"Ephemera" scarf
I did say it was going to be low-key, didn't I? After the sunny stole and the ruffled scarf, I wanted something earthy and understated.
Yarns:
Habu merino
Habu Silk + Stainless steel
Habu Wool + Stainless steel
Pattern:
Hum… none. Just plain stockinette sticth throughout.
I knitted half the scarf with a strand of merino and one of silk+steel, and the other half with a strand of merino and one of wool+steel.
Needles:
US #2 = 3.25mm
Props:
Clear glass pebbles from Smith & Hawken, $4.95/lb.
I created the bobbles by sewing in some glass pebbles then fulling the scarf a little by alternating hot and cold water baths and agitating the water. Despite the energetic treatment, the fulling effect is barely visible; as a consequence I think that the first wash will remove much of the three-dimensionality of the scarf.
It's okay. I really wanted to try this and I am pleased with the result regardless of its impermanence.
Here's a look at the back, in case you are curious.
Comments
oh yes! that is wonderful....
Posted by: stephanie s | May 18, 2007 10:32 AM
I think it looks great! It does remind me of stuff the Japanese designers would do.
Posted by: Marina | May 18, 2007 10:54 AM
How do they feel?
Love the concept and the look. Art fabric!
Posted by: Sylvia | May 18, 2007 11:13 AM
That's really interesting. I remember there is a bobble scarf pattern from Knitty (the breast cancer month special, I think) ... the result is similar to this. Maybe if you want to keep the 3 dimensional feeling, you can insert the pebbles to let the scarf dry ... or even use a little bit of starch spray.
Posted by: Agnes | May 18, 2007 12:09 PM
Starch spray; that's an idea!
I did let the scarf dry before I took out the pebbles. Maybe it didn't felt much because of a combination of having some steel content and being knitted at a rather small gauge. The kushu-kushu scarves sold by Habu as a kit seem to felt more and I believe I used the same yarns, but the Habu pattern calls for larger gauge needles, so that may be a factor.
I'll have to check out that Knitty pattern. Thanks for the tip. :)
Posted by: Francesca | May 18, 2007 12:14 PM
Francesca!
This is beautiful and smart, combining the shibori technique and the unique texture of Habu, I absolutely love the result! Congratulations!
Posted by: Olgajazzy | May 18, 2007 12:17 PM
Oh my, ephemera is gorgeous! How does it feel on your skin? I love the bobbly texture, I bet you'll get a ton of compliments when you wear it out!
Posted by: Bea | May 18, 2007 12:37 PM
Now that it's washed, the scarf is actually softer than I expected. You really can't tell there is steel in it from just touching it. The bobbles are just as soft as the rest and it's all very lightweight on the neck (after getting out the glass pebbles!). :)
Posted by: Francesca | May 18, 2007 12:41 PM
Wow... I am certainly going to try your technique. I am in love with the scarf and keep aiming people links to your site to show them how cool the scarf turned out.
I knitted the one from the kit and mine didn't really felt that much either. I even ended up putting it in the dryer on air fluff to see if I could get more felting. I also tried pouring boiling water and then dunking it in ice water. I have always wondered how habu got it to felt so much so I don't think it is just the needle combo they used.
Posted by: kitty kitty | May 18, 2007 1:37 PM
Oh my this is so wonderful. Natural and artistic - it's absolutely stunning. I'll keep up hope that it stays as you've created.
I got a little giggle with your word "props". I don't know why but it tickled me.
Posted by: Barbp | May 18, 2007 3:35 PM
It looks lovely--wear it gently so it lasts.
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | May 18, 2007 4:29 PM
This scarf is absolutely stunning! Congratulations! I hope the pepple shapes will keep up after washing.
Posted by: Maud | May 19, 2007 11:09 PM
It's great!!
You may just have blazed a trail there, Francesca.
Posted by: Karen | May 20, 2007 12:13 PM
What a great scarf -- sophisticated and funky at the same time!
Posted by: nona | May 20, 2007 4:54 PM
Hey, that's very cool! I like the bobbles from the underside of it, too!
Posted by: domesticshorthair | May 21, 2007 3:59 PM
Wow, I followed this pic from flickr to your blog. Your knitting is just gorgeous! Do you have a follow-up on this scarf? Has it been washed again and did the bobbles stay
Posted by: soknitpicky | July 8, 2007 8:40 PM