Herbivore Scarf by Stephen West (Ravelry link)
Note: Different method for the beginning (I’ve used a similar method for starting the Shetland Triangle):
CO 3 sts.
Row 1: K3
Row 2: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1 (5 sts)
Row 3: K5
Row 4: K2, YO, K1, YO, K2 (7 sts)
Row 5: K7
This gives you the 7 sts you need to start the Herbivore, beginning with the Set Up Row 1 (WS).
BLOCKING: I have blocking wires, but for my Herbivore I found it easier to use a lightweight cotton string-like yarn (like crochet cotton or kite string) and run the string through each garter bump on the straight edges, using a darning needle. It was easier to sit and hold the scarf in my lap and thread the edges, then I could soak the finished scarf, strings and all, in a Eucalan bath – much easier and more precise than trying to thread a wet scarf with long floppy wires.
Then I laid the damp scarf on the floor, pulled out the strings tight and anchored the ends to heavy pins, then smoothed out the scarf edges along the tight string, with just a few pins here and there along the stringed edge to keep it straight. I set up a small fan a few feet away, just to keep the air moving to help it dry faster.
Postblocking picture taken 11/2/09. My favorite scarf!
I love my Herbivore and get so many compliments on it every time I wear it. I made it according to Stephen’s dimensions in the pattern, and it’s just right as a medium-size scarf for wrapping around the neck, and the end points wrap around and drape down nicely on either side. Perfect for filling in the neckline of a coat or jacket too.
(Now in the process of making a second one in a dark rusty orange.)
