Arm Knit Scarf

A few weeks ago I found an "arm knitting" scarf tutorial on Pinterest and it blew my mind how simple and quick it was to knit a scarf using your arms as needles. I tried it tonight and finished a scarf in about thirty minutes once I figured out what I was doing. I reviewed a few arm knitting tutorials and found that this one was the most helpful: How to Arm Knit - Simply Maggie Blog. Maggie used two skeins of yarn at the same time, but I only used one. The receiver of the scarf lives in LA, so I wanted to make it less bulky. I plan to try with two skeins for myself because it is COLD COLD COLD in Missouri! Here is a photo tutorial for those who may prefer it: Arm Knitting - Flax and Twine.

Look Ma, no needles! I would recommend that you do this when you know you have at least thirty minutes to finish in one sitting.

All done! I decided not to do the cowl or infinity version. I just made mine longer and stopped after casting off.

I think that arm knitting would be a great way for a beginner knitter to easily knit an afghan. I have been wanting to do an afghan but do not have the time. It looks like I might be able to do it after all!

Happy Tuesday!

Infinity Scarf

I hope that everyone had an amazing Christmas and a safe New Year's celebration! 2013 came and went by so quickly. I guess it's only going to feel more like that as I get older. It was a rough year and I am thankful for having great friends and lots of hobbies to escape to when needed. I caught a bit of the sewing bug last week and I am happy to end the year on a productive note.

One of the projects I finished was an infinity scarf. I am obsessed with scarves and plaid. So, naturally the two was the perfect combination. It was also super easy and cheap to make. I found a thick good quality plaid flannel in JoAnn's clearance for a little under $2.50 a yard and one yard is enough to make two scarves. So, make one for yourself and another for your significant other or friend ;)

Material:

• 1 yd of fabric (a thicker fabric will produce a better shape, but you also want something soft and wearable too)

Instructions:

• As mentioned earlier, one yard of fabric can make two scarves. Fold the fabric selvage to selvage and cut down the middle. It should give you a piece of fabric that will be at least 21x36". I thought this was a good size for me, but a few inches wider shouldn't be an issue either.
• Fold the fabric long-wise, right sides together. Sew the long sides together with 1/4" seams. This should form a long tube.
• Turn right side out.

The next step is to sew the open ends together so that the scarf will become an enclosed tube.

• Fold the scarf in half so the open ends are on top of each other.
• Pin the inner two layers of fabric together. Start by sewing the pinned edges together and continue sewing all the way around as far as you can. This can be somewhat difficult, but try to do as much as you can and be sure to not accidentally sew any of the other layers into it.

• When you can't sew any further, stop. I was able to sew together all but about 2".
• Turn right side out again and ladder stitch the gap close.

The result is a cute and cozy infinity scarf!

First Knitting Project - Scarf

I started on a knitting project earlier this year and I finally finished today! YouTube videos came in very handy. If you want to start knitting, google casting on (your initial row of stitches), knit stitching (your basic stitch, the other is purl stitching), and binding off (closing off your last row of stitches). My grandma showed me how to do basic knitting when I was about 8 years old, so I was able to find my rhythm more quickly.

I've only worked on my scarf a little here and there, but tonight I decided try to start and finish a whole package of yarn. After four long hours of knitting and watching TV, I was able to finish the entire second half of the scarf. It took two packages of yarn to complete. I used the super chunky yarn, #13 needles, and 15 knit stitches per row. I tried using smaller needles and thinneryarn, but it felt like the end would never come. Plus, I love the look of the bigger stitches. I hope to create videos after I get more practice, so stay tuned for more!

Quick and Cheap Scarf

I have been in a sewing frenzy. I get highly motivated, sew a lot, then burn out. Hopefully, I can keep my momentum going! One thing that I have been meaning to do is make scarves with the pretty fabrics I bought for just that. Almost all of my scarf fabrics are remnants from Joann. I made this scarf with about half a yard of fabric. I love the spring print and there's little textured bumps on the right side. I also liked the fact it's not so obvious as to which side is the right side until you are closer. I did not pre-wash the fabric. I figured it would be easier to hem and I wanted the hemmed edges to shrivel and warp some. I like a messy edge.

Instructions:

• I used half a yard of fabric but you could give or take a few inches. I cut it in half so that the selvage sides measured 12". I used a scarf that I liked as reference and decided to make it about 60" long.
• I wanted to sew the pieces together so that the seam would in the middle of the scarf (at back of the neck), so I cut two pieces 30" long and sewed right sides together.
• Hem up the sides. I preferred to use the selvage for the ends.

SOOOO simple and CHEAP! I see so many pretty scarves at the store that I am always tempted to buy, but I can't justify it knowing how easy it is to just make my own! This cost me about $1.