This project took FOREVER, but I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out. I don’t like acrylics (esp. RH) and this stretches A LOT, but I think it should make a fine manshawl/blanket for my good friend (who had a couple strokes earlier this year) and his trusty lap cat. The Bernat gray makes the colors of the RH yarn stand out, but still remains very subdued. I still can’t decide which side I like best.

Cast on 200 stitches in gray.
Created pattern using Red Heart and Bernat.
Reached 23” (halfway point) on 11/28.
Rather than follow instructions and mark for later cutting, I marked 5” (16 stitches) short of halfway point. I knitted the first of two gray rows, then knitted back to the 5” marker. I placed those stitches on scrap yarn, then wrapped the live yarn around then next stitch and replaced it on the needle. Next, with more scrap yarn, I did a crochet provisional cast on for 116 stitches (the same number dropped on the other side). I then began knitting from the “turn and wrap” stitch to the bottom edge, then knit to the far edge and changed yarn colors again. Hoping that this will work out ok.

Misc. notes:
Repurposing Red Heart Super Saver originally purchased and used for Variegated Pinwheel Sweater It looks really drab by itself, but the plain gray gives it some “oomph”.

Original notes:
Debating whether to do a stashbuster type like Cheryl Oberle’s http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knitted-ruana or colorwork design.
Having multiple textures and colors to explore might be nice for someone who is immobile or has restricted movement.

If knitting plaid, this motif looks great: http://ladypurl.blogspot.com/2010/04/anti-hipster-scarf-f...
See on Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/anti-hipster-scarf

Also attractive and manly:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/season-spanning-r...