At 11pm on Christmas Eve I was still knitting the final rows of this scarf, but I managed to cast off, sew in the ends, wrap it and have it under the tree by 11.30 - taking it to the wire, I know, but then it was being made in secret in a busy household and in only a few days from start to finish.
It's the One Row Handspun Scarf by Yarn Harlot, pattern here and Ravelry page here, for which I used three balls of Debbie Bliss alpaca silk and 6.5mm needles.
My only modification was to slip the first stitch of every row purlwise (as mentioned in this allusive post), taking the yarn to the back of the work between the needles - I stress that for the avoidance of doubt and for my own future reference in case I forget. Despite the mad dash at the last minute, I'm very happy with the finished piece which was indeed quick and simple to make, but not boring, so I'd recommend it enthusiastically.
The lucky recipient is very happy with it too....though I did wonder what you were up to!
Posted by: Mr Cornflower | 29 December 2011 at 10:35 PM
Oooooo, it's lovely. Well done and lucky recipient. I'm going to be busy knitting for new babies over the next few months but will remember your scarf for the future. We ate in a Pizza Express last night where someone was busy knitting socks whilst chatting to her friend and waiting for her supper. I think more knitting in public would be A Good Thing!
Posted by: Claire | 30 December 2011 at 07:43 AM
Have just read Sarah Moss's memoir of her year in Iceland. To be published in July and called NAMES FOR THE SEA. She tells how EVERYONE in Iceland knits all the time: in public, on transport, even walking along the road. And they knit in the Icelandic way which is NOT LIKE OURS!
But wanted to say: this looks lovely! I will try soon...have just watched the edge stitches video and that's a brilliant wheeze. Don't you just ADORE the knitting videos? They are truly comforting...I would like to meet all the knitters who speak so soothingly to us....lovely!
Posted by: adele geras | 30 December 2011 at 10:09 AM
I agree, Claire, and I did knit part of a sock in public once, I recall!
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 December 2011 at 10:20 AM
Gosh, my knitting skills don't extend as far as doing it while walking! Shall definitely look out for Names for the Sea.
Posted by: Cornflower | 30 December 2011 at 10:23 AM
I often see people (both men and women) knitting on the tube.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 07 January 2012 at 02:16 PM
Lucky, lucky you! Peter
Posted by: Dark Puss | 07 January 2012 at 02:17 PM