Scarf Management: A Super Simple Way to Pack Scarves

I have a serger and I love to buy silky fabric at the fabric store, serge the edges and have a new beautiful scarf to scrunch around my neck.  That said, I sometimes (sometimes? always) get carried away when I am "making" and I end up with a huge collection of scarves, all of which I want to bring with me on my trips. 

So "Scarf Management" has been on my mind. I was struck with this simple and effective packing system for scarves when I was getting ready for this last my trip to Seattle.  I was in my office and I came across this pale pink multi-pocket file folder (intended for papers) and thought: scarves!

It worked like a charm.  I folded each scarf into a medium size square and slide each right into the pocket.  No snagging, no becoming unfolded, no problem!

The next time you are packing for a trip, look on your desk to master scarf management!

Scarf Love

I am knitting again.  I usually take a long break over the Spring/Summer (it's too hot!) and then like clockwork, I fall for the rhythmic, relaxing pleasure of knitting once the nights start to get cooler.

My mom is having knee replacement surgery next week and I know that this scarf will help me to relax at the hospital.  Having a little something to keep my hands busy always helps.

I bought gorgeous hand-painted Alpaca yarn at my favorite knit shop, Wool & Honey, in northern Michigan.  It is delicate in both color and feel.  I wanted to let the color variation shine, so I have paired it with a solid stone-colored soft wool blend.  I just love how this scarf is turning out.  I am using a technique that my Mother-in-Law showed me when she taught me to knit.  You make a scarf using 2 different yarns and alternate using them, row by row.  It makes a subtle stripe with no skills required! 

Choose two different yarns (compatible in color and weight).  Start with one of the yarns and knit one row (as wide as you want the scarf) onto circular needles.  Then add the second yarn and knit the next row using just the second yarn.  Notice that now you have one yarn coming off of each side of the scarf.  Continue with the "knit" stitch, row after row, alternating yarns.  For me it was, alpaca, stone, alpaca, stone.

This creates a stripe effect - each row is a different yarn.  When you need to start with a yarn, but the tail is on the other end, simply slide the scarf to the opposing needle, and voila, the tail is there are ready to use.  Super simple!

Have you ever tried this technique? 

Serging Scarves

I have been having a wonderful time serging scarves lately.  A serger (or overlock) is a special machine that makes a perfect finished edge.  On my new scarf above (love it!) you can see that I've serged one of the edges (gray) in what is called a "3 thread rolled edge."

Before I go on to serge the rest of it, I wanted you to see the color chart that comes on the edge of most  fabrics.  It shows an isolated list of the exact shades used in the print.  When I am choosing fabrics to make into scarves, I find it helpful to look at the color chart and say, "Do I have any t-shirts in these colors?"  If I do, adding this fabric as a scarf will make a whole new outfit.

The Perfect Scarf Knot

I have a long-lasting gift to give you...instructions for the perfect scarf knot.  It looks sophisticated.  It looks complicated.  It is all you need on a solid-colored outfit to add "Umph."  It is a conversation piece all its own and I guarantee people will admire it and ask you how you did it.

The best part?  It starts with a basic knot (that many of us already rely on) that is popular in Europe.

Picture 1: Making the Classic Knot

Fold your scarf in half - you'll have one folded end and two loose tails.

Drape the scarf around your neck with the folded end (loop) on the left and the loose tails on the right.  Take your right hand and send both loose tails through the loop in the fold.  Adjust and allow to drape.

Now for the simple variation that creates this beautiful knot...

Picture 2: Weaving
Notice that when you look "above where the tails were fed through the loop", there are two sides to the loop.  You are going to weave over and under these sides.  Pull one of the loose tails back out of the loop and instead weave it under the first side (up by your neck) and over the second side.  You're done.

Knots are notoriously hard to explain in words.  Look at Picture 2 and see that the two tails coming down from the shoulder on the right are taking opposite "over/under" paths to drape.  Seeing that should help you recognize what you are doing.

It sounds daunting, but I promise this is an easy path to cuteness.

Organza scarf

 

I just returned from my 3rd Huskylock 936 serger class and I think the striped organza scarf that I want to make is finally within reach. It is pictured on the cover of Threads magazine (June/July 2005 - I wish I could link and show you) and I imagine making it in shades of taupe, black and gray.  It is a scarf built with sheer panels of different colors of organza - yum!

Do you have projects that you are dreaming about? Keep a list...I think that knowing what you want to make is part of leading an optimistic life...even if it takes you 2 years to try it!