I thought after binge knitting scarves for store samples that I could not be enticed into doing another. In fact I was so eager to start this scarf that I borrowed the sales rep’s advance copy of a Gedifra accessories booklet and, with her permission, copied the directions. I ordered the booklet and expect our Lenox and online store to have it later this summer.
The scarf is knit in two lengthwise pieces, each working from the outside in. I’ve completed one of the two pieces. As you can see the scarf is a profusion of ruffles. But even on a close look you cannot detect how the ruffles are made. This was the mystery that so excited me – the promise of a new technique that I could apply to my other knitting.
This is the start to unraveling the mystery. Using Gedifra’s Byzanz ribbon for the ruffle I’ve poked through the ribbon with a crochet hook and, with Gedifra’s Easy Soft, chained five, missed 1.5 inches of ribbon, and then double crocheted into the ribbon. I kept repeating these steps down the length of the ribbon. I found that my thumb approximated the 1.5 inches so I used it for the spacing between double crochets. At the end of the ribbon I will slip stitch the last chain 5. Mystery solved. I now have the loops I need into which I will pick up the stitches to knit the scarf. I will pick up all the loops by inserting my needle from back to front. With a third Gedifra yarn, Belisana, I will knit 2 loops together and then continue in stockinette stitch for several rows before binding off.
I realized that this new technique only works with wooly ribbons like Byzanz where you can easily poke a hole and not have the ribbon fall apart. Who knew that deliberately poking through your yarn could produce such enchanting results. It should also work with any braided or gauzy ribbon. Now I’m imaging the scarf in other yarn mixtures and colors. I’m back to binging. |
