In a recent knitting endeavor, I designed a scarf specifically for Swiss Mountain Mulberry Tussah by Handmaiden. Using a single skein, I wanted a scarf as long as possible, but not too wide. I chose a lace pattern in a Barbara Walker pattern treasury. The pattern looked to me like grapes on the vine, tempting me to have a glass of wine. The lace and a gorgeous purple colorway (Phlox, a Colorsong Yarn Fashion Color exclusive) were a perfect, delicious pair.
So I had the glass of wine. And while knitting (slightly) under the influence, I forgot to calculate exactly how much yardage each pattern repeat required. Thus, when I got dangerously close to the end of the ball, I didn’t know if I had enough left for a final repeat. What to do, what to do? Because the yarn is so exquisite, I didn’t want to waste a single inch.
The answer: a lifeline!! Of course, I’d known about lifelines for most of my knitting career. I’d just never used one. The idea is simple – thread a strand of yarn through each stitch of the row just knit, then continue knitting. If you have to rip back your work, rip all the way to the lifeline, then replace the stitches on your needle. There are numerous uses for the lifeline; for me, it usually comes down to wanting to use up every single inch of yarn.
So, with the lifeline in place, I started a final repeat. And you know what? I got the whole repeat completed, plus several border rows and about 8 yards left over. PERFECT! The pattern for the scarf can be purchased here.
That’s beautiful! And I’ve never used a lifeline before, either. I like to live on the edge, I guess!
Thanks! I tend to throw caution to the wind, as well, but this yarn was just too luxurious (as in, spendy) to waste even a smidgen.