Christmas Lights Alpaca Scarf Knitting Pattern
Phydeaux DesignsTM An original knitting design by Brenda Lavell
"Beginner' Ievel knitting pattern Christmas Lights is a vivid and beautiful scarf in an easy and fun to knit garter stitch, perfect for both beginning and more experienced knitters. Whip up a few for quick Christmas gifts! Any colorway in Misti Alpaca chunky hand paint works very well with this pattern. This pattern includes blocking instructions to help achieve the exaggerated garter stitch pattern.
Materials
Misti Alpaca chunky hand paint variegated yarn, $100\%$ baby alpaca, CP16 lily pad, one skein (109 yards) Size 13 knitting needles (for cast on and bind off) Size 15 knitting needles (for body) Gauge Gauge isn't crucial, since this is a scarf. Dimensions (after blocking) US measurements Length: 80" Width: 4.5" Metric measurements Length: 203.20 cm Width: 10.16 cm Notions Tapestry needle or crochet hook for weaving in ends Abbreviations BO: bind off CO: cast on k: knit p: purl rep: repeat RS: right side WS: wrong side
BLOCKING YOUR SCARF
Fill a clean basin with cold water, dissolving a capful of a fiber washing product (Eucalan and Soak are excellent products, both are non-rinse). Gently immerse your Scarf, but don't agitate or squeeze it (you don't want to accidentally felt or damage your new creation!). Allow to become saturated and let soak for 15 minutes. Lift with both hands from the basin, gently pressing water out (don't be alarmed if the water is colored from dye) and place gently on a clean and dry towel. Gently press and blot moisture from your scarf, then find a flat place you can line with clean/dry towels and/or hefty-type bags. Very gently form your scarf into the desired dimensions. For this scarf,I gently pull the scarf into a longer shape than the final knitted products, which also makes it narrower. This is your opportunity to fix uneven or funky stitches, before your scarf dries. Make sure you also block for straight edges and sharp corners (you can pin in place using rust free pins, like quilter pins). Let dry - might take just one day or less in warm air, may take longer in cooler or more humid conditions. And wear!
NOTES
Don't worry about your puffy, wide, not-that-long scarf as you knit Christmas Lights! The magic happens with blocking - the details follow.
KNITTING THE SCARF
Using the size 13 needles and method of choice, CO 14 stitches. Row 1 (RS): Switch to size 15 needles. Knit. Row 2 (Ws): Knit. Row 3: rep rows 1-2 until you reach near the end of your skein of alpaca, ending on Ws. BO, using the size 13 needles. Weave in ends. Although wet blocking is not usually recommended with alpaca, doing so achieves this scarf's exaggerated garter stitch. Just take care not to agitate, stretch or tear fibers (alpaca is very delicate when wet!). Not blocking will result in a puffy and potentially uneven Scarf - the blocking process is the final step in creating this scarf's unique design! Dry thoroughly. Wear and enjoy!
Care
Handwash cool or cold water, blot to remove moisture, lie flat to dry thoroughly OR dry clean. Clean before Storing during warmer weather! You may wish to store with insect/ critter deterrents (lavender, cedar, other natural solutions), but avoid mothballs/chemicals, which may stain/damage your scarf. Storing in plastic containers or bags might not allow your natural fiber scarf to breath, which may yellow or even felt the fiber. Wrap in acid free tissue paper before storing, and if you do store in plastic, leave small holes to allow air exchange (while not large enough for critters). MISCELLANY Contact brenda@phydeauxdesigns.com for additional assistance if needed. If your pattern is from a retail store or show, register for free pattern revisions and upgrades by emailing brenda@phydeauxdesigns.com with your name, pattern(s) purchased and email address. Thank you for purchasing a Phydeaux DesignsM original knitting pattern!
