Wednesday, 13 March 2013

A Stripey Scarf


I feared this scarf (which, to my shame, I started back in January) would not be fit for use until next autumn but, thanks for the unreliable and generally inconvenient British weather, it has kept Bella's neck warm in fluttery snow and icy winds this week.

It was a stash-buster of a scarf made with some lovely soft cashmerino yarn left over from this cushion. Simple (I like simple, especially when it comes to knitting) colourful stripes worked in plain old garter stitch. With every knitting project, I can feel I slowly, slowly, improve a little; my tension is more even, the ends of my rows slightly neater. I will get there!

Bella likes it, although I had to bribe her with marshmallows to get her to pose for some photos, and in the interests of fairness I now feel that Angus must have a new scarf too. I have lots of this yarn left in blue, red, purple, grey and white, certainly enough for a boy-flavoured scarf, but I will put that on hold for now and have one ready for him next autumn. Perhaps  he can wear it when he starts school in September. Gulp.

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The knitty gritty:

The yarn is Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, pricey stuff but glorious to work with, knitted on 4 mm needles. 

I cast on 30 stitches then changed colour every 14 rows. I used 7 colours (cream, red, pink, yellow, green, blue and purple) in 34 stripes, and the scarf measures 147 cm or 58 inches long.

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Thank you for such kind words about the yellow bathroom - I am so glad you like it too! For those who did not love the yellow, we have just painted over a blue wall in our bedroom and made it white, so I will have that to share with you soon as well. Then no more DIY posts, I promise. Also, hello new followers. It is lovely to have you here and you are very welcome.

39 comments:

  1. Lovely colourful scarf! I've just bought some Debbie Bliss yarn and am making myself a scarf or cowl. A real luxury yarn. :)

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  2. Ooo so pretty!! Your knitting looks great, Gillian. Your garter stitch looks very even indeed, no need to worry about that!

    I do like knitting, but I don't like it when I make mistakes because going back is so difficult. Hence I prefer crochet.

    That wool looks divine, I may treat myself to something a bit more pricey at some point. maybe a crochet something or other.... hmm. :)

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  3. So lovely! I could do with this right now :) xxx

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  4. Great scarf and just in the nip of time. It is very cold here - you might just have inspired me to knit one - just watch how we'll now have sunny weather!
    June

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  5. It's wonderful Gillian! Great colour combo - is it weird that I love how it co-ordinates so perfectly with all the colours in Bella's room? Great length too :-) Mel x

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  6. Gorgeous colours and such a great texture, I am sure Bella must love it! x

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  7. Beautiful scarf! You did a great job. I hope your weather does turn better soon, but what a great scarf to keep Bella warm in the meantime.

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  8. Very pretty... if I start one now it should be ready for Autumn. Hopefully ;-)

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  9. Hello Gillian, your scarf is gorgeous...I especially love the picture of it on the colourful hooks.I'm sure it feels wonderfully soft too.
    Jacquie x

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  10. What a gorgeous scarf! It grieves me but I can't knit for toffee. I wonder if I could crochet a similar one before the Spring finally decides to grace us with its presence?!!

    Heather x

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  11. Such a pretty Spring coloured scarf, perfect for this beastly weather we have been having! xox Penelope

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  12. Lucky Bella for having such a clever mummy, for having such a warm cosy scarf and for the British weather :) xx

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  13. I LOVE all the glimpses of Cath Kidston in your photos. The stripey scarf is fab! xo

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  14. Your pictures are glorious, Gillian! Worthy of any stylish knitting mamgazine! I was prepared to bet my bottom dollar that yarn was Rooster Almerino Aran which, believe me, is wonderful to work with too. Their colour range looks really similar to the ones you chose for the scarf.

    I hope the sun is shining for you today.

    Stephanie

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  15. Love the stripey scarf. I started something similar a few weeks ago as I had some left over yarn and was missing knitting having created a baby blanket for my new born last Summer. To my shame though it is still only about 15cm long so I think will have to be for next winter. You've inspired me though to get on with it and create something lovely although I'm not sure it will be as lovely as your one as my colours are not so good. Fiona x

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  16. Bella's scarf is gorgeous! I love the penguin picture too! E x

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  17. Beautiful scarf - Bella is very lucky!

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  18. Gorgeous Gillian ... the colours are so lovely ... Bee xx

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  19. It's really lovely, and that lovely soft, warm yarn will certainly keep Bella cosy.

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  20. Fab Gillian! Just fab... so much catching up to do on your blog! I'm off to get a cuppa and relax her for a bit xxx

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  21. Beautiful and worn with pride!

    Love Claire xx

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  22. I love it ... what a fabulous scarf!!! xxx

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  23. Hi Gillian,
    You needn't feel badly that the the scarf took longer than you'd wished. You are a far faster knitter than I will ever be. And I think the scarf turned out beautifully. Thanks also for providing the details on the making. I may give this a try myself (with my very limited knitting skills, maybe I could do this). I hope that your weather is turning and glorious spring is about to pour forth!

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  24. I love it. Can I have one please? ; )

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  25. nice job!!! no waste!!! :) love love love cashmerino!

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    1. Love the scarf - did you end up with the usual joining line on the wrong side or is there a way round it? As you know this is my favourite wool - have you thought of crocheting Cherry Hearts handwarmers which use baby cashmero - would go beautifully with the scarf! I like your DIY posts - they give me some motivation to do some jobs myself! xx

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    2. Hi Mags. Yes, the joining line is there. I don't know of any way around it. I rather like the joining line - it was helpful to have a "wrong" side when I sewed Bella's name badge on.

      Thanks for the handwarmers tip - I've just had a look on her blog - they are lovely! I might have a bash at those.

      Gillian x

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  26. Snap! I've been making a scarf too as you now. Needless to say this is way more accomplished and far more beautiful! I love it (but not quite as much as my cowl ;)) xxxx

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  27. It looks lovely and warm. I am sure she will love it and use it lots. :)

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  28. Lovely scarf - I imagine it would be so soft and warm around the neck too.

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  29. Love the scarf and it certainly makes good use of leftovers. Might make them for my 2 5yr old granddaughters as our winter will hopefully be here soon.

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  30. Love the colours of the scarf. And I wouldn't worry, the forecast is for more cold weather next week and over Easter...she'll get plenty of wear out of it yet! x

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  31. Love the scarf Gillian, so nice to have an easy project that doesn't involve alot of thinking. I am doing a pile of embroidery for the school fete, very fun. mel x

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  32. Love the scarf. It looks so colourful and cosy.
    M xxxx

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  33. Popped back to show my Mr the vintage mirrors in your last post and realised I'd missed this one. Woohoo that the scarf is done - and it looks fine to me, truly even garter stitch is a challenge for an experienced knitter - and I LOVE that coat hook pic ... it's just so darn jolly!

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  34. Gillian - it is gorgeous!

    The colours work so well together and it looks utterly fabulous.

    Have a fabulous weekend,

    Nina xxx

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