The Connections Bernard's Ridge Edition November 2021 - January 2022

theconnectionsnj.com HOLIDAY CHEER PAGE 20 | Wine Bar Tasting Room Wine Classes Private Event Space Purchase Online | NJ ‘S ONLY MASTER OF WINE CHRIS CREE SHARES HIS CURATED SELECTION OF WINES | START YOUR PERSONAL WINE PROFILE AT: CREEWINECO.COM | 908.200.7772 167 PERRYVILLE RD, HAMPTON, NJ 08827 (Previously The Historic Perryville Inn) An Extraordinar y Wine Experience In honor of Robin Fand, I’m sharing a pat- tern of a scarf that I made for her and calling it, The Connections Scarf. A short backstory 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 engag- ing, 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 Magazines and had local writers contributing. I was just starting my side hustle as a fiber art- ist/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 col- umn, 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. Robin gave me a voice to share my passion and I’m forever grateful. THE CONNECTIONS SCARF Materials: - 1 skein ArtYarns Beaded Silk (100 yds) or any silk or bamboo yarn - Size 8 circular needles - 24” or needle size recommended by 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 168 sts. Round 1: Join in the round without twist- ing, 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 through the final loop on the right needle. Step 2: Drop the next 5 sts from the left nee- dle 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 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 sec- tions, 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 remaining water. Lay flat to dry. Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and cro- chet designer, teacher, and fiber artist. She can be contacted at cchanson3@gmail.com. My first article appeared in the December 2005 issue. She titled the column, Creative Corner and gave me free rein to choose the topics. It has been my honor to write for her, and for you, ever since. The Connections Scarf This is a circular scarf worked in the round. It can be worn long or twice around the neck. THE CONNECTIONS SCARF By Carolyn Hanson Figure 1[View of completed scarf before removing kinks].