Welcome to the very first Craft Corner here at the Pink Rose Bakery! How exciting!
I thought we would start off easy (which implies that things will get more complicated as the months progress, yet I doubt that), especially as we are currently experiencing some cosy scarf weather here in the UK at the moment – even if it is not set to last much longer, boo hiss, I like the frosty mornings, even when I am cycling to work.
This scarf, at least the way that I made it, is extremely suitable for chilly weather.
I used a chunky weight yarn and a size 5mm hook, which has resulted in quite a thick scarf. So much so that it is definitely an ‘over the coat’ scarf rather than one you tuck into your coat. I wore it the other morning and tucked it inside my coat and to be honest, it felt as if I had a neck brace on! So, over the coat it is. I may attach a couple of large wooden buttons to one end so that I can anchor it a bit more – no need for button holes as I can feed them through the gaps between the stitches (one of the benefits of using a thicker yarn with a larger stitch).
The yarn is a mohair/alpaca blend that I found in the craft centre at my local garden centre. I was drawn to it because of the variated colours. I am not very good at ‘random’ so this yarn was perfect as the colours varied themselves as I worked it. I don’t think any two rows are the same!
There are other colour ways available and at £3.49 per 100g ball, it is very economical. I used three balls in total. You can find the yarn: Designer Yarns La Paz here. It is lovely and soft.
The pattern itself is simple – trebles and double crochet (doubles and singles if you are in the US). I found the repetitive nature of it perfect for just picking up in the evening whilst watching television. I didn’t want anything that required too much thought or concentration.
Made up of multiples of 16 means that you can vary the width, making it as thin or thick as you like. I have 4 sets of 16, so 64 stitches in total. Although I would maybe have made it a little thiner and longer if I was to do it again.
I love the fact that it has a lacy feel to it, yet is still substantial.
If you don’t want to use a chunky yarn, you could use a different weight and change to an appropriately sized hook. So if you fancy having a go the pattern you will need is (in UK terms):
Row 1: Ch3 (counts as first tr). 2tr into st at base of ch, *(ch1, skip 1 st, 1tr) twice, ch1, skip 1 st, tr5tog over the next 5 sts, (ch1, skip 1 st, 1tr) twice, ch1, skip 1 st**, 5tr into the next st; repeat from * as many times as requires ending the last repeat at **, 3tr into the last stitch
Row 2: Ch1 (counts as a st) 1 dc into each st and ch
Repeat these two rows until the scarf is desired length.
Happy crocheting!
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