Knit a Sweet Kerchief Scarf in Two Weights

I’ve lately been drawn to little projects. I don’t know if that has to do with my complete lack of patience this time of year, or the fact that I’m deep into an involved project (an argyle vest) I’ve told myself I have to finish before I can start anything else, and maybe I’m wondering if I snuck in something little I would fail to notice breaking my own rule.

Whatever the reason, I’m thinking a lot about little kerchief style scarves that can be used as headbands or wrapped cutely around your neck for a little extra warmth. (The headband bit? Is because I’m growing out my bangs.)

Olga Putano Designs has a couple of cute projects of this sort in different yarn weights, called Distance.

The original version was worked in a fingering weight mohair yarn. The second iteration uses DK weight. They’re both charming little pieces that start at a point and expand into a long straightaway, then end in another point. The scarf is covered with a cable pattern that looks pretty easy even as the cables merge and change along the length of the project.

The fingering weight version comes in two sizes (the difference is actually in the width, but you can also adjust the length), while the DK weight version has three size options that vary in length and in width.

Project photos show the scarf wrapped up tight around the neck like a kerchief, or tied around the head to make a headband. The longest version is about 3.6 feet long, so it’s not standard adult scarf size, but it will still keep you warm, cozy and stylish, especially when we get to those days that are just a little warmer.

You can find the patterns on Ravelry: fingering | DK

And if you love Olga’s designs, check out my review of her book, Only Yoking.

[Photo: Olga Putano Designs]

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The felted slipper craze that began last year doesn’t seem like it’s fading away. The Sailor Slippers, often striped knit and felted slippers made with super bulky yarn, because the project of the moment late last year (check out more knit slipper options in this post all about sailor slippers) and they’re still consistently popular with knitters.

Which makes sense because they are fun and fast to knit, and seeing them go from this giant thing to something that actually fits a foot feels a little magical.

I have always loved felting (in fact my first book was about felting knitting) and it’s always fun for me to see people rediscover this technique.

If you’ve knit enough plain slippers to fit all the feet you know, maybe it’s time to stitch up some tabi style slippers instead.

Maymade Knits has designed these cute tabi ballerina slippers, made with bulky yarn and felted. They’re worked flat at first and then in rounds, and are available in 10 EU sizes (the Internet tells me add 31 to your American shoe size to get your EU size). The designer says the slippers are meant to have a close fit and you should choose a size a little smaller than your foot for the ideal fit.

The pattern includes a video tutorial along with the written pattern.

You can grab this pattern on Ravelry. The same designer has her own version of the striped felted slipper as well, called Sarah’s Striped Slippers. These are worked in super bulky yarn and have a contrasting foot and a striped body. These are knit flat and seamed and there are 7 size options available. Check that pattern out here if you’re looking for a more traditional slipper shape. They also look roomier so you can wear them with socks if you like.

[Photo: Maymade Knits]

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