4.30.2007
Noro Scarf
I know I've said it before, but there are some projects that I think I enjoy photographing even more than knitting (we're splitting hairs here, but there it is). This scarf is surely one of them - and this post is so photo heavy, I doubt the text will be able to hold its own.
Manually striping Noro is a classic trick done by many a knitter before me - just check out all the beauties over on Flickr. I admit to spending a good amount of time appreciating all the interesting variations on the same theme for quite some time before taking the plunge myself. For full disclosure, this one sent me over the edge.
I've gotten a lot of e-mails about this scarf so I thought I'd throw out all the details - if it's too much for you, feel free to gloss over this section and rest your eyes on the hypnotic color changes. Noro is good like that.
The scarf is worked over an odd number of stitches in 1x1 ribbing which, in my opinion has two big benefits: the scarf is reversible and behaves very well (no curling) while also plumping up into a thick fabric that will look suspiciously like stockinette if you leave it unblocked. I cast on 39 stitches using US7/4.5mm needles to get a width of about 5.5 inches. On scarves of this nature I prefer to work a slipped stitch edging which adds a nice, polished touch and perfectly hides the working yarn as you carry it up the sides whilst striping to your heart's content. I worked two-row stripes using two different colorways of Silk Garden, slipping (purlwise) the first and last stitch on the second row of every stripe.
Colorways: I can appreciate all the amazing colors that Noro hits out of the ballpark, but in general wouldn't wear most of them. They're pretty bold. Lucky for me, Noro makes a few colorways that are toned down a bit but retain their luscious, tasteful, saturated quality that the knitter in me is drawn to. Not to mention the texture, which will slay me every time.
I used a total of 4 balls of Silk Garden (which will land this scarf in the $40-45 price range if you buy full price retail. A bit pricey for a scarf but ... so ... beautiful... ) in three different shades.
Two of the four balls of yarn I used were shade #201 which is a nice mix of deep blue-blacks, marine blues, silvery greys with a little purple shock thrown in to keep things interesting. See them pre-knitting here. I striped 201 throughout the entire length of the scarf with Silk Garden #234 and #86, two colorways that to me are rather similar. Main colors in both are understated and elegant crimsons, golds and blues, with lots of cool and warm grey tones in between. In their current configuration you can scarcely tell that they're from two different color families. Pre-knitted cakes of 234 here and 86 here.
I'm not sure there's much else to say about the knitting - it feels a little like cheating working such an easy, mindless process and ending up with such a stunning result. The benefits of a quality fiber (and dye job) have never been more apparent.
With spring upon us and summer approaching, I'll take what few opportunities I can to throw this thing on, but for the next couple of months I'm happy to call it wall-art in my apartment.
Happy Monday, one and all.
¶ 11:50 AM
Pattern: Generic 1x1 Ribbed Striped Scarf (See details below)
Materials: Noro Silk Garden; 45 silk | 45 kid mohair | 10 lambswool
Amount: 4 balls in total in Shades 201 (2 balls), 234, and 86; Approx. 440yds/200g
Needles: US 7/4.5 mm KnitPicks Options
Dimensions: Approximately 5.5 inches in width and just over 6 feet in length, unblocked
Start Date: 6 April 2007
Finish Date: 25 April 2007
Materials: Noro Silk Garden; 45 silk | 45 kid mohair | 10 lambswool
Amount: 4 balls in total in Shades 201 (2 balls), 234, and 86; Approx. 440yds/200g
Needles: US 7/4.5 mm KnitPicks Options
Dimensions: Approximately 5.5 inches in width and just over 6 feet in length, unblocked
Start Date: 6 April 2007
Finish Date: 25 April 2007
Manually striping Noro is a classic trick done by many a knitter before me - just check out all the beauties over on Flickr. I admit to spending a good amount of time appreciating all the interesting variations on the same theme for quite some time before taking the plunge myself. For full disclosure, this one sent me over the edge.
I've gotten a lot of e-mails about this scarf so I thought I'd throw out all the details - if it's too much for you, feel free to gloss over this section and rest your eyes on the hypnotic color changes. Noro is good like that.
The scarf is worked over an odd number of stitches in 1x1 ribbing which, in my opinion has two big benefits: the scarf is reversible and behaves very well (no curling) while also plumping up into a thick fabric that will look suspiciously like stockinette if you leave it unblocked. I cast on 39 stitches using US7/4.5mm needles to get a width of about 5.5 inches. On scarves of this nature I prefer to work a slipped stitch edging which adds a nice, polished touch and perfectly hides the working yarn as you carry it up the sides whilst striping to your heart's content. I worked two-row stripes using two different colorways of Silk Garden, slipping (purlwise) the first and last stitch on the second row of every stripe.
Colorways: I can appreciate all the amazing colors that Noro hits out of the ballpark, but in general wouldn't wear most of them. They're pretty bold. Lucky for me, Noro makes a few colorways that are toned down a bit but retain their luscious, tasteful, saturated quality that the knitter in me is drawn to. Not to mention the texture, which will slay me every time.
I used a total of 4 balls of Silk Garden (which will land this scarf in the $40-45 price range if you buy full price retail. A bit pricey for a scarf but ... so ... beautiful... ) in three different shades.
Two of the four balls of yarn I used were shade #201 which is a nice mix of deep blue-blacks, marine blues, silvery greys with a little purple shock thrown in to keep things interesting. See them pre-knitting here. I striped 201 throughout the entire length of the scarf with Silk Garden #234 and #86, two colorways that to me are rather similar. Main colors in both are understated and elegant crimsons, golds and blues, with lots of cool and warm grey tones in between. In their current configuration you can scarcely tell that they're from two different color families. Pre-knitted cakes of 234 here and 86 here.
I'm not sure there's much else to say about the knitting - it feels a little like cheating working such an easy, mindless process and ending up with such a stunning result. The benefits of a quality fiber (and dye job) have never been more apparent.
With spring upon us and summer approaching, I'll take what few opportunities I can to throw this thing on, but for the next couple of months I'm happy to call it wall-art in my apartment.
Happy Monday, one and all.
¶ 11:50 AM
Comments:
And it's funny you said that you almost enjoy the photography more the knit... I feel the same way about many of my knits! I am planning the photos long before I ever finish the knitting!
Ang
Not merely eyecandy -yeah yeah we've all come to expect that from brooklyn tweed:)-
but such a satisfying read as well.
Oh, and let me introduce myself :) I'm a knitter as well and have just begun reading your blog!
Would you be able to point me in the right direction?
Cheers Eva - who also enjoys your photos :)
As always, well done.
Maybe sometime you can explain what you mean about "slipped stitch edging". I usually put a single crochet edge on any of my scarves that curl.
I had been wondering what to do with some fuzzy alpaca stuff I have. 1x1 rib will be just the thing for a basic, warm scarf for me. Thanks.
I've got to try this.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Just found your blog recently, and love your photography as well as your knitting. Thanks for the inspiration!
I did a similar one in Noro Kureyon...four balls of the same dyelot. You can see the picture here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7318819@N02/425998636/
The photo's not as stunning as yours but you can see that it still works using only one dyelot. And you get areas where the colors shift really subtly and the stripes almost disappear.
I think I want to make another one now.
Somehow I had been imagining the scarf in a compleely different scale (much smaller and finer). I'm now wondering whether my husband would wear something like this...
Your photos are fabulous.
primetimeknitter.typepad.com
Marly
knitthing.blogspot.com
knitthing.mypodcast.com
yarnthing.blogspot.com
I have one question. Did you run your yarn for your stripes along the edges? Or did you break and weave in all those stripes? I can't see where you ran it.
Thanks! I've added you to my blog reading!
Stacia
www.pipandtom.com
The design, colors and texture looks distinctly peruvian to me. Acutally, the men in Peru are the ones who knit, while the women make jewelry. ;)
I have 2 questions, that were posted by other before me:
- Is the yarn carried up the same...on the same side? If so, didn't it make the scarf bend to one side?
- Also, did you use up all of one of the balls, and then use the second of the single colors?
Thanks!
je viens d'acheter de la noro silk garden... je vais me lancer!!!!
1) You CO an odd number of stitches, but are slipping the 1st & last of each new color's 2nd row, does that mean you star the next row w/ a P1 ?
2) are the 1st two rows in the initial CO done in a K1 P1, or do you slip them as well?
...Wtf are some of these people posting about? You should remove them. They are explicit and completely unrelated.
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that came out amazing! I have a few balls of silk garden laying around. I may have to supplement and crank out one of these beauties!
Very beautiful! I'm glad you are such a good knitter and photographer, and that you choose interesting and varied projects. I don't comment much, but I'm very often inspired by your site. Have a great week!
Just beautiful! You've captured gorgeous colors of yarn here that are clearly worthy of your photography skills! I find it so interesting that it looks like a different scarf in every shot.
Gorgeous. Your photos are stunning. And don't be bashful -- there is indeed glory in a beautiful yet simple handknit. So what if the yarn does all the work??
I love the scarf - it's just amazing.
And it's funny you said that you almost enjoy the photography more the knit... I feel the same way about many of my knits! I am planning the photos long before I ever finish the knitting!
I am not a huge fan of Noro, but I absolutely love this scarf. Alternating skeins really works wonders with these colors and the photos are lovely (come al solito).
So gorgeous! And it seems like a rather "manly" way to wear rainbow tones. Beautiful work, as always.
Now I know what to do with my leftover Silk Garden. Thanks, as always, for the beautiful inspirational post.
Hey, don't you ever apologize for a "picture heavy" post. Your gorgeous pictures are one of the many reasons I visit you!
Very beautiful!!! And of course great photos. How scratchy is it to wear? I have shied away from the Noro so far b/c I tend to choose softness first...
beautiful! i made 3 of those this winter and gave 2 away as gifts. it's rare to make something that looks so nice with only minimal effort. i really love the colors that you chose, i'll have to write them down for next time!
Very nice scarf. Too bad the weather has been so warm. Maybe there are one or two cold days left. Must try:)
Ang
Jared,
Not merely eyecandy -yeah yeah we've all come to expect that from brooklyn tweed:)-
but such a satisfying read as well.
My husband just told me he wanted a new scarf. I might knit all three of us one, my four-year-old included. This is a gorgeous scarf. I've been waiting to see the finished product. I must say, I'm wondering if YOUR photography could make my projects look this wonderful. Probably not.
The color progression is beautiful--and you striped it yourself?! 1x1 rib, I know what you mean. It does have a cushiony effect.
Oh, and let me introduce myself :) I'm a knitter as well and have just begun reading your blog!
Gorgeous gorgeous scarf... I've been in love with it since I first saw it :) And of course I want to replicate it... but my problem is: I can't find a single online shop that has those 3 shades available. First I tried European shops... it is a miracle if they have more than 2 shades in their shop at any time, let alone 3 that would work together.
Would you be able to point me in the right direction?
Cheers Eva - who also enjoys your photos :)
Thank you for sharing the details of this amazing scarf. Even though it's now t-shirt weather, I have an overwhelming urge to knit this scarf!
Oh, those Noro colorways.... I do like the combination you've worked out. The brights pop just enough to be vibrant without poking holes in your eyeballs.
As always, well done.
That is one gorgeous scarf! I'll have to think twice the next time I see Silk Garden go on sale. Thanks for the gorgeous pics!
You're right about $40-45 being a little on the high dollar side for a scarf, but SO beautiful. I want to scrunch it up and rub it against my cheek. =) Congrats.
Maybe sometime you can explain what you mean about "slipped stitch edging". I usually put a single crochet edge on any of my scarves that curl.
This is really embarrassing to admit, but I actually had a dream about knitting a Noro scarf after seeing your pictures. I'm now obsessed with getting to my LYS to buy yarn.
I can only add my admiration to that of all those above: it's really gorgeous and I shall now spend the rest of the evening working out what colours I'd like mine to be...
Freakin' gorgeous. Thanks for the lovely eye candy on a day that should be a Friday.
I had been wondering what to do with some fuzzy alpaca stuff I have. 1x1 rib will be just the thing for a basic, warm scarf for me. Thanks.
beautiful... this is on my summer-too do list, i've had a couple balls of noro silk that i didn't know what to do with b/c the color was a bit too much with me and this is the solution!
i like this one for it's simplicity. i think, should i ever teach someone to knit, i'd go for a noro scarf. used the 201 for a clapotis myself. have been wearing it a lot and more than that it has taught me a lot about colours.
Looks like the part where the gold nearly glows is as much your favorite as mine.
I've got to try this.
how could something so simple be so lovely? I'm beginning mune right after I write this... been thinking about this piece for days.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Love your color choices here - I find the Noro colorways generally a little too strong myself, though I do enjoy just having some sitting out as table art. If I can find a decent deal on ebay for some of this yarn, I may be trying this scarf myself.
Just found your blog recently, and love your photography as well as your knitting. Thanks for the inspiration!
Absolutely gorgeous.
I did a similar one in Noro Kureyon...four balls of the same dyelot. You can see the picture here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7318819@N02/425998636/
The photo's not as stunning as yours but you can see that it still works using only one dyelot. And you get areas where the colors shift really subtly and the stripes almost disappear.
I think I want to make another one now.
fantastic!
Somehow I had been imagining the scarf in a compleely different scale (much smaller and finer). I'm now wondering whether my husband would wear something like this...
i havent been able to knit anything else since i saw your noro scarf, something is yelling inside me to go! start! one! now!... sometimes simple beauty like this is why we knit. no?
What a wonderful scarf. Thanks for describing how you did it. I'll have some Noro Silk Garden left from a WIP, and I'm going to try this.
Your photos are fabulous.
primetimeknitter.typepad.com
absolutely STUNNING! Great job! I think I am going to have to get some of that and make one for myself!
Marly
knitthing.blogspot.com
knitthing.mypodcast.com
yarnthing.blogspot.com
I just came across your blog and what a pleasant treat! This scarf is so simple, yet so beautiful.
I have one question. Did you run your yarn for your stripes along the edges? Or did you break and weave in all those stripes? I can't see where you ran it.
Thanks! I've added you to my blog reading!
Stacia
www.pipandtom.com
I definitely borrowed this idea and am using it with some leftover self striping sock yarn (I don't remember the brand, but it's the kind used in the Not Just Socks books). I've had these leftovers lying around for about a year now and had no idea what to do with them. The scarf I'm making is a lot of fun. Thanks for the idea!
Oh wow. That is simply gorgeous! It's the first FO I've seen that makes me want to run out and buy Noro. Even though it is now humid and summery here, I'm starting this next. Thanks for the inspiration and the details.
Fabulous photos!
The design, colors and texture looks distinctly peruvian to me. Acutally, the men in Peru are the ones who knit, while the women make jewelry. ;)
Beautiful and ingenious. 1 x 1 knit is such a great look. I am doing a sweater of 201. I am wondering whether you used all of 86 and then the other color (I understand that you used the 201 for alternative rows).
Your scarf is drop-dead-gorgeous.
I have 2 questions, that were posted by other before me:
- Is the yarn carried up the same...on the same side? If so, didn't it make the scarf bend to one side?
- Also, did you use up all of one of the balls, and then use the second of the single colors?
Thanks!
elle est tout simplement magnifique.... bravo...
je viens d'acheter de la noro silk garden... je vais me lancer!!!!
I agree with you completely about the Noro...love the colors but wouldn't typ. wear them...nice way of toning them down! THANKS!
Jodi and Michelle want to know if you have to go to work everyday - we would love to knit this but damn that job of ours.... takes up too much of our knitting time....
I love this scarf! It is so rewarding to watch the how the colors change and complement each other as I knit! Thanks!
great scarf. Is the strip 2 rows or three and do you slip stitch each side so that they look the same
Thanks so much for the details about this scarf, I have finished my first one and am on to two more for christmas gifts. It is absolutely beautiful and Silk Garden is devine! :) Your photography is also stunning. Keep up the good work. Love the blog.
Your scarf, and the pictures are gorgeous. Congratulations. I´m sure I´m not the only one who would love to see, and know how to make a coordinating hat to match!
Hi Jared and thank you so much for all detailed info on this beautiful scarf. I am planning on knitting it for my father, but am unsure about the length. He is 5 feet 8, and I'm not sure if a superlong scarf will make him look short? What do you think, as a knitter and as a person of the male variety?
Thanks so much for posting this. I love the Noro yarn and had been looking for something to knit with it. I am currently making this and am just about done. I think that I may now have to make the hat you have posted made with the noro yarn to go with it.
I am new to knitting & have questions regarding the pattern.
1) You CO an odd number of stitches, but are slipping the 1st & last of each new color's 2nd row, does that mean you star the next row w/ a P1 ?
2) are the 1st two rows in the initial CO done in a K1 P1, or do you slip them as well?
WOW!It is absolutely AMAZING! I like all the varying shades. What is manual striping? I used Noro for a caterpillar I made. :) Best of luck in all the future.
...Wtf are some of these people posting about? You should remove them. They are explicit and completely unrelated.
Beautiful scarf (and great photos)!! Makes me want to run out and spend the money for the Noro yarn. I always end up putting it down when I see it at my local yarn shop because money is tight and I feel bad spending it on something I don't have definite plans to use. Well, now I have a pattern for Noro!! Time to splurge! Yay!
I love this scarf. It is so simple and sooooo beautiful. Thank you Jared, you are my God! I hope to be able to knit with half your skill and creativity one day...*wistful sigh*... one day.
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