The Hobbit - Bofur Scarf - Knitting Pattern

I made the authentic prop-replica pattern for Bofur's scarf, and while it is wonderful, it isn't necessarily the most infinitely wearable scarf. Because of its loose gauge, it is tricky to knit, and doesn't hold it's shape too well.

So I've adapted the pattern for everyday wear. This has a slightly tighter gauge from smaller needles, and increased rows to compensate for lost length. Do read the whole pattern here before starting, as the tips at the end are what make it easy and neat in my opinion.






You will need:
Size 8mm knitting needles
One ball each of Grey, Bluey-grey and Copper DK yarn (or buy the mithril yarn from Stansborough in Takahe, Raupo and Kokako)

Cast on 28 stitches in the bluey colour. Carry the tail across the back of the knitting as a kind of darn-as-you-go method.
Knit 24 rows
Change to copper. Knit 44 rows.
Change to grey. Knit 60 rows.
Change to blue. Knit 32 rows.
Change to grey. Knit 24 rows.
Change to copper. Knit 42 rows.
Change to blue. Knit 18 rows. Cast off.







Wash the finished scarf in warm water, wool wash and a little fabric softener for about 10 minutes by hand.

Squeeze out water with a towel.

Hang towel over a door or the washing line and drape scarf over the top. Clip a few pegs or clips to the ends to weigh it down. Leave to dry completely.






Super simple. But totally follow these tips for making it awesome.
1. Carry the yarn tails across the first line of the colour change to avoid darning them in at the end. After washing, just chop of the bit that dangles free, and the rest will be well attached in.






2. Slip the last stitch of every row to get a neater edge. The only exception is on the first row of a colour change where I recommend knitting to the end completely, then slipping the first stitch on the following row. This does keep the rows very neat.

3. Only use 100% wool. It works the best for getting the right look and a slight felting effect in the washing stage.

4. In the colour change rows, knit 1 stitch (which had been slipped at the end of the previous row. Then tie the two ends of the old and new colour together. This will create a knot between the first 2 stitches where it will never be seen.



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Exploring The Weta Cave

Now, I am a mad keen movie fan. I could happily see movies all day. Especially sci-fi and fantasy movies. I love stories and impossible worlds, so of course, a trip to The Weta Cave is always a highlight.



I've been before. And it was awesome. And now I went again. Yes, this is being posted to two of my blogs, because, I think it fits.

Richard Taylor and the team at Weta have put together and amazing experience at the Weta Cave. From a free 25 minute behind the scenes look at the various wings of Weta and the movies they have been a part of, to the museum, to the replica props, to the quality merchandise, it's all great. Now they even have a paid tour as well. (And that's only $20 per adult!) it does get busy, so go early, avoiding 11:00am-2:00pm which seems to be the busiest time.






Now, why on the Guru sight? Well... I've been wanting to knit dwalven hats for a while... And now I have a picture of a real one up close. But they also have the prop replica knitting pattern and kit... From the same yarn as the one in the films! Yes, I bought one.






And a chain mail kit!

Such a nerd, I know. Watch this space to see the hat and the scarf take shape... And go visit the Weta Cave in miramar if you are in wellington! It's amazing, even if you don't like Tolkien.






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Doctor Who - Free Knitting Patterns

As putting my themed collections together has been a good thing for the "Despicable Me" patterns, I figured it was time to collate the Doctor Who ones.... And show off that I'm going to the BBC symphonic spectacular in the new year! Mostly these are knitting patterns, but the odd craft project is also in the list.
Creatures
Star Whale



Wearables
Tardis Hat



Scarf Hat



K9 Beanie



Tardis Sneakers



Accessories
iPad Cozy



Tardis brooch



Mini Felt Bow-ties and Fez



Around the Home
Tardis Wheatie Bag



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10 Crafts in 10 Days: No-sew Summer Scarf

Several years ago I fell in love with this scrap of fabric and had to have it. However, it's been too small for many things....
About 2 years ago I attempted turning this into a scarf, with amazing tassels. Nope. It didn't work. (The pictures don't clearly how it, but it's orange with pale silver stars.
Now I have done it.



Super simple. Cut to larger than size... Then evenly cut in around the edges. I went for 10cm cuts every 2cm.

Tie a knot in each tassel.

Wash on a high spin speed. This has been done once. I will probably do it again tomorrow with fabric softener and hope it frays even more.
I actually spent a lot of time today working on the craft I'll be showing tomorrow. It just isn't done quite yet. ;)
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It's been so busy, thank goodness for soup!

Well, term three began with a hiss and a roar, followed by a great deal of cold. Sickness threatened. And almost won out. However, soup was the total hero! Between all the frozen soup and easily made soup, we made it through the worst of it all. (I hope). Spring is in view, and soon the weather will warm.
This morning has been a great time to make more of the Kumara and Leek Soup, still my favourite of the season.

Preparing my favourite soup

Knitting designs have slowed down with the busy-ness of the season sadly, but at least my Doctor Who Scarf is finished!  I love it completely; even if it is a challenge to wear.

I also have a Doctor Who Scarf Beanie... made from the scraps, and this pattern will follow.

Currently I am working on a Bearded Beanie and Minion Mittens, as one reader has issued the challenge, so watch this space for a pattern.
With the Drama of the Earthquake (6.5) in Wellington on Friday when I was in town with 50 students, a few hit but not gaining more than minor scraps by falling ceilings, and all our transport cancelled, I am happy for a dull and dreary few days.  (Here's hoping anyway).

Wordless Wednesday: Starting THE Scarf

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