitches (30 instead of the recommended 20) to compensate, and make the scarf not as bulky.
(By the way, that is me in those photos . Let me assure you I look better than that; it’s been a long hot day.)
The yarn is Red Heart acrylic yarn I got at Michael’s (if you’re outside the US, Michael’s is a popular chain of art and craft shops) about two weeks ago. It’s a good yarn for beginners; inexpensive, not too soft (but not scratchy either) and holds its own on the needles. I had experimented with softer yarns and they slid all over the place, so I was happy to find this yarn. The color is called “Monet” and as a student of modern art I find such a title most appropriate.
Since those photos were taken a few hours ago, I’ve done a few more rows (about an inch) but since I was in my nightgown and don’t want to get written up for indecency on the forum, I will refrain from posting for now.
Overall it’s a good easy scarf, the test will be the patience getting to the required 84 inches. Goal is to finish before Labor Day and the start of my fall semester of graduate school.
Thanks for your kind words Jan! I’m not sure who will get this scarf when finished - if I am happy with the final product it will be a gift for my boyfriend’s mom. If I am not happy, it’s mine and a nice souvenir of my first project.
haha first time I read that as “if I’m not happy with the final product it will be a gift for my boyfriend’s mom…” I thought, “Oooh, ouch!” lol then I re-read…
Getting a bit longer - up to six inches this week!
I am hoping to make some more progress this weekend, when I take my knitting down to my development’s pool (yay for getting my pool pass) and spending Saturday knitting poolside.
Off to go sit on my deck, listen to some podcasts (knitting of course) and enjoy the good weather.
Made it to one foot (12 inches) of knitted fabric!
That was as of last night; while at the pool today I knitted another 2 inches or so, thus making it 14 inches long.
Close up of the colorway:
Definitely enjoying this pattern, and on advice from several here I will be keeping it for myself. Made the switch today to more durable plastic needles (was using cheap ones) and the difference is striking. Easier to move stitches across the needles and less painful on my hand.
I found another color from the same brand and style (Red Heart Multis/Ombres) in varying shades of dark blue that will be used to make a similar scarf for my boyfriend.
