Knitted Two Direction Scarf

Did you ever complete a piece of handiwork that makes you shout out loud  "This one is for me."
When I completed my last knitted scarf, I knew that it at the top of my fashion accessory list.  My Two Direction Scarf was based on a pattern from Classic Elite Yarns, Accent 3.  As I continue on my blogging journey, I am forever looking for new ideas and materials.  When I leafed through the booklet, I found several designs that fit my fashion profile.  There were several scarves and sweater patterns that called to me, but the Two Direction Scarf had the most appeal.  The pattern calls for 4 balls  (488 yards of #4 worsted) of Liberty Wool to create a scarf 8 inches wide by 72 inches long.  However, at approximately $11.00 a ball, I decided to substitute yarn from my stash while I tried out the pattern.  If the scarf was to my liking, I would invest in the more expensive version in other colors.  For my experiment, I selected a skein of black to white Scarfie yarn by Lion Bran from my bins.  I knew that my scarf would be shorter because there was less yardage (312 yards), but I felt that it was worth the gamble.  This yarn is a Chunky #5 yarn.  that is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. The label stated that there was enough yardage to make a complete scarf out of this soft, tonal yarn.

I have knitted and crocheted other scarves from Scarfie, and have been pleased with the results.  As with many yarn collectors, I have acquired yarn that looked interesting even when I have not had a particular pattern in mind when I bought the skein on sale.  Black is one of the staple colors in my wardrobe.  This scarf would look great with my winter coat or as an accent to a black sweater.

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To create my scarf I knitted a 4 inch panel of garter stitch with a #9 needle) that would run the length of the scarf. As I was using a different yarn than the one called for in the pattern, I had to estimate when I was halfway though the skein.  I was only able to knit about 56 inches before I would start the ribbed section that would run perpendicular to the garter stitch portion.  Since my scarf was shorter, I was able to fit all of the picked up stitches on my 14 inch needle.  If I had made the 72 inch scarf, I would need a cable needle that I would use to knit back and forth. I liked the 4x4 rib.  As i knitted the rib, I was once again playing "yarn chicken" to see how wide I could make the ribbing before I had to bind off.  I probably could have made a scarf one or two inches longer since I had some yarn left when I finished my scarf.  For more specific directions, you will need to buy the pattern as it is copyrighted by Classic Elite Yarns.

Now that my first piece is complete, I am tempted to have another go at the same pattern. I can buy the Liberty Wool called for in the pattern.  While my scarf lies flat along my chest and torso, the longer scarf can be doubled around my neck as I fit the long ends through the loop.  I am also considering making a wider garter stitch panel to partner with the ribbing.  This would have a shawl effect that would be great for covering my shoulders on a cool spring evening. The pointed scarf with diagonal lines has possibilities. I guess we will have to wait and see, which piece I make.