The peaceful days of camping in the wilderness go perfectly with knitting. What could be better than having coffee outside, with knitting on my lap? We camped twice in the last month and here is a look at the knitting projects I took along.
I live in Florida where we can camp year round. We take our travel trailer north to the Ocala National Forest and enjoy the natural springs, or old Florida settings which are free of traffic and commerce. Sometimes, out in the woods, the internet is sketchy or nonexistent.
As an older woman I am perfectly able to live without access to the internet, at least for a short time. I do work online, but it can wait a few days. Camping for me means relaxing around the campfire, bike-riding, and knitting. Usually my two cats don’t go with us, and that is a form of freedom in itself!
During this trip, my son took off on his dirt bike, and I worked on my recent knitting project. I’m knitting a fun, little project with wool, which I will use when we camp!
Seating pad project and Fontana my cat
The item is meant to keep your bottom warm while taking a sitting break in winter. The SkiBUM Felted Seating Pad comes with a color-work graph. I began by following it, then changed to more simple designs. I do a lot of knitting while riding in the truck. The bumpy ride makes it difficult to follow a chart.
My wool chair pad will be used when we camp. My folding chair has no padding. During cool nights around the fire, my butt was cold! I was using a little foam seating pad for some insulation. The wool felted pad will also be used when eating at the picnic table. I’m sure I can use it year round on our trips. This project is perfect for using up some wool stash! I’ll be writing a post about it soon.
Two Weeks Before This
We also camped on the days following Thanksgiving. During that two day trip I worked on my cotton top (Knus Light) while enjoying the grassy woodland view from our campsite. I saw a lot of Woodpeckers and heard Carolina Chickadees. From over by the lakes, the calls of the Sandhill Cranes could be heard all day long. Lots of deer crossed our path while bike riding. This area is full of wildlife.
Mornings were a little chilly, so I wore my fingerless mitts (Stellar Parallax pattern). I LOVE it when I can wear my hand knits.
Our campsite for 2 nightsKnitting the Knus Light top
I really enjoy this cooler weather. Getting outdoors, without sweating, is such a treat. It won’t last long.
Advice For Knitting on the Go
Be sure you have all the items you may need! Needles and yarn of course, but scissors, a crochet hook (for those dropped stitches), stitch markers and holders, and embroidery needle, in case you finish and need to weave in some ends. I like a simple project for the ride, and maybe one other for day knitting. We always have more than one project on the needles, right?
Thanks for reading. Here are more knitting stories.
Three little scarf patterns to knit with cashmere or other soft yarn. These are quick knits, and might be perfect practice for beginner knitters.
Here I am sharing some fun and cute scarf patterns that have recently caught my eye. These patterns seem easy enough for a beginner, if you’ve had some knitting practice, but want to branch out.
If you have mastered casting on and basic knits and purls, choose Sophie. If you can follow knitting and purling by sight to accomplish ribbing, choose Alex. The third scarf, called Scarf No. 4, seems a bit harder, but not much.
The thing about knitting a little scarf, is having a finished project fast. These are not your regular, long rectangle shapes. Each of the scarves on this page are much smaller, and take less yarn to complete. Consider a specialty, soft Cashmere yarn. I have some listed on this page.
Scarf Preview
I’ve begun knitting two of the three scarves listed on this page.
Sophie Scarf garter stitch
Alex Scarf 2×2 ribbing
I’ve begun knitting two of them, Sophie and Alex. That way I can give you first hand accounts of what I think. If you are somewhat of a beginner knitter, I believe you could knit them all. In fact, they would be good practice.
Scarf Style
The patterns are knit from one end to the other. They begin with a cast on and expand to the center width. Then they decrease for the other side. To use up one skein, use the weighing method.
Weighing Method
If you have one skein to use, it should have double the length needed (and then some). Begin by weighing the yarn. This step is crucial if it’s very close to the amount of yarn needed. Find the mid point of the pattern, and begin decreasing when you are just less than halfway through your skein. How do you know? Buy a scale that shows grams and ounces (Amazon paid link). Weigh the skein before you begin, and then along the way.
Choosing Yarn
The patterns on this page are for small scarves. They take one or two smaller skeins of yarn. (Please go to each pattern’s page – I provide links – for more information on yarn needed.) Cashmere, or a cashmere combo, is recommended by all three designers, but any soft yarn would work. These scarves will be wrapped right against the neck, like a fun little accessory. Choose a yarn that will be soft and comfortable right on your skin.
Percentages next to yarn names below are for Merino wool to Cashmere in the yarn. Read this page for information about the reason for combining the two yarns. In short, it is for sturdiness.
Yarn Amounts
Check each pattern for yardage needed for your type of yarn and needle size. In my list below I have tried to figure, in general, yarn amounts needed for the longer scarves.
Alex: Size M: 49 inches = 273 yard ball listed. (219 yards on project page.) BUT this changes according to yarn weight and needle used!
Scarf #4: One size: 49 inches = 219 yards (or more) of yarn total.
Honestly, all three scarves gave me a headache while trying to figure out how much yarn I needed for each. “Alex” lists grams and yards, but uses three different weights and needle sizes for each of the three scarves. “Sophie” says 35g. needed of Compatable Cashmere @ 25g. balls. (so 2 are needed, if I use this specific yarn). “Scarf No.4” lists everything in grams and meters and I had to figure the yards.
We all knit a little differently. Also, remember that if you prefer a longer scarf, the yardage will be more. It is always better to have a little more yarn than needed.
Prices are listed here, but remember that they will no doubt change over time. I’ve listed them to give you an idea of the cost of knitting with a special – in this case Cashmere – yarn. Please note that when I purchased some of these Cashmere yarns, the skeins weighed in at less.
Lang Yarn Cashmere Premium – 100% Cashmere with chainette construction for holding shape. -Around $28 per skein for 125 yards. (two skeins needed for longer scarf) – save 10% at WoolandCompany on $100 or more & they have free shipping in the US ❤️ for all orders. * I ordered some of this and the 25 gram ball weighs in at 23 grams.
Pascuali Cashmere Charis 70%/30% Mongolian Cashmere– cost around $30 for 122 yards (50g.) – you need 2 for the longer scarves – More for Alex. *My balls each weigh 48 grams, not 50.
The Alex Scarf (link to pattern below) is a pattern by Pernille Larson, aka Knitting for Olive. This is her page at Ravelry. The business is run by her and her daughter. They sell yarn that is not mulesed (look that up). They use only pure natural fibers. They also create really lovely patterns of all kinds, and have lots of knitting patterns for babies and children.
I thought that some new Knitting for Olive yarn would be nice to have. I wanted to make the scarf with their Merino held with Cashmere. Then I looked in my spare bedroom at all the yarn just sitting there….. I passed on the new order (boo hoo)and chose to use up some old Miss Babs yarns.
Miss Babs Tarte & MohairBeginning Alex Scarf
From my stash I chose a dark brown-green “Lobster Legs” colorway, in Superwash. The skein contains 400 yards, which is plenty for the Medium size scarf. I also have some green mohair to use up, so I combined the two. The color was nice, and the pattern is great. But as I knit on, I am wondering if the Mohair will be too scratchy.
One ball of Knitting For Olive Merino with 273 yards, held with 2 balls of KFO Cashmere is suggested.
Mohair is not really a good choice when something is worn near the skin. I’m not super sensitive to wool, but mohair – especially certain types of mohair – can be itchy and uncomfortable. This scarf is turning out to feel that way, so I may not continue with this yarn. I do love the pattern.
The Alex Scarf pattern can be purchased at Ravelry. The pattern includes three sizes and various yarn weight options. Only Knitting for Olive yarns and amounts are used in the yarn section. One ball of KFO merino is 273 yds. Only one ball is used for the Medium size scarf.
2. The “Sophie Scarf” by PetiteKnit
The Sophie Scarf (Ravelry pattern page) is everywhere it seems! According to the pattern page, 25,000+ knitters are knitting, or have knit, this scarf. It’s a cute, and easy, pattern that takes DK yarn. Size 4 needles are suggested, and the pattern is for 2 lengths. It is done in garter stitch (knitting back and forth) with I-cord edges. The designer gives it a 2 of 5 difficulty rating. Knitting this scarf is addictive!
You will need to: Knit front and back for increases, and manage the decrease stitches. This is not difficult. The edging is I-cord, which is also easy. As you knit along, the edge is created. Keep good track of the rows when you begin so know when to increase and decrease. Those should all be made along the same edge. Use a marker to designate the “front” of the work.
Yarn required for the Sophie Scarf is 101 yds. (small size) or 140 yds. (large size) in DK weight.
The Sophie Scarf pattern offers two sizes. I am knitting the longer version. The shorter scarf will come around from the back and tie in the front, more like an accessory, or accent. The longer version will wrap twice for warmth.
To show you the scarf as it is knit, I cast on using some stash yarn. This is Lorna’s Laces Solemate, and it is a very soft, machine washable merino, nylon and Outlast. I believe it is fingering weight, and I am holding it double. I went up to a size 5 needle. I really want to use up this yarn.
Sophie in white, 2 strands held together
Lang Yarn, Cashmere Premium in color Olive Melange
3. Pattern For “Scarf No. 4”
The third scarf, from “My Favorite Things knitwear” is named Scarf No. 4. It is also knit from end to end like the others. It is a long, triangle shape with a textured pattern. I have not knit this one.
Nice texture using simple stitches
Yarn needed is approx. 219 yards DK weight.
Yarn suggestions for this scarf are pretty much the same as the others. The cashmere mentioned is Lang Cashmere Premium, Compatible Cashmere lace (use two strands together). Or search for yarn that contains cashmere along with merino, silk, or other soft fibers.
This scarf has a different type of edging called “distitch”. It is not difficult to do. There is a YouTube video link included with the pattern. When I search “distitch edging” then I can see it here.
Scarf No. 4 is written for one size. Approximate length will be 49 inches. Yarn amounts are listed in grams and meters, but on the Ravelry page I see 219 yards.
Skills to know are yarn overs, knitting through the back loop, increases and decreases and distitch edging. Also knitting and purling in pattern. The directions seem easy to understand. When you see “est” in the pattern it means “edge stitches”. This is explained, but I missed it at first.
The Three Scarves Links List
In closing, I’m adding the links to all three scarves once more. Each link goes to the Ravelry page where the pattern is for sale. Also, find more information from the designer about yarn ideas and amount needed. Read reviews by knitters, and find out what types of yarn they used.
My goal is to use up some nice yarn in my stash. Have only one skein? See if you can use it to knit a comfy and usable neck warmer. These fun, cute projects make excellent take-along, travel knits. They are perfect for gift giving to special people too.
I can only imagine the cool, crisp Fall air swirling about my head and filling my lungs. I miss New England always, but especially at this time of year. Knitting season has arrived, and I know my fellow knitters are excited. I am excited also to see all the new patterns.
Before I get too far along, I want to give credit to the creator of the cute kitten in an orange scarf image at the top of my post. I just love it! The image was created by GrumpyBeere and there are more like it at the free image sharing site, Pixabay.
Prospective Projects On My Fall Knitting List
I’ve been a bit down on knitting lately, and it has nothing to do with the summer season. In Florida, it’s either hot or less hot, so I’m pretty much always knitting during non-sweater weather.
My last few finished knitting projects have not thrilled me. I’m currently knitting a big, over-sized sweater (it’s really big) that has lost my interest. The recently finished Rebel Cardigan is very nice, and I do look forward to being able to wear it.
For the sake of having something to do while I watch TV, I’m doing some colorwork on a tube scarf. I’m making the designs up as I go, which is fun.
Mittens can be fun to knit but they need to be gifts in my case, because no one wears mittens where I live. Fingerless mitts, or fingerless gloves, are more likely to be on hands here. I would wear them early in the day, before the temps creep up. I’ve already knit some of these patterns, and others look interesting.
Mittens and Fingerless Mitts
If you know how to finish off mittens – any mitts pattern could become mittens.
Fair Isle Mitts – FREE colorwork pattern, using Fingering weight yarn. I have knit these – see my page (and photo below)- and love them.
Hiedra Mitts – Solid color, using DK weight yarn. These are in my Ravelry favorites, and would make a nice gift.
Bee Creative Mittens – or fingerless mitts done in colorwork. Who doesn’t love bees? As a gardener, I am drawn to this pattern.
Simple Fingerless Mitts – FREE pattern! Has some optional colorwork for a beginner, which could be skipped. Very simple knitting project.
Just a word of advice here about knitting with wool. Mittens and mitts should be knit in wool, IMO, because of the warmth factor. Choose a good wool too – like Jamieson, Shetland, or Rauma come to mind. These brands have nice, consistent yarn, basically without knots. The wool creates a lovely project.
Shawlettes
A simple little “shawlette” works perfectly for keeping a neck warm. Knit it in warm wool, and keep it handy for the southern winter season. A small shawl will work up quickly and may use only one skein of yarn.
Interisland Shawl – this one is on my needles, but has been neglected. It begins with the lace edging and I’m not a big lace knitter. I do plan to finish it!
Lace edging of Interisland Shawl.
Bigger Projects: Namely Sweaters
Fallow – Yoke colorwork with deer / woodland design. This one is at the top of my sweater knitting list because it is so cute.
Schneeflocken – lots of pretty colorwork on this pullover.
Low Tide – a new pattern by Rachel Illsley is absolutely stunning! It’s on my list, but I’m not sure I can handle all the lace knitting.
That’s about it for my list, and it changes all the time! There is a new yarn (new to me) that I’d love to try. It can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. This would be a game changer for gift giving. Schachenmayr Regia Premium Merino Yak (link goest to the Ravelry yarn page) is the name of the yarn, and it is not cheap. People don’t like it for knitting socks apparently because it pills. But, I read a review by a test knitter who uses it often and recommends it. I plan to buy it at some point and see for myself.
What do you have on your knitting roster for this Fall and coming year?
Gardening has kept me very busy lately, even though summer is a slower season for growing where I live. For that reason, I am taking a break from knitting. There are a couple of knitting projects I need to finish up, but I do not knit as much now.
The Rebel Cardigan is something I am still working on occasionally. I’m knitting the long version to use up most of my yarn, and I have a ways to go. This project is taking a while, but I am enjoying it.
Knitting on the Rebel Cardigan pattern
I’ve begun another Warm Up sweater but will not be knitting on that all the time either. I’m using three colors of Peace Fleece, and I changed the neckline.
Summer is not the best time to take on a knitting project. Here in Florida it is nearly always hot. I never take time off from knitting just because of the heat.
Maybe it’s the recent knitting projects that didn’t really please me, or maybe it’s the season. At the present time, I feel less inspired to pick up the needles. I do know that I have a pile of sweaters that need to be hand-washed, and that does make me wonder how many more I really need!
I hope you are having a great summer – if it is summer where you live. If you are a sub-tropical climate gardener, check out my gardening blog.
New England's Narrow Road 