Evolving My Mindset: Intarsia Knitting
Gingham to Me Baby Scarf
Design inspiration
Intuition
Timelines
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Hey, Loves, and Happy Thursday! Today is the big day for the Gingham to Me Baby Scarf! This design unlocked a part of me that I didn’t know existed. Knitting my sample was such a transformative process. This journey all began while browsing my local Target accessories department [as I regularly do for design inspiration] back in September of 2022. I found a rack of varying plaid scarves, snapped a quick picture with my phone, and for the one-millionth time, said to myself, “I can make that.”
This particular time felt different and REAL. My brain wouldn’t let the idea or feeling die. I wouldn’t let the plaids escape my mind, and I held on to my self-confidence that I could create a plaid fabric of my own. I spent the remainder of the day and week studying and researching machine-woven plaid fabric. That following week I took an overdue trip to my local Joann, picked up some yarn that felt just right, and immediately made swatches. After almost a week of playing with color and stitch combos, I was ready to get the real work started!
My typical design timeline from concept to finished object is six weeks. For this project, I gave myself freedom from imaginary constraints. I was already preparing the Melo Snood for release and had set up for the Hideaway Blanket and Shrug to debut shortly after. I didn’t have the time or capacity to bang out another project for 2022. It was a blessing that has helped me be more gentle with my body and more reasonable with how much time I allocate to making!
I wouldn’t start knitting my sample until December. It took me just over four weeks to make it. I blocked it, but I couldn’t beat the curling. Stockinette fabric has the natural tendency to curl. I took steps to avoid the curling, but my efforts weren’t enough to keep the scarf flat. Feeling somewhat defeated, I decided to live with the scarf for a few days to see if I would get past the curling.
I convinced myself [it was a lie] I was satisfied with the scarf and confidently proposed the design to Lion Brand. The concept was accepted, a release date was determined, and then the reality settled in that I wasn’t satisfied with the scarf. Because I had time to spare, I frogged and remade the entire scarf! I finished my sample in two weeks, with three weeks left to take new photos and fulfill my obligations to Lion Brand. It’s safe to say it was worth the extra work.
In 7 months, I went from having a feeling to making a scarf that has completely changed how I treat and view myself as a designer. After finishing the final scarf, I realized this had become a journey of leaning into and trusting my intuition. This is the year I do more with less. To go where I haven’t been, I’m doing things I typically wouldn’t do. I’m taking time with myself and making space for whatever will be.
The Gingham to Me Baby Scarf pattern consists of 5 colors, held-double in pairs, throughout the project. The double-stranded technique creates an intriguing marled effect! Beginners who understand intarsia knitting should do fine, but this pattern is considered intermediate. Complete written instructions and color-coded charts are provided!
This scarf knitting pattern is available as part of a Re-Spun Bonus Bundle kit in partnership with Lion Brand. No need to play yarn chicken with your stash or make unscheduled trips to the craft store! Take out all the guesswork by purchasing the Gingham to Me Baby Scarf - Knit Kit directly from Lion Brand! Kits will come with everything you need (and choice add-ons) to complete your scarf. You can order yours here!
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