garter with a twist

Here is my second original design for a scarf -- enjoy!

KiKi's Garter with a Twist scarf

I like how using garter instead of stockinette as a background to the cables not only makes this scarf look a bit more rugged, but allows it to lie flat without any blocking. I think the stripes give it bit of a Dr. Seuss-y punk feel, but it would look equally stylin' in a solid colour.

This is a good beginner's cable project.

6 mm needles
2 skeins salvaged worsted weight yarn in pale rose and darker rose colours (or two skeins in one colour if desired, but it's often easier to find random skeins of yarn in different colours.)
cable needle

abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
C6F: slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit next 3 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.
C6B: slip next 3 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 3 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.

CO 28 in darker colour

row 1 - k6, p6, k4, p6, k6
row 2 - k
row 3 - repeat row 1
row 4 - repeat row 2
row 5 - repeat row 1
row 6 - repeat row 2
row 7 - repeat row 1
row 8 - k6, c6f, k4, c6b, k6

Repeat these 8 rows til scarf is desired length.
Bind off, weave in ends, and add fringe if desired.

To knit stripes, alternate between two colours, either after knitting equal number of cables, or try my not-quite asymmetrical pattern as follows:

darker colour - knit 5 cable repeats
change to lighter colour, knit 1 cable repeats
darker colour, knit 4 cable repeats
lighter colour, knit 2 cable repeats
darker colour, knit 3 cable repeats
lighter colour, knit 3 cable repeats
darker colour, knit 2 cable repeats
lighter colour, knit 4 cable repeats
darker colour, knit 1 cable repeats
lighter colour, knit 5 cable repeats

If you want a short but symmetrical scarf, stop here, or, if you still have yarn left and want a longer scarf, keep on going until you run out of yarn (mine ended up being asymmetrical, but I sort of like that about it...)