Taming Of The Curl
OK, I’ve come to a decision about the scarf. I’m frogging. I can’t stand scarves that curl in at the edges and this is clearly going to curl even with a good blocking.
But, I really like the stitch pattern, especially the strong lines of decreases which you can see really clearly in Rebekkah’s Scroll Lace socks. So I set about figuring out how to keep those lines while working in garter stitch.
Here’s the result:
It’s difficult to see in the crappy, pre-dawn photo but basically, I worked the selvage stitches and the decreases in stockinette stitch and kept everything else in garter stitch.
Compared to the portion knit wholly in stockinette stitch, the garter version is obviously much flatter:
Thumbs up or down?? I’m thinking thumbs down. I’m just not feeling the love for the garter stitch. It really ruins the charm of the stitch pattern.
But, wait! There’s “Plan C.” What about a cowl?? I can stop the bottom and top edges from rolling with garter stitch or moss stitch and the rest of the piece can’t curl ’cause it will be a tube.
Something to think about.
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22 comments Susan | knitting, lace, scarves
22 Responses to “Taming Of The Curl”
You get a gold star for perseverance. I’d have given up long ago!
I’m not loving it the way it is. What about a sock?
A cowl is the ooo-only way to go.
Hmmm…could you try wetting and blocking the end you’ve done in stockinette to see how badly it’ll curl when complete? I agree that the garter stitch portion is not working.
Perhaps a cowl is the way to go.
Third time’s the charm, I’m thinkin’.
In garter stitch, the pattern definitely becomes flat but also (maybe even ‘therefore’?) un-scroll-like.
What would happen if you knit a moss or garter (or ?)stitch border on a flat scroll-stitch scarf? Would the border plus a nice blocking make the edges behave?
I don’t like scarves that curl either.
Good luck with round 3.
Would a crocheted edging around the stockinette part (if such a thing doesn’t appall you) prevent the curl and yet be discreet?
I’m definitely not feeling the garter stitch love. The yarn ends up looking like boucle, IMHO.
I think it’s cute all non blocked, but if you don’t like it, don’t waste your time on it.
The garter section is flat the stockinette section curls at the end, sounds like you either frog it or pick your poison. Personally, I like the stockinette section and would be inclined to put up with the curl for the sake of the swirling.
I agree, thumbs down. At this point, I think the pattern just isn’t calling.
Your garter version reminds me a bit of of Tilting Blocks from B Walker’s Second Treasury. TBlocks lies flat nicely – maybe you could get some ideas from looking at that pattern? I have a photo of it on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/knitz/2221653222/
just a suggestion.
I agree about the garter and Plan C sounds perfect!
I agree with all y’all about the garter stitch. I think the unblocked scarf is charming–I say change the word “curl” to “architectural detail” and it’s all good.
Cowl. Or some other kind of border on the scarf. What about I-cord, or a mini-cable, like a 2X2 cable right on the edge, something that could zig-zag with the lace? Is that too wacky?
Plan C sounds good. I’m not feeling the garter love either.
i like the garter stitch portion better but go on to plan C anway, because i’d like to see where you go with it.
I’m thumbs down on the garter section, and as much as you don’t like the curl, the stockinette section seems more appealing to me. Maybe it is time for socks with this lace?
I would frog it and knit a cowl.
hmmm… me thinks the garter stitch kinda deflates the pattern.
good luck with planC
Hmmm…I like the stockinette pattern, a lot actually. Garter, no. I’d consider weighting the ends by have a beaded fringe, which should combat the rolling. Given the yarn, I’d go with matte beads. Just a thought…
I’m with you on the irritation of curling scarves. It IRRITATES me.