Soft, Yet (Not So) Manly Scarf

I'm currently working on a scarf for a dude.  I'm using Red Heart Super Soft yarn in black.  I'm doing a fairly simple, easy to remember 3x3 rib pattern.

To start I cast on 27 stitches.

I then knit in garter stitch for 3 rows.

After the three rows I started the ribbing. (*knit three, purl three, repeat to end of the row. Then purl three, knit three, repeat to end of the row and keep alternating for a ribbed pattern)

And I will finish it with three rows of garter before binding off knit wise.

I'm using only one skein of yarn, minus a little bit of yardage which I used on another project.  I'm guessing that when it's done, aka I've run out of yarn, it will be approx. 56 in. long.  Since it's a scarf for a guy, I'll block it and be done.  Normally I'd fringe the heck out of it with a contrasting color, but I'm not sure he'd appreciate the beauty of that.  He's pretty manly.

I need to do a bit of blocking before it's gift-able.  The scarf is pretty "compact" and I kind of wish I'd cast on more stitches to make it wider.  But if I can successfully block it, it won't be a problem in the final outcome of the project.

I'll post an update to this entry on the blog with a picture of the final product when I am done with it.

**UPDATE**

Well I wasn't able to block the scarf the way I'd hoped, I ended up having to mist it down with water and use a very low setting on the iron to try to loosen it up a bit.  I'm still not 100% happy with the final product, but I'm still learning and this was just one of those learning experiences.  

Here are a few pictures I took of the scarf.
 

 **Additional Update**

I still have the scarf, I just can't make myself give it to a dude.... it's too dainty.  I'll try again later.

Fabulously Fast Fingerless Gloves

These gloves are great and fit most adult women's hands pretty well based on this pattern. I made several attempts before finding a good fit for a "One Size fits most" pattern and this is what it looks like. If you make yourself a pair of these gloves, please let me know! I'd love to see your work! Just email me a picture and I'll happily applaud you for your efforts and maybe even show off your work here!

You will need US Size 9 (5.50mm) straight needles, one darning/tapestry needle for finishing and one or two colors of yarn.

**Color A in this pattern is referencing the picture above wherein the cuffs at the top and bottom are hot pink and Color B is the yellow portion of glove.

***I'm not sure how much yardage I actually used for each glove, but I can assure you that the single skein of yellow yarn (used in the glove pictured above of which there are two) has PLENTY left for more projects. So this might be a great way to use up leftover yarns for this quick and easy project.

****How to Seed Stitch:
Cast on an even number of sts.
Row 1: * K1, p1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: * P1, k1; rep from * to end of row.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 for pattern.

Cast on 30 stitches 

Work the first 4 rows in seed stitch with Color A.
* To change colors: Knit with Colors A & B together for three or four stitches then drop Color A and continue to knit across the row with Color B. Be sure to leave a 6-7 inch tail when you cut Color A after dropping it. You can use it later to help finish the project. 

Work in Stockinette Stitch for 22 rows with Color B (knit a row, purl a row, repeat)

At the end of the 22nd row you will need to cast on 5 stitches. Then proceed with stockinette stitch by knitting across the 23rd row.

At the end of the 23rd row you will cast on another 5 stitches. Continue the stockinette stitch by purling the 24th row.

Continue to work the next 5 rows in stockinette stitch.

 Bind off 5 stitches, purl across the row.

Bind off 5 stitches, knit across the row.

 Bind off 1 stitch, purl across the row.

Bind off 1 stitch, knit across the row.

Purl next row and continue with stockinette stitch for 3 additional rows.
 *at this time if you are going for the two color glove, you will need to pick up Color A and work it back into the project, work Colors A & B together for three or four stitches then drop Color B, leaving a 24 inch tail to use for finishing. 

Work 3 rows in Seed Stitch.

Then bind off in Seed Stitch, leaving a 6-7 inch tail for finishing.

Finishing: 

The way I ended up finishing my gloves was to seam them together using all of my long tail loose ends I left myself, Color A in the areas with Color A and Color B in the areas with Color B. Using a darning/tapestry needle I worked in the ends until they were at the edges of the project and then after folding the item in half I seamed them together and wove in the remaining loose ends. Be sure that when you get to the thumb hole, you seam to the edge of the top then weave through just ONE side along the edge before continuing the seam on the bottom of the thumb hole.

When completed you have made ONE glove, now go make another!