Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Halfling Headcase

My bout with vertigo is finally over, I think, but you can't tell from these pictures I took. In my effort to create Tolkein inspired knits, I've designed three types of hooded scarves for the races of Elves, Men, and Halflings. They're a bit complicated, so I figured I needed to develop some beginner-level projects. This is my Halfling Hooded Scarf, it's simple and requireds some sewing. James was kind enough to lend a helping head.



The main piece of this Hobbit hoodie is a regular rectangular scarf knit in mistake rib , which is a 2 X 2 rib off-set by one stitch. I'm trying other reversable patterns, but I think mistake-rib has a humble appeal that's more fitting of a Hobbit. I originally intended this to be a child's scarf — no buttons nor ties. This would be good for children ages 6 and up.



The hood is formed by sewing a panel at the center back. I used a simple four-strand cable with a slightly different shade of yellow ochre (not "Yellow Oger") just for resolving pattern issues. But this would make a nice two-color scarf. I'm not a big fan of cablework on garments. Most cabled garments are over-designed in my opinion.





The hood can be worn up but it folds neatly on the back when it's worn down. Doesn't this look brooding and mysterious?

6 comments:

Nettie said...

Yes, brooding and mysterious is exactly the right description. And that little bit of cabling is about all that I can handle.

Unknown said...

Guess I'm not the cable guy.

knithound brooklyn said...

Yea, brooding and mysterious for sure. I like the hooded effect. I've never been a fan of hooded t shirts or hooded garments. The idea of a hooded scarf is completely different because you can remove it, unlike a garment.

Eliza said...

I've been wanting to make a hooded scarf but can't find the right pattern. This one is interesting, though I'm not sure whether I'd want to look so brooding and mysterious.

Unknown said...

Hmm, maybe a cabled clown face might cheers this little halfing-hoodie up... or it just might serve to frighten people.

How was Rhinebeck? Emily brought back some nice lace weight merino.

The Litter Box House said...

Ok, this is a great scarf and you should write up this pattern and sell it on Rav. That's an order young man!

Um, hi. I'm Selkie on Rav and came across you through some permutation there. I really love the scarf/hood in this post and would love to make something similar for myself...