Friday, July 11, 2008
Scarf `a la Mermaid
Not everyone loves--or wants--a poncho. But a shawl or even a scarf...now that's something else. Knitters have asked me about converting some of my designs to simpler shapes and Mermaid is no exception.
It is easy to take the stitch pattern and use it in different ways. For a scarf `a la Mermaid, all you really need are the directions for how to execute the Mermaid Pattern Stitch as well as the Faggotting Stitch which is interspersed with the Mermaid pattern.
It is based on a 12-stitch pattern repeat. Add several Garter Stitches (or Seed Stitches or Moss Stitches) on each side for side borders and you are just about ready to go. You will need to work several rows of your chosen border stitches (e. g., Garter) before you launch into the Mermaid Pattern Stitch. Then follow the pattern for the suggested dispersal of the Mermaid Pattern with Faggotting Stitch pattern.
Work to your desired length--or until you nearly run out of yarn. Then work the same number of rows of border stitches that you used at the start of the project.
How about adding a fringe at both ends? Or a row of tassels? Would that be overkill?
Oh, and don't forget to block! This pattern stitch needs serious blocking.
I look forward to seeing your experimentations.
