I chained 200.
Sometimes it’s a good thing when you hold on to something you KNOW you will never use. Like, never. “John, why do you still have that? You’ll NEVER use it! It was made out of shitty yarn anyway! Throw it away already.”
I came across the trash-vs. not-trash-enormous-swatch/I-wore-it-as-a-scarf-one-day thing once more the other day and I thought, “THAT’S what I’ll do with it!!” I used it for inspiration. Funny how inspiration works. It’s a moment-striking kind of thing. You can’t suck inspiration out. I often feel that there are a thousand different variables at work at any given moment all fighting for a chance at sparking a moment of inspiration. And unless they’re all perfectly aligned, it just doesn’t happen. But on this day, they were perfectly aligned. So much so that I COMMITTED to going on the day off from work JUST to buy the specific yarn I knew would be the only yarn that would pull this off. For me, anyway. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. I’m fond of bulky yarns. I don’t think that’s any surprise. And while this yarn isn’t particularly gourmet or expensive or handpainted or any of that yarn-couture-y stuff, it’s like smoking a yarn cigarette. It’s a quick fix. A one-night project in front of the TV on the marshmallow. (my sofa) Besides, I’m comfortable enough in my yarnhood to knit with cashmere or Lion Brand.
And I love it.
It’s easy. It’s fast. And it can make someone who doesn’t normally look all that fierce, well….FIERCE.
This scarf was also a moment in personal development, believe it or not. I tailor my behavior a lot. I usually don’t have any boundaries or censors, and that has gotten me into trouble in the past. Particularly my mouth. But also my ideas, my “visions” my whatever. I cut and trim and safety-fy my knitting/crocheting. I often think - “What if people think it looks ridiculous?” (half-empty) BUT - “What if it inspires someone else?” (half-full) All this to say that I WANTED a scarf that was crazy long. Ridiculous. Flaming. Flamboyant. Too long. And I did it. See, usually I would chain 200 and start working and then think, “Oh, no, John…this is just a little too long”. But this time - I chained 200 and never looked back. Just how long is it?? 12 feet. No lie.
With an N-13 9mm crochet hook, chain 200. Work a dc in the 3rd chain from hook, and *dc all the way across with yarn color you want. At the end of the row, chain 1, and single crochet across. Change color and repeat from * 4 more times. Fasten off and add fringe. Or not. Be free. Go big.
Here are the colors I used - in order:
- #189 Butterscotch
- #134 Citron
- #099 Fisherman
- #132 Lemongrass
- #112 Raspberry
Love it! It screams 70’s to me. I may have to make one yesterday.
Love it. Need it. Want it. Making one.
I love the colors together. I feel the need to crochet something big and colorful.
this is beyond fab. love the colors you chose.
I love it! It’s fantastic!
Fabu!
Now where do u find Lion Brand in “The City”?
Love this.
Awesomeness! This is the kind of thing that makes me want to learn how to crochet.
I love this, it’s like the Rapunzel of scarves. Now all you need is a good climber.
Darling, you wear it well.
Love it, and I can so relate to the ’smoking a yarn cigarette’ concept!
Wow - something so simple is rad! The colors are great - your pictures are better! nice.
fun sweet and sour combo of colours. to me it is much more 80es than 70es. oversized selfconfident scarf.
It looks fabulous!
That is probably chunkiest crocheted scarf I’ve seen!
Well that is just the freaking bomb! I love it.
I understand completely. When you want something, bad, sometimes you just have to do it.
I approve of the scarf — it’s exactly right.
We will not speak of the item I am making for myself (hint: not a scarf).
Very cool…definitely suits you.
John, AWESOME colors. Love it–not everyone can pull of the long scarf, but it looks great on you.
Just wanted to address Jess’s question about where to get Lion Brand in the city. Check out P&S Fabrics on Broadway (just a little bit below Canal St.), or Pearl Art Supply, which is in the same area and on Canal.
Zontee - thanks for posting the info. P&S is exactly where I purchased this yarn.
And thanks everyone!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the info….when I did a search for P&S Fabrics, it said the store is closing
For today, when it’s snowy and ugly outside and news says it’s going to be single digits, I decided the best thing I could do would be to make the picture of you in that scarf my wallpaper and screensaver. Fierce? You passed fierce about 5 blocks ago! I love it. Thank you!!
P&S is alive and well, across the street from it’s old haunts. I believe it’s at 360 Broadway now, rather than 365 Broadway, but don’t hold me to that. Just look across the street.
i forking love the colors! i’d let ya tie meh up with it…. after it was soaked in some woolwash, anyway. *wink*
Thanks JL
That is a damned fabulous scarf.
It is FIERCE! I am so enamored by the giant stitches!!
Wow. I mean. Wow. I think I want to marry that scarf. Drool-icious.
Like a yarn cigarette. I’ve never smoked, but I totally get what you’re saying.
I love it! Now if only I could figure out how to crochet….
This reminds me of my grandmother’s crocheted blankets… but somehow, this time, that’s a good thing!
Luv it!!!!! Making one to wear on trip next month…may be the talk of the travellers!!!!! Colors great!!!!
Certainly does make you look fierce. It’s like a colourful lion mane.
you look pretty in that. Very cool.
It’s awesome!
Oh.my.GOD. Defiant, determined designer SUPERBLY decked out in his ferocious creation: would to GOD I could carry off my own dreams (be that in color choice or modeling, let alone the final combo thereof) so well! Still panting at the memory…
It is FIERCE! …and colorful…so perfect for this time of year! You look like a shaman merged with a lion wearing all the colors that have been forgotten for the moment in this season of white.
Hotnesssssssssssssss!!!! I wanna do one of these immediately.
I effing love it. And you’ve got yourself a new reader.
I want to learn to be more fierce and brave, and I’m loving watching your stuff.
This scarf has a cousin in science fiction! In the 70s, one of the incarnations of Doctor Who wore a huge garter-stitch striped scarf that was a similar amazing length.
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Zone/3746/Scarf.html
I do think they’re only cousins, though - yours has a totally original vibe that I really like. Just don’t be surprised if someone comes up to you asking about “the Doctor.”
Hello,
I found this pattern on ravelry..and I’m new to crocheting…do you think this scarf is too difficult for a beginning crocheter?
Thx,
Denise
the colors are fabulous! it is the hotness!
Oh my goodness! What am awesome scarf! And the colors are perfect! So, how many skeins of each color? I look at this scarf and think “WHY do I need this when I live in Florida?” and the answer is “because I DO!” Actually, my funky sister will “need” this on December 25.
Great scarf, love the crazy ass length, will be making one…………………..you rock!
this is just gorg! love it! i’m just starting to crochet and wanted to know how many logs of Lion Brand yarn did you use for each color?
Rockin’ colors!
This is so fabulous! I love it. I’ve been looking for the perfect scarf to make my dear friend Larry who has not been well, and I believe I’ve just found it. I’m so pleased. Thank you, you’re a gentleman.
You know, I saw this girl at freakin Walmart a month ago wearing a GIANT fierce scarf much like this one without the fringe and I swear I turned my head.
And I wanted it.
So, yes. This inspires people.
Mmm now to get through my rainbow + black giant blanket and then on to a fierce scarf.
You go.
i am in love with ur scarf! the bigger the better!