Knitted Scarf

As anyone who lives in Canada, and maybe even the northern US states, can tell you, it has been an unseasonably warm winter.  Typically in Alberta, we get super cold (I mean -40˚ F & C) at this point in the year but due to this warm spell, I expect that we'll be paying for these barely above and below freezing temperatures in February.  So I'm looking at this time period as extra preperation time before the super cold hits.  So this week's project will be a knitted scarf!

I had made a few of these previously and believe me when I say I love them.  However, I'm a Jersey girl (please don't think I'm one of those 'Jersey Shore'-like people as only a small percentage of NJ people are like them) so if I'm going to keep warm, I am going to look good doing it, even if it means I have to make my own accessories.

Here are the two that I had made previously:

Justin's Scarf

My original scarf

Before I go into the tutorial, I do want to touch upon the idea of "You get what you pay for."  I have made scarves out of the cheap-o Walmart Special yarns (particularly the Red Heart Brand) and I find them scratchy and not the warmest, especially if you're trying to make something warm.  If you're going to make a garnment that you're going to wear, don't cheap out unless you're learning or experimenting.  If you want good quality, be prepared to spend the extra money.  My personal favorite yarn for projects like this is Lion Brand Yarn's Homespun yarn.  Using a thicker yarn will help keep the warmth times, it is exceptionally soft.

To start this project, you will the following:

• Size 10 (6mm) knitting needles, I'd recommend using the 10" needles as opposed to the 14"
• 2 yard skeins of yarn (make sure you get the same Dye lot number)

Instructions:

1.) Start out by casting on 20 stitches.  I'd recommend using the long tail cast-on method as it will blend in a bit better.  If you aren't sure how to do this kind of cast on, the best resource  (had the best pictures) that I found for this is knitty.com. 

2.) Use the garter stitch (knit every stitch on every row) and knit until you reach the desired length.  See the pictures below to learn how to knit for a right handed person.

3.) Once you reach the desired length, cast off.

4.) If you're someone who likes tassels, add them using a crocheting hook.


I only just finished it today so here is the final product!

I love the way it turned out but as I mentioned, if you're someone who likes tassels, they can easily be added.  Hopefully, the next project: a matching took (AKA: Hat) to go with this scarf.