Yarn Exchange Scarf

Hello All!

This is something we've been looking forward to and it's not a hat! Melanie designed the pattern for us so that we could do a yarn exchange scarf. All of the instructions are below - let us know if you have questions. Please let us know if you want to participate. That way I know who to wait for in case something doesn't arrive.

Yarn Exchange Scarf

The Yarn exchange scarf Project is an experiment that we are pretty excited about. The basic idea is that at least 12 knitters purchase all the same kind (but any color) of yarn. Then divide it up into a set length (30yrd bundles). Send all the bundles to the Pinkknit-a-thon PO Box with a self addressed stamped envelope for a return package. We will divide the bundles up between the participants so that each person receives one bundle of their original yarn - and 11 new bundles. This will give you the opportunity to knit with yarn you might not have a chance to knit with otherwise. And even though everyone will be getting the same yarn, each scarf will be unique based on how you decide to put the colors together. We recommend following the pattern - the scarf is beautiful! However - if you can only manage to knit the whole thing (in garter stitch) it will still be a very beautiful scarf.

Here are more precise instructions:
Exchange

Recommended Yarns:

Mixed weight sport and chunky weight yarns and anything in between. Choose a natural fiber that has stretch and memory. Wool and wool blends are best. Cottons, silks, feel really lovely against the skin and drape in a lovely way, but don’t work so well when mixed with other yarns.

Choose a yarn that you might normally choose for a scarf. Buy 400 yards of it. Make 12 bundles of 30 yards each. Send the yarn with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Pinkknit-a-thon

PO Box 8352

Philadelphia, PA 19101

All yarn must be received by July 15th. I will do a quick turn around so that you will have almost two months to knit the scarves.

*Note about mailing stuff: If you've never done something like this before - here's what you do. Go to the Post Office. Pick up two Flat Rate Priority envelopes - these are made out of something that feels like paper but is much stronger. These are provided free of charge by the USPS. Yarn isn't fragile or heavy so you will waste money if you get a box. Put the yarn in the envelope - but don't close it yet! When you are with the clerk - explain that you need to include an envelope with postage for return mail on it. Make sure to address the second envelope with your address! Once the postage has been paid, put that envelope in with the yarn, seal it up, and send it to us. This should cost $5 to $10 (each way) depending on how you send it.

Materials:

Knitting needles: 9mm (size 13 U.S.)

Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Pattern

Row 1: (RS) Knit

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: K1, [(K2 tog) 2 times], [(YO, K1) 4 times], [(K2 tog) 4 times], [(YO, K1) 4 times], [(K2 tog) 2 times], K1

Row 4: Knit

SCARF INSTRUCTIONS

Layout exchange yarn in desired order. Consider weight of yarn as you arrange your order. Try to have weights flow gently into each other.

CO 26 stitches

Rows 1-4 Work in pattern

Rows 5-8 Rep rows 1-4

Rows 9-12 Rep rows 1-4

ALWAYS change yarn after a row 4. Any other time results in an uneven look and is much harder to do.

Change colors

Continue pattern, changing yarns after every 8 rows until all exchange yarns are used.

If pattern is overwhelming—just knit instead!

Weave in ends. Block.