Imagine the late eighties: bold colors, geometric shapes, boxy clothes. This is when I fell in love with a simple garter stitch vest, each side comprised of four blocks of different colors, seamed along the top and sides to allow for neck and arm holes. The vest looked simple enough that it prompted me to learn to knit. Although I never completed that vest, I created this scarf to pay homage to the project that sparked a lifelong love of knitting.

I call this Starter Scarf not only because of the vest that started this journey but also because it is an easy first project for a new knitter that doesn’t take forever to finish. It is also a fun way to kickstart your fall projects! The total yardage is enough for TWO scarves that measure 7.5” x 94”, but you can adapt it for your own style by working it in a solid color, using smaller stripes or color blocks, or adding fringe. I even thought of doubling the yardage and creating a small lap blanket in panels. Let this pattern start your creative adventure!

My basic instructions are this:

With a US 11 needle (or size needed for gauge), CO 20 sts.

Row 1: Slip the first stitch purlwise (working yarn in front, needle inserted into stitch from right to left as though to purl, stitch moves from left needle to right needle), move the working yarn between needles to the back, and knit to the end of the row.

• Work Row 1 a total of 34 times (17 garter ridges), ending with a WS row. Join a new color and knit all sts.

Repeat from * until 12 blocks are completed. BO all sts. Weave in ends and block if desired.