Portside Knitting “your scarf lady” is one of the most amazing independent companies I’ve ever come across. Nichole, owner and sole knitter, is the most amazing woman. Strong beyond belief and compassionate doesn’t even come close to describing her properly. As the wife of a soldier in the US Army, her life must revolve around the demands of our country and she does it with strength and pride. Nichole homeschools her three children, special needs and all, encourages additional activities and continually encourages their growth in every way. All this while struggling with her own health issues and chronic pain. It amazes me that she’s able to do all that she does. Adding a business where she blesses so many with her wonderful creations has really brought focus and calm to those moments when she needs the meditative qualities that knitting brings. Please visit Nichole’s facebook page and show her some love.

Portside Knitting “your scarf lady”
Nichole brought the idea of this pattern to me because she needed to make one for a very special little guy. She has been incredibly patient as the design process for this one has been lengthy. I tried so many different approaches and nothing seemed to work. As I was creating the pattern, I was looking for an easy, meditative knit that looks far more difficult than it is. Everything I was doing just felt too advanced for what I was looking for. I didn’t want a pattern that required so much technical ability that it would only work for very advanced knitters. As often happens, I woke up one day having the solution (it came in my sleep). Top-down! I immediately got to work and it came out beautifully on the first try. See the photo of Fred the Frog wearing the newborn size). The blue ink on the photo is from marking sections and distances to ensure a good fit.

Materials
US 10.5 needles or size needed to get gauge
US 13 or 15 needles for bind off
Crochet hook size I
80-350 yards worsted weight yarn depending on size
needle to hide tails
two stitch markers
three stitch holders or scrap yarn to hold stitches while working in sections

Gauge
3.5 stitches x 7 rows = 1 inch in garter stitch
If you want this to fit properly, you’ll need to do a gauge swatch. Wash it and block it and adjust needles up or down if needed.

Stitches and terms used
k - knit
p - purl
k2tog - knit two together
s - slip stitch purlwise
ssk - slip, slip, knit slipped stitches together
pm - place/pass marker
rs - right side
ws - wrong side
Crochet cast on