not ANOTHER scarf . . .



a simple slip knot

 have you ever noticed that Scarves seem to be the catalyst and inspiration for many new knitters .... but WHY?  they are 12 miles LONG ... and take forEVER to knit, or so it seems, if this is one of your first projects and you have no sense of how to gauge the time it's going to require - - or even realize the monotony (rather than the relaxation) of simply going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth . . . learning the basic knit and knit and knit and knit ....

however, we have learned that the more comfortable we become with our knitting skills the more welcoming a scarf project can be simply BECAUSE of the repetition and the freedom to allow your mind to relax a bit as the rhythm of the needles soon brings a settling throughout .. an envelope of tranquility that creates a tiny cocoon within which you can dwell on the recipient of the scarf - - or the texture of the yarn as it flows from the skein, across your fingers, around the needles and off into a soft pile in your lap - - or the marvels of a pattern that develops one row at a time which is often such a reflection of how God works in our own lives - - patterns don't often make sense when judged solely on one ROW ... but cumulatively they are so intwined that their collective effort presents itself as a delicate and intricate work of art.

so . . with our extensive collection of scarves hanging as accessories for us to wear, have you ever considered a different option as far as HOW to actualy wear them?  not just draped and hanging like a long and slender upside down "U" resting on our shoulders .... what about a Slip knot ... or a 4 in Hand knot? 

 

For more ideas you can Check out this Crochet Me site, or any of the Knitting Daily patterns that might inspire you .... remember to consider the weight of your yarn AND the appropriate needle size in order to create a soft and subtle drape to the fabric of the scarf that you are knitting .... a strip of stiff and strong fabric might be a perfect and stunning statement if afforded the option to simply hang from your neck, but would hardly be a highlighted accessory if you tried to "knot" it .... the rigidity might appear more like a bow tie rather than a gentle boa ....  (just a little point to ponder there!  however, if you love the yarn, why not conisder going UP several sizes in the needles you use so that your stitiches are more fluid and the drape flows effortlessly rather than fighting to maintain its rigidity.)

Finding Rest for the yarn by thinking outside the box/label and adjusting your needle size is really a perfect solution though it may not appear conventional to some.  Finding Rest for my heart is much the same process.  Often in the midst of what would appear an obvious 'solution' to a problem, it's the still, small voice of the Lord that ends up being the true 'Solution' ... that becomes the Compliment to the yarn of my day .... that turns things from TENSE bow TIES into a gentle and soothing drape of Peace around my heart . . that apart from Him i can NOT explain.

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. 

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

ps. 4:7-8