variation...

...an addition to rilke's simple garter stitch scarf...

three garter stitch ruffles, randomly placed across the end of one of the scarf's points...

now off to block and finish...

I think I like this...

on the needles...

the color of the season...

grey

rilke's scarf, knit in rowan's kid classic...the perfect project for soccer season!

tying one on...

I have been asked to explain how I wrapped rilke's scarf for this picture...

Ahhh!  This brings me back to those many years as a visual merchandiser, aka window dresser, aka display artist...For years I dressed mannequins (and models and beds and tables, etc...) and was often asked, "How did you DO that?"  

The secret?  The LESS you DO, the better...don't worry, don't fret...let the fabric do the work...

grab your scarf and follow me...

throw the scarf on your head, just off center, comme ça...

leave one side a bit longer than the other...or not, if you are in a symmetrical mood...

now cross each side over the other, just under your chin...

then throw them over your shoulder and cross them again at the back of your neck.  Bring them again to the front and tie loosely under your chin, just off to one side...or in the center, if you're in a symmetrical mood...

et voilà!!!

coming soon...a tassle-making tutorial, as suggested by JenniferW!

rilke's alpaca scarf...and the pattern, too!

finished...

I'm in love with this scarf...the fabric has a beautiful drape, and the size is perfect for wrapping around head and neck...the color will work with almost anything, and won't soil easily...and it is lusciously soft and warm...I hope Rilke likes it, too!

this is how I made rilke's alpaca scarf...

2-100 gram skeins of worsted weight alpaca (or more if desired!)

1-pair of size US8 needles

The scarf is entirely in garter stitch.  The first stitch of every row is slipped purl-wise.  Begin with three stitches.  You will be increasing one stitch, every other row, to create the first point.  So, your first row, you will slip 1, make 1 (I used the backwards loop method), knit to end--four stitches.  Second row, slip 1, knit to end.  Continue this way, increasing after the slipped stitch on every other row, until you have the width you wish--my scarf is 58 stitches wide (my gauge, blocked, is about 4.75 stitches per inch--the scarf measures about 12" wide).  When you have reached desired width, just continue to knit every row (remember to slip the first stitch!) until you are at your desired length.  Now you will begin to shape your second point (which can either mirror or oppose the first), by decreasing one stitch every other row, thus...Slip 1, Knit 2 together, knit to end.  When you are down to three stitches, bind off.  Block it well and add tassles if desired...et voilà! 

please...If you use this pattern, consider making a donation to partners in health, save the children, haiti action, or any organization that is helping the Haitian people in their time of great need... 

Comments are always appreciated!