Knitting pattern: Faux-Lace Scarf (Quite Faux)

I have been MIA in the blogging space for the past two weeks and I have missed my happy, crafty little world. 

What have I been doing?

• knitting - see below
• working - things pile up when you are gone on holiday for over 2 weeks
• updating holiday photos
• catching up on missed posts from all of my favorites
• catching up on things recorded on the V+ box
• watching the goings on during the US presidential debate with mouth agog*
• wondering if I will have any retirement money
• trying to teach myself to crochet  (so far so messy! - but getting there slowly)

* I always said that I would make no political comment on my blog, but I have to say that I am breaking that self-vow. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE  WOULD VOTE FOR THAT WOMAN AND PUT HER NEXT IN LINE TO LEAD A NATION WHICH HAS MAJOR IMPACT WORLD-WIDE. I think that makes me an Obama-mama. A seriously agitated Obama-mama. However, being Canadian and not 'Merican, I can but watch. Come on big bro to the south - get it together!

So - having got that off my chest, let's get on to the knitting! I decided I would like to knit a scarf - it's for my daughter and I wanted it to be like her: warm, but not heavy/thick. And I wanted it to be quick to knit and so I discounted several pretty, but intricate and time-consuming lace patterns. Also, I like scarfs with no "wrong side". So I made up my own pattern. This does knit up very quickly - it's kind of lacy, it's reversible, and it's beginner-easy.

Here's how:

Yarn - 200 g of DK (about 295 yards/ 300 metres)- mine is Stylecraft Special which knits with 4mm/US6 needles to about 30 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm (4 in), but near enough will do.

Needles - 4mm/US 6

Cast on 45 stitches (or your choice, just make the number of stitches divisible by 3.

First 4 rows: knit.

Row 5: K3, purl to last 3 stitches, K3.

Row 6: K3, *K1, YO, Slip 1 knit-wise, K1, PSSO. Repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K3.

Row 7, 9 and 11 :  K3, purl to last 3 stitches, K3.

Row 8, 10 and 12: Knit.

Row 13 : Knit (this reverses the pattern so the knit rows are on the "back" side - this will happen every time you come to a "Row 13" and is what makes the scarf have no wrong side).

Repeat rows 5 through 13 until the scarf  is as long as you want - I am making mine about 6 feet. Just remember to leave enough yarn to knit 4 last rows and cast off knit-wise.

Also made this weekend: 

  2 kids bags and 1 Easy-Peasy Bag for the upcoming craft table

And finally -

my lovely, but sleepy, Dylan!

Comments

[Jo]

What a cute cat. I'm a sucker for a cute cat.

I completely agree with you about Palin - a terrifically scary prospect. I love Tina Fey's impressions of her, even though I think they're probably closer to the real Palin than is comfortable.

Nice to see you back in blogland!

[Tracy]

Oh, I feel your pain...The whole McCain/Palin ticket is soooo scary *shudder*...Obama must win! :o) Your Dylan is a cutie...And love the knitting, the subtle eyelet pattern is very pretty. :o)

[Julia]

Those bags are lovely. You do have a way with matching up colours and prints and getting the best out of both. If Dylan ever needs a second home ..... and well cats do sometimes .... think of me... He's too cute for his own good.

[Kathi D]

Such pretty things!

[Chris]

Hi Katie's Mum (Mom, that is)
Your creations are beautiful and I think you should sell them somewhere. Consignment is the easiest way, as you can gauge popularity and not have pressure to achieve certain sales targets.
There are a lot of beautiful boutiques in Hampstead, Kensington, and Notting Hill that I think you should investigate.
I don't know anything about sewing/knitting etc, but I have a good eye for style. Many of your items would not be astray in House & Garden or Vogue (or similar).
Anyway, congratulations and... consider it.

[Kyoko]

Hello and hello sleepy Dylan! Cats are increasingly becoming very sleepy now that the weather is colder.. Nice stitches! I also prefer knitting stitches with no wrong side. You have done a lot of crafting! We are also glued onto the US political issues. It is crazy isn't it?? Well we can only sit and wait what happens in November...

[Mary]

Hi! Your scarve is very pretty, thanks for the tutorial. I also like your bags!

Mary