Thursday, January 28, 2016

Simple Garter Stitch Scarf and other matters...............





Sometimes simple is the best and frankly all I have brain power for.  The other day when it was cool enough to wear a scarf I decided I really can't stand any of the scarves I have made for myself.  Almost all of them are made with wool, and to be honest I LOVE wool, just not anywhere near my neck.  I tried on a few and was scratching before I could blink.  So I cast on with my remaining ball of yarn from my just finished baby blanket and made myself a scarf, just like that.  Simple scarf, simple stitch, and simply perfect.

I used Berroco Remix yarn in cream.  I used all of the 216 yards to make the scarf and fringe.  Cast on 23 stitches with size 10 1/2 needles and knit, knit, knit until it is long enough or you run out of yarn.  Nothing could be simpler, and frankly sometimes simple is exactly the way to go.  There are no cables or fancy lace.  There are no bobbles or slipped stitches.  Just plain and beautiful knitting.  No counting, no worries, just knit every row until you are done.  The finished scarf is 54 inches long without counting the fringe.  Berroco Remix is made from a combination of Nylon/Cotton/Acrylic/Silk/Linen.  It is soft enough for a baby blanket and soft enough for my neck.   I am ready to go with my new scarf, now it just has to get cool out again.

 



I stopped by the yarn store on my way home from work today to show them the baby blanket I just finished, before I ship it off to the new baby to be.  They wanted to see the finished project with two neutral yarns and I think they liked it.  I did have a look around and found a few things that just jumped into my hands.  I was trying not to buy yarn for a while but I caved.  You see I worked 38 hours in four days and I am tired, so tired I could not resist the yarn fumes drifting up from all the beautiful yarn.  I kept myself in check by only buying these.  And because it is raining and dreary out (my favorite kind of day) my photos are not very good.  The silver/gray yarn will be another scarf.  The fun ribbon yarn was on sale and I simply could not resist  it, the colors are so much fun.  Have any of you across the pond used this Wendy Supreme luxury cotton chunky yarn?  It says it is made in England and I am curious at your thoughts.  I saw a sweater made out of it in the store, it seems very heavy for that, but for a scarf made on extra big needles it might be perfect.


Two of my favorite Christmas presents sit on my desk right next to my computer.  I lite this candle while doing paperwork or a bit of blog hopping.  The sheep makes me smile everyday.

Tonight I am staying in.  The rain is falling fast and my house feels very cozy.  I am aiming for a simple weekend, nothing to drastic, just time to rest up from my busy work week.  I have a little one still nursing a tiny cold and a furry boy who's head is still healing, and is looking so much better.  I am not sure they want a quiet weekend but I sure do.

Hope you have had a wonderful week.

32 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

Wonderful scarf! Sorry, no idea about that yarn I am afraid, not one I have used. Fabulous colours!! Hope that your little ones cold will soon be over. xx

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Your sheep made me smile too, how very cute. Your new scarf looks like it'll be nice, cosy and soft xx

Lynne said...

That's my kind of scarf right there. The fringe is a great touch. I might try that yarn, both your makes turned out so nice with it.
Have a nice cozy weekend :)

busybusybeejay said...

have a great weekend.Lots of knitting I hope.Barbara

Olga Poltava said...

Lovely scarf! And that's a most adorable sheep.

elns said...

I've been caving myself over in the yarn shop. I have been knitting it simple on an impulse project, instead of garter stockinette. I am not sure about the tension, but the yarn is so soft and light that it's very forgiving as is. The garter scarf is lovely and also a reminder how tassels can really be a lovely little detail on such a clean accessory.

Pradeepa said...

Your new scarf is perfect! Also, the blanket in your previous post is wonderful. Nice yarns and the sheep is so adorable. Have a nice and quiet weekend!

Betsy said...

That's a beautiful scarf Meredith. I love the simplicity of it. Sometimes the simplest are the best things. It's raining cats and dogs here right now too. I took a walk to get our mail at the mailbox which is about a block away. Chloe went with me and I had my umbrella and it was a very pleasant little walk. It's warmed up to about 38° today and it was actually nice to be outside. I hope you have the nice relaxing simple weekend that you want this weekend Meredith. I'm glad both your little guy and Max are doing better.
Blessings, Betsy

Blondie's Journal said...

I love the finished knitted scarf, Mere...so solid and warm looking. And I'm very much like you and wool makes me itch. Also I heat up very quickly for a woman of my age (!!). Yes, this is lovely to wear on a brisk day with a sweater or cardigan. Perfect neutral color.

I don't do any sort of needlework but I know what it feels like to walk into a cooking shop or bookstore, a garden center or antique store and lose all sense of control! I know you will put your new yarn to good use.

And you need to definitely rest up--those are loooooong hours! Makes me feel guilty for sitting around reading during our cold spell. I'm glad you read the book I'm recommending. It's good but the beginning, albeit comical, is not moving as fast as I thought it would. Still, she's a wonderful author and so many comments were a thumbs up!! I'll definitely keep at it. Maybe I'm just a bit tired. :(

Jane

Anonymous said...

A quiet weekend sounds just perfect!

Glad to hear Little Buddy and Max are both on the mend.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love scarfs, just wish it was colder more often so I could wear them!
hugs,
Linda

Teresa Kasner said...

I love your cotton scarf.. you will enjoy it all year! My purple sheep Periwinkle says baaaaa to yours. :-) I hope you have a very laid back weekend planned.. lots of rest and relaxation. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

My Garden Diaries said...

Love your new scarf! It is so pretty in its elegant color! I would wear it with everything! And I love your cozy warm spot there with your candle and your sheep! It feels so warm! Hope your sweetie is feeling better soon….all my beans are down for the count and my hubs is out of town…Im a tired mama! Here is to a laid back weekend! Nicole xoxo

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

I was just saying on another blog the other day how much I love garter stitch. LOL at your yarn fumes! I've not seen that Wendy yarn, I better go check it out, possibly buy some, just for research you understand.
Jillxo

Unknown said...

Your scarf is beautiful I am the same as you I don't like anything to close to my neck. I think a quiet weekend sounds lovely hope you get it. best wishes, dee.

Caffeine Girl said...

Sometimes simplicity is the exact right thing -- whether you're talking knitting or life!

I hope you have a restful weekend and that next week does not require such long days!

CJ said...

Love the yarn in the scarf. I like non-wool round my neck as well, and that looks really natural and nice. You have been working hard, no wonder you were overwhelmed by the yarn fumes. I shall look forward to seeing what the new yarn turn into something lovely. I'm wishing you all a good weekend with a bit of a rest for you. CJ xx

Janet said...

The scarf is perfect in its simplicity. You certainly made it nice and quickly. I hope you have a lovely relaxing weekend. Janet x

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

I hear you over the yarn fumes, my husband has remarked on more than 10 occasions that I look like a 'Bisto Kid' when I enter a shop that sells wool!! I hope you get your quiet weekend & yes simple is the way to go at times xx

Pammy Sue said...

I love your new scarf! The color is poifect! Anything made in cream looks elegant to me. Hope it gets cool for you so you can show it off.

kathy b said...

I had to donate and gift all my wooly neck things. IT is cotton or nothing for this wearer. Thank God I can do wool on my hands and feet.
Glad Lil buddy is better. I LOVE the bright colors you succumbed to

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Pretty scarf, simple and classic. "Yarn fumes" lol.

MargaretP said...

I hope Buddy is all better soon, some of these sniffles drag on for weeks.
It is so nice to find a soft comfy yarn that feels good around your neck, so many yarns are ok for wearing near the skin but the neck seems super sensitive to prickly or scratchy. Sometimes we tend to forget what a simple,calming pleasure it is to just zone out and knit plain,row after row of relaxation.

I always enjoy the gifts you make for all of Buddies "helpers" and thought you might like to take a look at a blog called "Crafternoon Treats" the crochet tote bags are just beautiful and look so easy to make, some are just giant granny squares, good for using odd balls of yarn too.

Enjoy your chilled out weekend, hope you are able to recharge your batteries after such a tiring week.

Danette Bartelmay said...

Sometimes you just can't beat a good ole garter stitch scarf... so simple, soothing and relaxing in it's rhythmic knitting. And just plain cozy to wear.
I love it! And I see your baby blanket came out beautiful!
I hope you get the quiet, restful weekend you need and that Little Buddy and Furry Babe heal up ASAP.
With Love,
Danette

Danette Bartelmay said...

And I have to agree... there's nothing worse than an animal in pain.
When my dachshund Phoebe had major surgery in July I thought I would die!
She had 2 breasts removed along with being spayed at the age of 6. Plus a tooth pulled. It was a pretty rough week. Now you'd never know any of it happened :-)))
They just make me smile.
I will be praying for Maxx. How old is he now?

Judy S. said...

Yarn fumes got me today, too! And I was trying so hard to be good. Hope you have a great and peaceful weekend. Oh, and nice scarf; it looks perfect!

linda said...

So so deserve that yarn Meredith, I haven't tried the Wendy yarn but it does look soft and cosy, I find it just a bit difficult knitting with large needles but the plus side of chunky is it knits up so fast. I love your scarf and you are right simple is best and so satisfying, I can't wear wool around my neck or anywhere else, I even have to wear a pair of thin cotton socks inside my knitted ones which makes them incredibly warm and comfy. I'm glad your two boys are on the mend, have a restful weekend. :) xx

Annie Cholewa said...

I've just caught up with all your recent posts. I miss keeping up with my chums when I'm offline. Here's hoping you and all your boys are well and thriving dear Meredith.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Thursday was a very cold and windy day here. There were reports of some snow flurries out in the desert that were never substantiated but people sure were sending pictures around. Don't know why it couldn't happen along the border as they were saying since some of the surrounding countries were getting snow. The desert is always sooooo much colder than the city. I love the scarf. You know I like simple. And the combination of cream and white is pretty together. Hope you had a good weekend.

Gracie Saylor said...

Somehow I missed this post! I love the new scarf and can imagine you enjoying it...along with your purple sheep and candle light :) Please give Max some love pats from me. xx

handmade by amalia said...

I always have a mindless craft project going for one of THOSE days :-)
Amalia
xo

Toni said...

I am so impressed--had I stopped at a yarn store when tired (or at any time, frankly), the only way I would have made it out with only two skeins of yarn is if I had forgotten my wallet and was stuck with bartering....:)