What George Knits - Fast Forward Scarf

If you have been keeping an eye on the blog then you might have noticed the little scarf series I have been working on. It started with the idea of seeing what little projects are out there for just one skein of yarn. I have been working my way through the Hey Mama Wolf Yarns starting with Mokosh and knitting the Bassenfell Scarf followed by Ylva and knitting the Kaarina Shawl. That left me with Skadi and something new to knit. After spending a long time on Ravelry I just couldn't find what I was looking for so I thought why not have a go at designing one myself. So one thing lead to another and the Fast Forward Scarf was born.

Skadi is exactly the same as Mokosh and has the same characteristics but just that little bit heavier. A plump and squishy worsted weight organic Merino d'Arles. Merino d'Arles is a sheep breed originating from the South-East of France in the 19th Century from breeding the local sheep of the Arles with the fine Spanish Merino. This as you would expect has given a beautifully soft yarn and one of the softest native to Europe. It has a smoothness to it which flows and drapes perfectly and due to the high crimp in the fleece the yarn is airy, light and warm. It has a wonderful crisp stitch definition making cables and textural stitches really pop. What's more is that Skadi is certified organic by the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

Skadi comes in a range of 11 colours which are rich and sophisticated, complementing the naturally dyed colours that Hey Mama Wolf is known for. The colour I chose to knit my Fast Forward Scarf in is the Smoke Pine Green colour, an earthy green reminding me of deep forests.

The Idea behind the Fast Forward scarf was that it had to be quick, engaging and show off Skadi's ability for crisp texture. It's a simple design with a repeated motif that runs the length of the scarf edged in a smart i-cord. The little chevrons made me think of fast forwarding through a film and are achieved through a simple lace stitch. This is set against a background of moss stitch which I think just makes the whole scarf seem extra cosy and inviting. It is knit from end to end starting with an I-cord cast on and is relatively simple. Once a few repeats are worked you will have it memorised and be knitting through it with no problem. The design is both charted and written depending on how you like to work.

You start at the narrow end and increase to the middle working the chevrons on one side, when you get to the middle you are at the widest point. From then on you decrease on the opposite side getting quicker and quicker until you get to the end. This creates a slight asymmetric shape. I am really pleased with the way the moss stitch has great definition and the decreases next to the yarn overs are really sharp heightening the arrow like effect. For the smaller size pictured in Smoke Pine Green the finished measurements are 100cm long and 19cm wide which is a nice little size to tie around your neck or wrap once and tuck into your coat. Of course if little scarves are not your thing there is an option to make it bigger by adding in an extra skein as pictured in the Mustard Yellow colour.