Project: Herbivore from WestKnits
Yarn: Sundara Fingering Silky Merino in "Flaming Flamingo"
Needles: US Size 6 (4 mm) KnitPicks Harmony
After I finished up Pogona for my mother earlier this year, I've wanted a similar shaped scarf for myself. I didn't want to make another Pogona right away so I looked through the rest of Stephen West's catalog to see if I could find a shawl with a different design, but similar shaping -- and not too complicated for distracted knitting, Herbivore seemed like an obvious choice.
I love silk blend yarns, and I've had a skein of Sundara Fingering Silky Merino that has been considered and tried out for several previous ideas, none of which really seemed like a perfect match. If there's anything I like about Ravelry, it's the opportunity to see what results other knitters have gotten from yarns similar to those in my stash. The FSM seemed like a nice pairing for Herbivore -- lots of drape and sheen and enough extra yardage to make it a little bigger than the standard pattern (I think the pattern calls for the middle motif to be 12" from the starting point, and I was able to knit to at least 14" -- it gets larger after blocking).
As a sidelight: I really enjoyed knitting with the FSM. It's got great hand and minimal pooling and the stitch definition is beautiful.
As with Pogona, I think the best way to wear this scarf/shawl is with the center motif in the front and the wings wrapped around and secured with a shawl pin. Honestly, I have never been able to figure out shawls where the most beautiful part of the garment is on the back where only people walking behind you get to see it. With the extra inches I got into the pattern, this shawl wraps over my shoulders, giving me an extra layer of light weight warmth (silk is a great insulator) that isn't bulky. And the shaping of the shawl means it stays put -- even without the shawl pin in place.
As with Pogona, this pattern is another easy to follow, easy to knit design -- and it doesn't take very long to knit up a very pleasant fall warmer. I think this scarf is likely to get a lot of air time over turtlenecks this winter.
I'd like to give a little shout out to Ysolda Teague's Farinelli gauntlets. I wear these all the time. They don't entirely go with the scarf, but they are so perfect in the fall and winter when you don't want mittens or gloves but do want some extra warmth. If you're looking for another quick to knit treat for you or someone else, they really are perfect -- and the Dream In Color Smooshy has really held up well to a lot of wear -- much better than I expected from a 100% merino yarn.
Yarn: Sundara Fingering Silky Merino in "Flaming Flamingo"
Needles: US Size 6 (4 mm) KnitPicks Harmony
After I finished up Pogona for my mother earlier this year, I've wanted a similar shaped scarf for myself. I didn't want to make another Pogona right away so I looked through the rest of Stephen West's catalog to see if I could find a shawl with a different design, but similar shaping -- and not too complicated for distracted knitting, Herbivore seemed like an obvious choice.
I love silk blend yarns, and I've had a skein of Sundara Fingering Silky Merino that has been considered and tried out for several previous ideas, none of which really seemed like a perfect match. If there's anything I like about Ravelry, it's the opportunity to see what results other knitters have gotten from yarns similar to those in my stash. The FSM seemed like a nice pairing for Herbivore -- lots of drape and sheen and enough extra yardage to make it a little bigger than the standard pattern (I think the pattern calls for the middle motif to be 12" from the starting point, and I was able to knit to at least 14" -- it gets larger after blocking).
As a sidelight: I really enjoyed knitting with the FSM. It's got great hand and minimal pooling and the stitch definition is beautiful.
As with Pogona, I think the best way to wear this scarf/shawl is with the center motif in the front and the wings wrapped around and secured with a shawl pin. Honestly, I have never been able to figure out shawls where the most beautiful part of the garment is on the back where only people walking behind you get to see it. With the extra inches I got into the pattern, this shawl wraps over my shoulders, giving me an extra layer of light weight warmth (silk is a great insulator) that isn't bulky. And the shaping of the shawl means it stays put -- even without the shawl pin in place.
As with Pogona, this pattern is another easy to follow, easy to knit design -- and it doesn't take very long to knit up a very pleasant fall warmer. I think this scarf is likely to get a lot of air time over turtlenecks this winter.
I'd like to give a little shout out to Ysolda Teague's Farinelli gauntlets. I wear these all the time. They don't entirely go with the scarf, but they are so perfect in the fall and winter when you don't want mittens or gloves but do want some extra warmth. If you're looking for another quick to knit treat for you or someone else, they really are perfect -- and the Dream In Color Smooshy has really held up well to a lot of wear -- much better than I expected from a 100% merino yarn.
What a fabulous way to wear the scarf! It certainly shows up the beauty of the pattern and the shape superbly. I'm sure this will become the new way to drape scarves - it's so intuitive and beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
My poor Herbivore has been finished for about a month, but is still laying in a heap because I don't have blocking wires and it seriously needs to be blocked. Must put ordering wires on my to do list for this week! Hope your foot is better today.
While blocking wires are handy, they are not a must. The shaping of this scarf is good enough that if you have 4-5 pins, you're really good to go.
I have blocking wires somewhere, but I certainly didn't use them for this one!
Lovely. I have a pair of mittens that I've been waiting for the weather to turn colder to put on. I'm seriously considering getting more yarn in the same colors to try my hand at a matching hat. Seeing your picture reminds me that winter and deep fall are really coming!
No arguments from me
That is a great looking scarf.
Lovely colour, do you wear it under the coat or over?
I think fingerless mitts are the best re-invention ever.
Yours look fantastic.