Charred Silk Scarf Knitting Pattern
Phydeaux DesignsTM An original knitting design by Brenda Lavel
"Beginner"' level knitting pattern
Personal, non-commercial use only. Please do not copy or distribute this pattern without express written permission. Charred Silk is knit using the most gorgeous handspun and hand dyed merino wool. Rather than lots of stripes, the wool is dyed in larger blocks with delicious transitions, makes for a continually fascinating knit! This pattern includes blocking and care instructions for novice knitters.
Materials
Pancake and Lulu, $100\%$ merino wool, NOBU, one skein (100- 125 yards) Size 10.5 knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge) One size larger needle (optional, for binding off)
Gauge
Unless you knit with very tight tension, you will be fine with size 10.5 needles. I knit tightly: size 11 was just to0 loose and size 10 resulted in a child's size scarf!
Dimensions (after blocking)
US measurements Length: 60" Width: 4" Metric measurements Length: 152.40 cm Width: 10.16 cm Notions Tapestry needle or crochet hook for weaving in ends Abbreviations BO: bind off CO: cast on rep: repeat RS: right side WS: wrong side
BLOCKING THE SCARF
Filla 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 (following the directions from the above site). 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! KNITTING THE SCARF Using method of choice, CO 14 stitches. Row 1 (RS): Knit. Row 2 (ws): Purl. Rep rows 1-2 until you reach near the end of your skein of NOBU. BO loosely or using the one size larger knitting needle. Weave in ends. Block.
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. This is a gorgeous scarf; however, it is a scarf that wants to curl on itself. I've tried it in garter stitch - it's just not the same. Storing in plastic containers or bags may not allow your natural fiber scarf to breath, which may yellow 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). To combat the curl, after blocking, I steam the scarf. Here's how I do it (not necessarily how others may do it). I steam in sections on top of a very clean and dry pillowcase or tea towel. My steam iron sputters more than steams, so I use a spray bottle to mist the scarf, cover the top with a lightly damp tea towel, and with my iron on wool setting (nonsteam), lightly press in even smaller sections. As I steam each section, I fold the steamed sections, avoiding wrinkling, and work on the next section. When I'm done, I let the scarf dry thoroughly, folded in half with acid-free tissue folded between the two halves. Since I've started doing this, I've had much better results with reduced rolling! 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 PhydeauxDesignsTM original knitting pattern!
