Bubbles
by Noriko Ho
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner
This scarf is made up of an easy repeat, but it does involve a simple cable.
This pattern is inspired by my desire to prove that variegated yarns don’t have to be scary. This pattern’s gauge changes so often that pooling is not possible. Go ahead, pick the prettiest yarn you find and try out this pattern without fear!
I think that this pattern is perfect for MPMK because of the visual stimulation. It is an eyecatching piece whether it is knitted in a variegated or solid yarn, yet so easy to do that it makes a great commuter project.
[Editor's Note: We found a very similar scarf in the trend forecasts for Fall/Winter 2009/2010. This scarf is way ahead of its time!]
[photographer: Philippe Geoffrion / Model: Noriko Ho]
SIZEOne size fits all. Size may be altered by adding additional pattern repeats, as desired.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Larger Scarf: 98” x 7.5” (at widest point)
Smaller Scarf: 65” x 5.5” (at widest point)
MATERIALS
[Larger scarf] Malabrigo Worsted [100% Merino Wool; 215yds/100g skein]; Seleccion Privada E; 2 skeins.
I chose Malabrigo because it is so soft and fluffy, and I thought it would feel great against your neck. It also comes in a huge variety of colors: solids, semi-solids, variegated, dark, light, etc. It is also an animal fiber yarn, which makes it “stickier” than a synthetic or plant based yarn. I would not recommend substituting a smooth or slick yarn for this project. You will lose some of the “bubbly-ness” that makes the scarf so fun.
[Smaller Scarf] Fiber Confections [100% Merino Wool; 440yds/100g skein (fingering weight)]; 1 skein.
I bought this yarn at Lambtown from a vender who small-batch-dyed her yarn. She had about 20 skeins for sale and this bright pink happened to catch my eye. I thought the fingering weight would make the scarf more delicate and feminine. I loved the way it came out. It is a bit smoother than the Malabrigo, but still sticky enough to hold it’s shape. I probably used about 2/3 of the 440 yds.
[Larger Scarf]
1 set US Size 10.5/6.5 mm straight needles
1 set US Size 7/4.5mm straight needles
Cable needle (a curved cable needle is recommended)
Tapestry needle
[Smaller Scarf]
1 set US Size 8/5.0 mm straight needles
1 set US Size 2/2.75mm straight needles
Cable needle (a curved cable needle is recommended)
Tapestry needle
GAUGE
Gauge is not critical for project.
Row 1: k1, *insert ndl into next st kwise, wrap yarn around ndl 3 times, pull yarn through and st off LH ndl; rep from * to last st, end K1.
Row 2: *sl 3 sts to cn, (unravelling extra wraps as sts are slipped), hold at front, K3, (unravelling extra wraps as sts are worked), K3 from cn; rep from * to end.
Rows 3 and 4: knit.
Rep Rows 1-4 for patt st.
2 x 2 rib
Row 1: *k2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, end k2.
Row 2: *p2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, end p2.
Rep Rows 1-2 for patt st.
PATTERN
Scarf
With larger ndls, CO 30 sts. Knit 1 row. Work 4 rows even in Garter st.
Beg Pattern Stitch
Next row: Work Row 1 of Twist st. Cont in patt, rep Rows 1-4, 6 times through. Knit 1 row. Next row: Change to smaller ndls, work Row 1 of 2 x 2 rib. Cont in patt, rep Rows 1-2, 5 times through. Rep Row 1 once more. Next row: Change to larger ndls, knit 1 row. Work even in Garter st for 2 more rows.
Rep Pattern Stitch section of Scarf, 9 more times (you will have 11 rows of the 2 x 2 ribbing). Knit 2 rows. BO all sts loosely.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Block.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
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Noriko is currently located in the Portland area where she is attending optometry school in hopes to eventually afford all the yarn she wants. She blogs about her knitting and spinning adventures here.
Contact Noriko.
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