A guardian scarf...

I have been feeling a little off this week. My second cold since being in Tassie, in as many months. But a dreadful cough did not stop me from enjoying my morning today. With two cats on my lap and a cup of chai, I watched the clouds roll in over the city. I also finished one of my current projects - a knitted scarf for Guardian Angels. It is bundled up and ready to post to my colleagues from my previous workplace in Melbourne. A lovely like minded group of crafters who like to make for others.

Ames xo

My creative space...

Guardian Pharmacy have been running the Guardian Angel Knitting Program for twelve years. They donate knitted and crocheted garments to a different charity each year. Last year, I crocheted a scarf. I have just started to knit a scarf to donate this year. 

This year, the Guardian Angels garments and blankets will be donated to Variety, The Children's Charity. A lovely person from my old work will be collecting the knitted and crocheted goods from a group of us and will be donating them by the end of August. 

Have you been making anything for charity lately? I find that it brings a sense of well-being,  knowing that my handy work will bring a smile to someone's face. Someone that I will never meet.  

Best wishes to everyone out there that needs help at the moment. Keep your spirits high.

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How to crochet a simple scarf

I am still learning how to crochet and really enjoy it. Earlier this year, I ventured out from my granny squares to learn how to make crochet fabrics. I made a scarf for a local charity, which was really rewarding.

To make a scarf, you must start with a row of foundation chain stitches. The number of chain depends on the desired width of the scarf - I think 30 to 40 works well. But some people like skinny scarfs and some people like wide ones. Once you have completed your foundation row of chain, you must work back along this line to create your first row. I used treble stitch in my scarf. From here on in, you make rows and rows of treble till you have the desired length. It is important to turn your work over at the end of each row so that the hook / row starts from the right-hand side and you work towards the left.

So in a nutshell:

• Foundation row - make a row of chain stitches (for example 30).
• Row 1 - miss 3 chain and treble into the next. Treble stitch to the end of the row.
  
• Turning stitch - it is important to work your last treble into the top of the last stitch of the previous row to anchor your work. Then make 3 chain, which will act a 'substitute' treble for the start of next row. Now turn your work over.
• Row 2 - starting from the right side of your work, treble till the end of the row.
  
• Additional rows - continue this pattern till you have the desired length of fabric for your scarf.
• Fasten off - you will still have a working loop on your hook when you have finished the desired length of fabric. Remove the hook and cut the yarn. Draw the yarn through the loop and tighten.