Jump Start for the Hollydaze

The Super-Fast, Bookmark-This-Page-You'll-Need-it-Later, Scarf

It IS holiday season in the handknit/crochet world. We're not talking the Christmas creep we're talking preparation. I have some formed some definite opinions about handknit holidays... but I'll put that off in favor of getting you jump-started.

This scarf was born out of the need for a project that:

• won't cost an arm and a leg
• will look nice/stylish
• will work up FAST

This is what I came up with - the most basic of lace patterns (don't get scared, it's not hard) on super-bulky yarn.Materials: Twinkle Handknits Soft Chunky (dist. by Classic Elite), 100% virgin wool, 200 g/83 yds per hank, 1 hank color 20, 1 pair size 19 needles
Finished Measurements: approx 5" wide by 63" long unstretched

Pattern:
CO 10 sts
Row 1 - K1 *(YO, K2tog), repeat from * across to last stitch, K1

Repeat row 1 until you almost run out of yarn, bind off




Tips for this scarf:

• this scarf can be made in any weight or any fiber, experiment with something else for a slightly different look. (Blizzard and Encore Mega would be our closest subs)
  
• the stitch pattern is over an even number of stitches, to make wider or skinnier add or subtract in multiples of 2.
• big thick yarn works up fast but don't try to move fast - move nice and slow, your hands and wrists will thank you and your scarf will still work up quickly.
• If you don't want to buy some 19s, just go fishing for your largest needles & see how it looks. 15s? 17s? I know you have some big ol plastic things from Job Lot stashed away somewhere :-)
  
• I've knit this in mohair... yum! How about mohair and silk.. oooOOooo.... or malabrigo...
  

I knit this scarf over the span of a viewing of Iron Man this weekend. Conservatively, I'd call this a 3 hour scarf. I imagine it will be one of my last-minute gift ideas as the holidays close in.

Let me know if you try this out - have fun!