by Cheryl Niamath

This is a very delicate mohair scarf with very definite possibilities. You can, of course, wear it tucked inside your coat as a regular scarf, but you can also do so much more: button one end to the opposite side, and you have a lovely capelet; wrap it around your neck, button one end to the other end and you have a cowl; fold it in half lengthwise, lace a piece of ribbon through the eyelets along one side, and you have a hood that won't flatten your hair.

This scarf will keep out the chill, and because it's so light, you can wear it year-round without looking overdressed. Stick it in a ziplock bag and pop it in your luggage when you travel; it won't take up any space or weigh you down, but will be handy to keep you warm if the need arises (ever been to Edinburgh in the spring?).

The pattern looks intricate, but it's actually very easy: 6 rows of garter stitch alternate with 9 rows of fishnet lace, with eyelets worked at each edge every 5th row.

You can make a Super-Deluxe version of this project using Rowan's beautiful mohair/silk blend Kidsilk Haze [below], or go Econo and use Elann's lovely mohair/nylon Super Kydd [above]. You could probably get away with using only one ball of yarn for this project (especially if you choose to make the econo version). You don't really need to make a gauge swatch--it's just a scarf. If you're going to try to make one ball do, you could conserve a little yarn by only making only 5 rows for the second, third, fifteenth and sixteenth garter stitch sections.

You will find that the lace opens up quite a bit when you block your finished piece.

model: Katie Sales photos: Wendy Niamath

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here]

Weave in ends.
Wet block to dimensions given.

Buttons (Optional):
Sew buttons between the eyelets along one or both short edges of the scarf. To convert your scarf to a capelet or cowl, you only need to sew buttons to one end. However, if you want visual symmetry, you'll need to add buttons at both ends.

Here is a neat way to attach 2-hole buttons: Thread a tapestry needle with about 6 inches /15 cm of smooth, strong yarn in a colour that looks good with your buttons. Starting from the right side of your button, insert the needle into one button hole from front to back. Leaving just under half the length of yarn as a tail, bring the needle up through the other hole from back to front. Repeat once (or twice), then remove needle and tie a knot with the two long ends of yarn. Trim ends to within the edges of the button. (See photo.)

Ribbon (Optional):
Fold scarf in half lengthwise. Thread a length of ribbon through a tapestry needle, or, if your ribbon is stiff enough, cut the ends at an angle, and lace together the 9 eyelets to either side of the fold, as you would lace a pair of shoes. Tie ribbon ends in a bow.