Reversible Cable Scarf: Pattern Notes

Since the Redwoods were so incredibly beautiful, and because they were chilly enough to truly merit the wearing of cool-weather knits, we decided to do both of my FO photoshoots there. As an aside to Laura of the comments - the weather was perfect. I think the fog makes the Redwoods even more beautiful and spectactular. We would have loved to meet up with you as well, but as a matter of safety I only post my driving routes after I take them - unfortunately not everyone on the internet is a sweet knitter! - if you leave me your e-mail address I'd be happy to get in touch next time I plan to be in the area. We could have used a pal! You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place. I know I'll be back.

A close-up of the Reversible Cable Scarf taken by Marnie on a bridge in the Redwoods.

Reversible Cable Scarf
Designed by Mary Heather Cogar
Knit with exactly two skeins (110 yards/skein) of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande (100% Superfine Baby Alpaca) in color 401 (grey) on size US10 Addi Turbo Circulars.
Gauge: varies over cable, but casting on the required number of stitches in this yarn created a cable that about 5" wide.
Size: One. Close to 7 feet in length with fringe.

The Setting:
Redwoods near Stout Grove in Northern California.

Notice the Mata Hari Socks?
Stylin'!
The Pattern
This pattern is complimetary with a yarn purchase at Knit Cafe. There is no specified yarn, it's just a general recipe that can be used with a variety of yarn choices. See the possible substitutions section for some general ideas. The cable is completely reversible, which makes it ideal for a scarf. It looks snazzy, but even beginning cablers should be able to get the hang of it.

The pattern goes quickly and is really enjoyable. All the twists in the cables help to ward off the possible ennui associated with the usual scarf project.

Techniques:
Nothing new here for me. Beginners must know how to cast on, cast off, knit and purl, and have a basic understanding of cables.

Modifications: None! Weird, huh?

Finishing:
All I did was weave in four ends and add fringe using my usual method which allows me to utilize every inch of the yarn:

Here's a tip for fringe: my standard fringe is three 12-inch strands of yarn per tassel, which means each tassel takes one yard of fiber. This makes a lush fringe and is an easy way to calculate the yardage needed for the fringe as well. In this case, I had 10 tassels at each end of the scarf, so I used a total of 20 yards of yarn, or about a fifth of a skein. Neat trick, eh?

The pattern is designed to lie flat and does not require blocking.

Also modeled with the Lush HoodieImpressions of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande:
This is the first time that I used this yarn and I really enjoyed it. Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande is a luxury fiber if ever there was one. It isn't cheap, but it is better-priced than cashmere, and will hold up longer as well. Plus it's as soft as butter, just like cashmere. Since it only takes two skeins to make a scarf (and a single skein to make a hat), it's well worth the expense. This is really one of those projects that you have to see in person to appreciate. From a distance it's a grey scarf. Tossed over your shoulder, it's a luxury item. It's just that nice a yarn.

Possible substitute yarns:
I used stash yarn for this project and knit along with my students at the Knit Cafe while they made their versions back in February. Knit Cafe doesn't carry Plymouth Yarns, but if you want your version to look exactly like mine, Suzan stocks Misti Alpaca Chunky, which is the exact same yarn with the exact same pricing. Misti Alpaca Chunky is a Knit Cafe favorite, so it is often in stock in a zillion colors. (See it in action over on Laura's blog - nice! And here is a really wacky way to use this yarn - OMG!) As with the Koigu vs. Cherry Tree Hill supersock debate, I truly don't prefer one of these yarns over the other, but instead knit whichever colorway entices me first.

The pattern, however, works for a variety of different yarns. You could do it in just about anything you can think of - wool, cotton, silk - you name it. Just stick to a chunky yarn for a scarf of average thickness, or a worsted if you want a skinny scarf. You might even want to try a DK weight to convert it into a belt - cute!

Gratuitous Behind the Scenes Photos:

All photos copyright Marnie Maclean 2006.