Boardwalk Infinity Scarf (minus the infinity part)

Pattern: Boardwalk Infinity Scarf, by Danyel Pink
Hook: US I / 5.5 mm
Yarn: Caron Cakes in Gelato


Just before we moved, I finished up a test run on the Boardwalk Infinity Scarf. I'd picked up a Caron Cake, and wanted to try it out on something that had an easy-to-memorize pattern, something I could potentially make on repeat for gifting this holiday season.


I altered this pattern in just one way - I didn't make it into an infinity scarf. Instead, I added fringe on the ends, making it a regular scarf that can be wrapped around your neck at least two times (like I did in the picture).


The yarn cake has 383 yards, and I didn't use all of it. In the end, I had enough yarn left for three baby hats.


After I first finished the scarf, I thought that if/when I made it again I'd make it thicker, maybe actually make it an infinity scarf even. I wasn't sure I liked the long stripes of color this skinny scarf pattern gave me.


Now, however? I love it exactly as it is. I plan to cut the fringe for the first side before I begin crocheting so the fringe matches, and then I'll just go and go and go until the scarf is around 7 feet long. Then I'll cut fringe for the other side, attach it all, and call it good!


I've got three more of these Caron Cakes, and if all goes well I may just pick up a few more even - this is the perfect scarf to give to literally every female on my list! The yarn is 20% wool, so even this skinny it's super warm, and the length is perfection!

Bath Towels And Bus Passes For Homeless Vets

With winter coming, there is about to be an influx of homeless folks hitting shelters for help. Whatever your thoughts about homelessness in general, I hope that we can all agree that the problem of military vets being homeless in America is a tragedy.


In my conversations with the folks at the Omaha VA Homeless Outreach Center, one thing they say they always need is bath towels and bus passes. So let's shower them with both.

Why Bath Towels?

As homeless vets come to the Homeless Outreach Center, one of their most frequent requests is for a shower. They want to wash the grime off, just like the rest of us. But the HOC is always short on towels, and are constantly having to ask people to wait for towels to make their way out of the washer and dryer before they can shower.

Why Bus Passes?

One of the other most pressing needs at the HOC is bus passes. As homeless folks try to navigate their city - to find employment, places to live, food to eat, etc - they may not have reliable transportation. They will need to rely on the bus system to get them where they need to go, but may not always have the money to pay for a bus ticket.




*  *  * 




These things are inexpensive. These may be things you already have lying about the house. These are things that can make a huge difference in the life of someone who is struggling.




If you live in Omaha, I will be collecting bath towels and bus tickets until Thanksgiving. You can bring them to me at school or at home!!




If you don't live in Omaha, look up your local VA Hospital's Homeless Outreach Center. There is one in almost every major city. They will for sure need these things. Drop them off, make a tangible difference in your city.

Off The Needles: The Léogâne

Pattern: The Léogâne, by Debrosse NYC

Yarn: Loops And Threads Cozy Wool (pewter, 2 skeins super bulky)

Hook: P / 11.5mm

I finished this infinity scarf before we moved, and have been meaning to take pictures for about two weeks now. Turns out, it can be hard to find time to take pictures when you're packing, moving, and then unpacking! ;)

Now that we're a little bit settled in (although a long way from done unpacking ...) I found some time over the weekend to get this scarf out and snap a few pictures. Louise wasn't as into getting her photo taken as I was, but we powered through. For posterity. And fun.

The Léogâne is the perfect "learn to crochet" infinity scarf - it's fun and fast, uses two skeins of super bulky, and can be gifted a million times over.

Next time I make it (for holiday presents) I think I'll chain about 8 fewer before joining in the round, however. I love the pattern and the way it looks, but it felt a bit long around my neck once I wrapped it twice. Since the scarf will stretch with time, I know that if I make it smaller it won't make it unwearable for others, and it will be a piece I love even more.

Seriously - with just a few weekends left before the holidays, I'm about to kick things into high gear, and this one is about to be gifted on REPEAT.

If you're not a crocheter, you can buy the finished piece from DeBrosse in her shop!