Bow-Tie Necklet

Are you, dear reader, in the mood for some winter accessories? Or, like me, are you already anxious for spring to arrive? The only good thing about winter is the cute accessories, I always say. I have a big canvas basket full of scarves, gloves, mittens, and hats. I have a black and also a purple peacoat. Plus my dramatic leopard print fleece cape, which I have previously discussed. Simply put, I don't like to be boring with my accessorizing. It is my only source of cheer and happiness when preparing for a cold winter's day. Ok, enough with the dramatics. On with the subject of today's blog.

I knit this up several years ago. This is what the pattern calls a “Bow-Tie Necklet”. It is a scarf, but not in a traditional long rectangle shape. One end is pulled through a loop on the opposite side, forming a sort of bow tie. I have seen several examples in mid century photos of similar knit scarves that seem to have been made the same way. Of course, I forgot to save them/pin them to my Pinterest board and now I can't find them. I will edit this blog if I can find some examples.

Perhaps, this was a fashion holdover from the 1930s fashion of cravats and scarves tied in big bows around the neck. I am always on the lookout for periods patterns for scarves, hats, purses, etc. But the patterns of that time almost always assume a certain level of skill that I have not reached yet, and I can not understand the instructions. Or, they are crochet patterns. And sadly, I do not crochet. I have tried to learn several times, but it just didn't stick.

The pattern is “Bow-Tie Necklet” from Knit Accessories, by Go Crafty. I have made a purse from this book before and blogged about it here. This tiny scarf used light weight, double knit yarn in a pretty lavender. I got the yarn when I worked at Joann Fabrics, probably on clearance. Because that's how I roll. (They have EPIC clearance sections sometimes.) Overall, this pattern was very simple. The only moderately difficult part was creating the “loop”. You divide the stitches evenly between two needles and knit each side separately, then join them back together and knit as one. (The pattern explains it better than I can.) Otherwise, it's all just knit, purl, increases, and decreases all the way through. No fancy lace or cables to bother.

I love this little piece. It isn't practical, obviously, for seriously frigid weather. But for a cool fall day, it is perfect. And I really appreciate the hint of vintage design inspiration.

Thanks for reading!