The Connections Scarf – by Carolyn Hanson
I first met Robin in a knitting class. I was the teacher; she, the student. Robin and a group of friends were taking the class together; all laughter and smiles. They gravitated toward Robin, and so did I. She was warm and engaging, inclusive, sincere, and charming. We made a “connection”. Over the period of weeks, and several classes, I got to know Robin and enjoy our class time together. I learned that she was publishing The Warren Connection magazine and had local writers contributing. I was just starting my side hustle as a fiber artist/instructor/restorer and thought Robin might be interested in an article on knitting. I made the offer and was thrilled when she accepted without hesitation. My first article appeared in the December 2005 issue. She titled the column, Creative Corner and gave me free rein to choose the topics. I felt like Carrie Bradshaw, of Sex in the City fame. I had my own column! [Let’s keep in mind, I write about knitting, not quite the same topic as Carrie, but you get the drift.] It has been my honor to write for her, and for you, ever since.
Read more ‘Creative Corner’ articles via this link, https://theconnectionsnj.com/category/creative-corner/
Robin gave me a voice to share my passion and I’m forever grateful. In honor of her memory, I’m sharing a pattern of a scarf that I made for her and calling it, The Connections Scarf.
The Connections Scarf
Figure 1 (View of the completed scarf before removing kinks).
Materials:
- 1 skein ArtYarns Beaded Silk (100 yds) or any silk or bamboo yarn
- Size 8 circular needles – 24” or needle size recommended by the chosen yarn
- Stitch marker
Gauge:
Not really critical; 16 sts = 4”
Notes:
- This is a circular scarf worked in the round. It can be worn long or twice around the neck.
- An extra-long long tail cast on (meaning add an extra 12” to the short end of the CO yarn). It is needed to help adjust the cast on round to the length of the dropped stitch section when finishing.
- Since the scarf is knitted in the round, to achieve a garter stitch, you must knit one row then purl the next. This prevents rolling.
- Bind off and drop stitches are completed in the last round. Leave 3 yards of working yarn to complete this round.
- Kinks from the dropped stitches are resolved during finishing by dipping in tepid water.
Abbreviations:
BO – Bind Off
CO – Cast on
K – Knit
P – Purl
PM – Place Marker
SM – Slip Marker
Directions:
Using an extra-long long-tail CO, CO 168 sts.
Round 1: Join in the round without twisting, PM, K all stitches.
Round 2: SM, P all sts.
All rows: Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 ending with Round 2 and leaving 3 yards of working yarn for BO.
BO and Drop Stitch Round (Final Round)
Step 1: BO 6 sts, pull working yarn thru the final loop on the right needle
Step 2: Drop the next 5 sts from the left needle and let them unravel all the way down to the CO round. This will create an open guitar string section. [Note: If one strand of the cast on is too tight, this can be adjusted once the BO is complete.
Step 3: Stretch the dropped stitches and the working yarn across to the next 6 sts for bind off. NOTE: It’s important that the yarn between the BO sections to be the same length as the stretched dropped sts.
Repeat Steps 1 – 3 until the final dropped stitch section. Stretch the working yarn to the first BO section and fasten off.
If necessary, adjust the cast on round to match the length of the drop stitch sections by sliding the stitches along the remaining short tail.
Finishing: 
To remove the kinks in the dropped stitch sections, dip the completed scarf in tepid water and allow to soak until the kinks relax. Squeeze to remove excess water; do not wring. Place the scarf on a towel and jelly roll to remove the remaining water. Lay flat to dry. https://www.pinterest.com/passionknitpm/_saved/
Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher, and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3@gmail.com.