Friday 5 August 2011

Hello................

............My name is Vanessa............

................and I am a...............





ADDICT



Seriously, that site is completely addictive..........like one HUMUNGOUS magazine, full of beautiful pictures and things to make you go 'WOW'.

The great thing about Pinterest is that the pictures always link back to the original source. There are many great crafty pics which link back to tutorials on websites and blogs. It is a great way to discover new, lovely sites you may have otherwise never come across, and be able to create something lovely.

One of my latest crafty delights came about from this in a roundabout way. 

In crochet terms, I have been wanting to do something using a diagonal for some time. In my blanket craze, I wanted to break away from horizontal stripes and granny squares. I just hadn't come across a pattern. It was one of those ideas that you have but just gets put on the back burner.

It was a little jaunt on pinterest that re-lit the fire as it were, and took me on a linked journey......

A little pic that caught my eye led me here

Although, the tutorial was in french it was easy to follow. Oooooohhhhhhh, now wouldn't that be fab I thought! I imagined one made in my head, with a lovely little border. One to snuggle under, in all its vintage looking goodness. Ooooooohhhhhh yes, I was liking this idea, very, very much. The only trouble was, I think I was a bit 'blanketed out'. I have managed to pull two blankets out of the bag these past few months, I still have yet to finish my evening sun blanket (which started life being just a cushion) and I wasn't sure whether it was a bit of an ask making another one so soon. So, I thought about it, and wondered if I could do something on a smaller scale. Something that would keep me occupied and put a smile on my face at a time when there wasn't a lot to smile about. 

I was sure I had seen something similar once quite a while ago on Vanessa's Gorgeous, Gorgeous Blog Do You Mind If I Knit

Now, I'm sure most of you know her blog well. Colour and Stripes feature heavily, so of course I am a fan and she is so incredibly, incredibly talented in so many fields.

A bit of archive searching found this post, and I thought, okay, maybe something like this might be a better option than another blanket. I could adapt the pattern from the tutorial on the french site into something smaller like a scarf. I get to do a diagonal AND whip up something that was quicker than a blanket AND that would still give some satisfaction.  Further searching led me to this, and then this and then this !!!!!!!!

Please do check out these links. Hen and LaaLaa are two extremely talented ladies. Hen was the lovely recipient of one of Vanessa's scarves (which Hen blogged about), and Hen herself makes THE MOST GORGEOUS patchwork delights. Seriously Lovely is an understatement!!!!! LaaLaa was one of the first sites I came across when I first started blogging. She has an incredibly enviable stitching and crochet talent and she just happens to be INCREDIBLY LOVELY too!!!!!

So, inspired by all the links, this is the result....................


Yeap, before you ask, that's me......helloooooooooo! It was a real struggle to stick these in. I like taking pictures, just HATE being in any with a passion! It was hard to show the scarf in all its glory just folded though. I tried it on 'Mallory', my mannequin but, as hard as she tried, even she was struggling (something about body issues that day!), so I had to model. I couldn't chop my head completely off without losing some of the scarf, so there we go. Probably to be deleted in a few days, when I can't bear the thought of them here any longer!

This was the first one. A sort of tester one. I started it using up the oddments of Rico Cotton I had left. There wasn't much of a colour choice and I'm not convinced about the colours put together. Ivory would have been nice and hot pink rather than sludgy red. I wasn't even sure if I had enough of the yarn to complete it as they were just oddments, but I did, and when I stood back, it wasn't horrendous. Not 'wow' but 'okay'. Okay enough to use. It was really just a tester to see if I could do it. However,  once I was confident I knew what I was doing, I was eager to do one in more muted colours. I have had some colours in my head for a while for an Autumn blanket, so I thought I would try them out on the scarf (Renee, these are the ones!!!!).

So this was my second attempt...........




This one was the one! The colours were more 'me'. I used ordinary acrylic mix yarn for this one, just what I had in my basket. For the first one I made the ends straight, on the second they were left diagonal, so ever so slightly different.

I like the first one, but I love the second. I am sure they will both get plenty of use on the school run when the cooler weather comes. They go with several coats so I am happy. I think I will maybe do another one in more luxurious yarn, so I will have a shop around for yummy yarn and beautiful colours. People who know me, would vouch for the fact that I am a HUGE scarf girl come Autumn/ Winter. I WILL do a blanket at some point though. I love the idea of a big square full of diagonal stripes. A palette of rich shades or one with just blue and white or red and white stripes! Oooooh the possibilities are endless!!!!! It is on the list, and I can feel the fire burning bright for this project, but for the moment, the scarves have quenched the thirst and I am satisfied for the time being!!!!!!!

Have a super Friday and the most fantastic weekend!

xxx



P.s Thanks for all your comments yesterday! It's great so many have jar love too, and have lots of packets full of little bits stuffed in the backs of the cupboards! Good to see I am not alone!!!! x







69 comments:

  1. fantastic scarf! What a riot of colors! Such a harp - a guarantee of good mood =)

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  2. Have been addicted for a while, am now following you!
    Gorgeous scarf!

    B xxx

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  3. Well, What a lovely face! So nice to see what you look like! You look so young, like a 25 year old. Ah pretty girl. You are a funny little camera shy gal. Seriously if I looked like you I'd plaster my face all over the place.

    Gorgeous scarfs. I have those 'pins' in my "to make" board but I am so slow I doubt I'll ever get around to it so I'll just enjoy looking at yours. Delish!! The rico looks really good in this pattern doesn't it. You are on fire right now!!

    I have been dreaming about your nougat, think I need to do a bit of Coco Rose pinning in a mo!

    xxx

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  4. Well hello there!

    I absolutely hate my picture being taken as well - I'm always the one holding the camera.

    I love your scarf and what a jazzy twist on a stripe. My crochet is absolutely pants so I am always in awe of anyone that can.

    Have a lovely weekend too and by the way - you look lovely.

    Nina xxx

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  5. Oh I have recently discovered pinterest and spent a few hours on there yesterday... I don't know where the time went! Love love both your scarves, they are very vibrant and look so pretty on you xox
    I too love Vanessa's blog and find it very inspiring, I know Hen's blog but Lala's s new to me... oh dear I can see me getting sucked into the laptop again xox

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous!! I love BOTH your scarves and the diagonal stripe design is a wonderful way to use the colours! You look lovely in the photos, so don't feel shy modelling your makes in future! It's very hard to show knitting or crochet that are to be worn without being on a person so to speak!! A blanket in the stripes would be beautiful too one day, and look lovely with other patterns you've already made. Thanks for a lovely, inspirational post.
    Helen x

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  7. Your scarves are beautiful and I love these diagonal stripes !
    I 'm just discovering your blog and I have no words : your pics are wonderful and I think I 'll spend a lot of time at your home , with my eyes wide open.

    Thank you for everything

    Nijenn from France

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  8. I am a total pinterest addict and you always have beautiful pins to steal! Actually between blogging, pinterest & actual crochet it is hard to fit the children in!
    Love your scarves. Thanks for the links - I think I will give it a go. If they don't take too long I'm thinking Christmas presents!!!

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  9. Wow! I think I have just found my next crochet project!! That is sooo gorgeous. I'm a Pinterest addict too - made worse (or better!) by my iPhone app so I can pin whilst out and about!
    Cathy XX

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  10. Gorgeous scarves, I love them both but I especially like how you've left the ends on the diagonal in the second one.

    It's also nice to be able to put a face to the words so don't be shy about your photo. :)

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  11. Oh my word, lovely girl! I LOVE both of your scarves. I've just found mine out as I haven't worn it since last year. I can't wait to put it on.

    You definitely shouldn't delete your pictures, you're beautiful! A vision in white, that's how I think of you.

    By the way, you naughty bad influence type friend, I've bought the tapestry wools for the alphabet. Oh dear!

    Have a lovely day, my dear. xxxxxxxx

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  12. So nice to see a photo of you and you're pretty!!! Don't be shy of posting photos of yourself, you look so young and wrinkle-free. So jealous, my skin is looking like a dried up old apple these days. (Is it an odd thing to say I love the colour of your blusher? I do.) Anyhow, the scarves are gorgeous too, both of them. I do prefer the second though, like you. One in a soft snuggly fancy yarn would be lush for autumn/winter. Lovely lovely lovely.

    I really like your bright and airy photos; like them a lot. My house is super dark and I never get the brightness that you do. Your house must be really lovely and airy. (and clearly you have superior photography skills!)

    Have a fab weekend!
    Nicki xxx

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  13. i have been reading you for a while now, but being lazy at heart, i never took the time to comment...now i have to... you look awfully pretty, so PLEASE, no deleting ? i am so happy to finally put a face on this wonderful blog! i recently gotaddicted to crochet, thanks to your beautiful inspiring pictures and also thanks to attic 24. your scarvesarefabulous ! i saw the pattern on pinterest ( yes, i alsogotthe disease ) but never gave it a try. thanks so much for sharing this beautiful post with us !
    hugs,
    monique

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  14. oh yes indeedy that is one very scrummy scarf, I prefer the second one too but the first one is also fab! Not sure why you hate your photo taken as you look lovely but I feel like that too so know what you mean. And as for that pinterest, it is great but I find it saps away my time without me evening noticing lol.

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  15. Hi Vanessa, wonderful to 'meet' you :-)! Your scarves look amazing and yourself so pretty, absolutely stunning post again!

    Have a lovely Friday and happy weekend yourself too,
    love Maaike

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  16. Ohh, lovely scarf! I must start one right now, even though I have 3 other things on the go...
    I know what you mean about Pinterest, I love it, too, full of inspiration!
    Have a great weekend!

    Kristina

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  17. How strange is that, I signed up to Pinterest this morning after seeing lots of bloggy people using ! Can't wait to get started. I LOVE your scarves, they are beautiful. Another thing on my list of things to do! Thank you for sharing x

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  18. I am absolutely addicted to Pinterest, too! It's Amazing! Twyla

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  19. Hola. Que bufandas tan bonitas y a la vez diferentes, me gustaría hacerme una para este invierno. Que tengas un buen fin de semana. Susana.

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  20. I tried Pinterest, but found it too confusing. I should try again. I am hearing rave reviews. The scarf is stunning! And you, my dear, are gorgeous!!!!

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  21. Wow gorgeous scarfs!
    I LOVE Pinterest too. Its brilliant and full of so many gorge pics for inspiration.
    Dx

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  22. This is a lovely post. I really enjoyed your blog links; Vanessa and Hen are favourites but I didn't know LaaLaa. Your scarves are both lovely and I like them very nearly equally but yes the second just pips the post. I am very fond of the colours you use; even though you draw from quite a range and selection I always love your choices. Your blog always looks so pretty and your lovely face is very much in keeping! You and your crochet complement each other perfectly.

    I looked at your crochet pinterest board only a couple of days ago. You have some really beautiful things pinned and yes you get to whizz off to see where they come from. I was so excited that I asked for an invite. I didn't realise though that you need a facebook account for it and I had already deleted mine as I don't like it. So, I will just have to hang around other people's boards! I would have nabbed pretty much all of yours anyway.

    You are such a quick worker - I'm always amazed by how much you get done!

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  23. Whoa! That's absolutely gorgeous. I think this post just changed the whole course of my day...

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  24. I love the scarves and also have to agree with homebird. I love your blusher too. I am now curious as to where it is from, as it looks a shade similar to mine from Elizabeth Arden. You have a beautiful face behind a gorgeous blog.
    I may venture to Pinterest, but fear I will be addicted.

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  25. I think I'm a Pinterest addict too but like you have made some fabulous finds so I try to convince myself that all my perusing is in a worthwhile cause. You scarves look lovely as does your photo but I can sympathise as I'm not a fan of having my photo taken either.

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  26. So beautiful! I love them both, the colours are great. The first one has a bit of a Cath Kidston vibe to the colours and I like the muted version too. I have to do something in this pattern!

    S x

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  27. Oh please don't delete the pics! You look lovely in your scarf. I really want to make one now, just as soon as I finish these cushions! The colours in the second oe are definitely me too! :) xx

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  28. Amazing and I cannot believe how talented you are to knock out not just one but two scarves! I have total crochet envy and wished I had paid more attention when my mum tried to teach me as a child.

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  29. I'm a Pinterest addict too! I've found so many wonderful things on there though. Those photos of you are lovely, I wish any of me looked so nice. Love, love, love the scarves too. Kylie x

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  30. Wow, wow, wow!! I just love your scarves!! I'm going to pin them!!

    You shouldn't be so shy, you are gorgeous!! I hate being in pics too, but I have a good reason as I am a fatty, lol!!

    Have a lovely weekend....

    S x

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  31. W O W !!!!!!!!

    Simply beautiful :)

    I discovered Pinterest too yesterday -- the many hours I'll spend on it ---- not enough hours in the day.

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  32. Both of your scarves are absolutely gorgeous and so are you. You may not like having your photo taken, but you are very photogenic.
    I'm seriously addicted to Pinterest too.
    Have a great weekend,
    Anne xx

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  33. You are a lovely looking lady who makes lovely looking things and happens to be incredibly lovely too!
    Your work always gives me inspiration and your blog always brings a smile to my face :)
    big love and hugs
    xxx Ness xxx

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  34. Oh my friend I have the same feelings about Pinterest ...I try not to go on unless I have lots of time as I spend way toooooo many hours on it...happy dance. I will find you and follow you!

    Guess what? I have found the JOYS of yarn...oh I love the stuff...I bought some to make pompoms and now I want to learn to knit...my daughter was smitten too...she sat down that night and found a video on line and taught herself how to knit...now that is all she does..she brings her knitting everywhere....pure JOY

    I love the colours in your scarf...Hugs to you for a great weekend. xoxoxo

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  35. Hi Vanessa, I absolutely love your scarves - especially No. 2!!!! I don't think my head can work out how the heck to make one! Really lovely pics of you too - so nice to have a face to the name. Your jars plus packets comment totally cracked me up - I can relate completely. So nice to see everything in pretty jars but not always the perfect fit for the contents of the darn packet. Hope you're having a fab weekend. Leah x

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  36. So good to hear you speaking out about this addiction, I just love looking at the wonderful inspirational pictures and then looking at the sites they came from. A wonderful foil to Blogland! Love the scarves, wish I could do that :)

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  37. I just don't think a girl can ever have too many scarves. I have to remind myself to stop wearing them when it gets to summer!
    They are gorgeous, you are so talented to just whip up something so lovely,
    Nelly xxx

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  38. hey - looking peachy!
    the scarf colours make me thing of ice cream -too lovely.
    I too am a happy addict. I nearly stopped reading and went over there for a fix - but I'm only half way down my side bar! Not nearly enough hours in the day!
    fee x

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  39. Oh wow, I love the diagonal crochet! These are sooo pretty I can't wait to try it. I haven't done much crochet lately.
    Thanx!!

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  40. I have never wanted to learn to crochet or knit but since visiting your blog...I AM SO WANTING TO LEARN TO CROCHET!!!! Is there help for left handers???? I absolutely love all of your creations and these scarves are to die for!!!!!

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  41. Pinterest is so addictive, I've been spending quite a lot of time there lately, more than I should really but the images are so pretty.

    Love both your scarves, such bright pretty colours to brighten up the greyness of Winter.

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  42. Please leave your photos up, and get over your discomfort with being in them. You are stunning, the photos are beautiful, the scarf is wonderful and it would be a crime for us not to see it modelled by such a pretty face.
    Nuff said.
    x

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  43. Hi you photos are fab , and you look fab ! The scarf is fabulous , i think i will try and find that pattern somewhere , it look great for winter , take care love Helen xx

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  44. Both are lovely but if you need to offload one? tee hee x I think it was worth outing yourself as the picture is so pretty!

    Sarah x

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  45. I was hearing about Pinterest for quiet time; after reading this post. I'm sure login into pinterest. Your photos are fabulous. I love your blog its so colourful

    I would like you to invite for my First Free giveaway at daffydream.blogspot.com.

    daffy

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  46. Hi Vanessa, you are so clever, I love your scarves. And the photos of you are just lovely! Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, am about to get the new sewing box out and start on another hand-sew project! Big hugs for a great week, Em xx

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  47. Love, Love, love your scarves, they are so WOW!
    you talented one.
    You are so beautiful, you should be modelling more!
    You told me about Pinterest ages ago, putting it of for now til little ones are back in school!
    Big Hugs
    xxx

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  48. Hello pretty lady! Yes, an addict of Pinterest here too - I love it! Great scarf and such gorgeous colours too x

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  49. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
    I like very much your blog!!!!
    Annamaria

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  50. Dear Vanessa

    I am writing to tell you about my fantastic giveaway of 10 lovely 100g balls of Stylecraft Special yarn to celebrate opening my little etsy shop.
    Please see my blog at http://millicentjames.blogspot.com/
    if you wish to keep this quiet that is fine by me - and if you wish to share the news that would be the best :)

    Thank you and best wishes

    Susan Potter

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  51. Vanessa, YOU, your scarf, and your blog are quite lovely. I laughed when I read your post about having 100 cardigans. I am totally smitten with my collection too...but I am not even close to 100....yet!

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  52. You are beautiful! And do you have a pattern for the scarfs?

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  53. I'm wondering if you would be willing to share the pattern you used for this beautiful scarf? I'd so love to have one!
    My email is lkane12673@gmail.com

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  54. This is stunning! I would love a copy of the pattern too if you have one. I looked at all of the beautiful links but I would love the pattern for yours! My e-mail is in my profile. Blessings,

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  55. I love the scarves you've made - beautiful colours and the pattern is so cute. I would also love it if you could share the pattern. I looked through all the links and I didn't find a pattern on any of the other blogs either. Being new to crochet, I can't yet figure it out on my own, but would love to make one!

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  56. I am in love with you:) so inspired!!! You are just pure lovely, I love your blog!! You are simply darling!! I'm excited to attempt this beautiful project, please please keep posting! <3

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  57. That scarf is absolutely the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. I am new to crocheting and would love to try it for myself. Do you share patterns? I can't find one like that anywhere and I'm too much of a novice to figure it out myself. My email is: danalou15@gmail.com

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  58. also would love the pattern for this diagonal granny!

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  59. Oh my gosh... I have a pattern that does a baby blanket that looks similar... but a scarf.... magic! Instant "somewhat :-}" gratification! Great blog.. found you on PINTEREST!

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  60. I would love the pattern as well!

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  61. You're gorgeous and so is the pattern! Don't ever hide :) Glad you posted so we can see what it really looks like.

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  62. On top of the fact that I love love love this scarf - where did you get your cupcake necklace? I want it badly! I have a whisk necklace but want a cupcake one and yours looks perfect!

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  63. Have to comment on this, I found this blog from Pinterest :) I´m an addict. Love that scarf, both! Thinking just now if I would make that pattern like scarf and sowing those together..result zig-zag..ot maybe not. I want to make that pattern somehow..working on it! Thank tou for inspiration!!!!!!!!

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  64. Your scarf is lovely. I have to thank the Needle Nerd for sharing your scarf. The first afghan that I ever made, I think I was in my late teens, was a diagonal. Needless to say, everyone got them for Christmas including matching pillows. That was in the early 70's. They are so much fun to make and you can really make wonderful color combinations as you well know with your beautiful scarf. My favorite was off-white, green and blue.

    Wow, thank you for bringing back memories (I am 58. I think I might make one again.

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  65. I LOVE THE FIRST ONE-I have been working on a scarf with random acrylic yarns I had in a tote. just by doing row in different colors and stitches. But I really love the first one-going to dig out my cotton tote- and try this one. Super cut

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  66. I have searched everywhere for a pattern for this scarf, any chance you can share a link that gets to this pattern?

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  67. My name is Christine, I'm rapidly becoming a Pininterest addict :-)Love your blog!

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  68. Me want pattern! Ahhhhhhhh!

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