The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Done!

It's easy being green...

I have to say, I really like how the crochet bind off edge came out—very smooth and clean. Totally worth the extra effort. This is a technique I will definitely use again!

Like many hand-dyed fibers, this one required patience in its final soak. It took nearly ten rinses to get the water clear—those deep greens are a stubborn sort, to be sure.

Still, it’s a small price to pay for such gorgeous colors.  I’m already envisioning this with a red sweater for the holidays.

The simple design and generous length make for all kinds of wearing options. Knotted ends, multiple wraps, long and draped—the possibilities go on.

And yes, it softened up nicely.

Thanks, Friends & Fiberworks, for a great knitting adventure!

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 4

The long end of it...

This is a bind-off that takes a time commitment. I can crochet, but not well, and I don’t really enjoy it. However, given my sketchy history with getting my bind-offs to have the right elasticity, I’m always in the market to learn a new technique that might lead to success.

The single crochet bind-off uses a hook the same size as your knitting needle, crocheting into each stitch as you slip it from your left needle. You get a lovely edge and a nice amount of give, but it’s not a quick process, especially for a long edge like this.  It took me almost two hours to accomplish this task. Granted, it might have gone faster if I were not watching something as engrossing as Stranger Things, but be warned this isn’t a quick finish.

Bella chose to pose with the scarf, too

Now, of course, I’m itching to give this pretty little thing a bath and see how it transforms.  With the fiber soften, will the edges smooth out and the stitches open up? Stay tuned and we’ll see.

The Asheville Scarf from Friends & Fiberworks - Day 2

The least crazy thing...

I’ve had the craziest of weeks. Plot twists (and not in my books!), surprise issues, things that didn't work the way they were supposed to…you know, life.

If I were knitting a complicated lace project right now, I don’t know that I could pick it up. I'm not sure I'd want to pick it up. Seriously, I don't seem to have enough brain cells left at the end of these days. 

But this scarf? It fits the bill perfectly. I was in another meeting last night (my 3rd!) and I could simply sit and listen and knit. I can’t express how wonderful that was. 

Even if nothing else went right in my day, that row would still be done, I’d be that much closer to the finish line on this project. I can’t say that about much in my life right now. Things seem to unravel as fast as I put them together.

Soothing. That’s the word for this project. The lush greens and easy stitches are soooo soothing. I smile as it grows into itself, stitch by stitch. My breath slows and my pulse rate goes down.

Ah, knitting. What would I do without you?