By now most of us have had a sprinkling of wintry weather, a few flakes on the car as an early morning surprise, and a snowy coating on the peak of the roof, its inevitable and the only way to combat the elements is to layer on the warmth from head to toe.
Did you know our favorite winter accessory, the ‘scarf’ owes its humble beginnings to pilgrims in Medieval France? Originally known as an ‘escarpe’, and worn as a diagonal sash, it was used as a carry-all by beggars to gather money and food along their travels. It wasn’t until the 1800′s that a muffler, or neck wrap evolved into a scarf and became a vital winter accessory for both men and women. The popularity of the scarf may have dipped during the last century, but today it is back on top again as the number one knitting project in North America, and the most popular handmade gift item under the Christmas tree.
Here are the Top Ten Scarves for Fall/Winter from Diamond Yarn, in a wide array of fresh fashionable styles-
Paloma Scarf by Debbie Bliss
The ultimate splurge, a plush scarf to wrap around your neck once, twice, why not make it three times, since it measures in at more than seven feet long. Paloma from Debbie Bliss is a soft and squishy blend of baby alpaca and merino wool, available in sixteen dreamy shades including this season’s favorite- ‘teal’
Double Crosser Scarf by Universal Yarn
Cable enthusiasts will fall for this Double Crosser Scarf from Universal Yarn’s winter design collection. Self-striping yarns are still the cat’s meow and Classic Shaded has sixteen purrfect examples to feast your eyes on, including- ‘harvest’, ‘sundown’, and ‘sapphires’ (shown above).
Sampler Scarf by Sublime
A sassy scarf with lots of substance, in a frost-busting shade of pure merino wool, and super easy to knit. This sampler scarf is worked in bold blocks of garter stitch and moss stitch, every beginner’s favorite combo! Check out the massive range of eye-popping colours in Extra Fine Merino DK .
Odisea by Katia
A sporty and stylish scarf to wear indoors or out, just one of the many that Katia has designed this season in mega-size yarns like this one- Odisea, a softly spun wool mix in eight luscious colourways to whip up in no more than an evening on 9.00 mm needles.
Brushwood by Pear Tree Yarns
Pure and natural, that’s the aesthetic behind the boutique-style company called Pear Tree Yarn. They produce the finest merino from Australia and focus on sustainability first and foremost. Opt for a practical classic like this cabled scarf knit in Supersoft 8 Ply, offered in a dozen lovely opaque shades including- ‘fig’, ‘apple’, and ‘emu egg’.
Paprika Scarf by Louisa Harding
Passionate about pink and all things girly?? This flirty scarf will turn up the thermostat in a jiffy, knit in Thistle from Louisa Harding, delicious suri alpaca swirled with merino, a yarn that is guaranteed to keep you insulated from the cold this winter.
Joy in Ruby Beaded Scarf
If you’ve been saving up for a special yarn treat, Grace Hand Beaded from Louisa Harding has come along at just the right time and is showcased beautifully in this picot edged scarf. Glass beads add a splurge of opulence to silk and merino, in eight shimmery shades including ‘champagne’, ‘frost’ and ‘ruby’ (shown above).
Clove Scarf by Louisa Harding
A divine composition of colour and detailed stitchwork from design master Louisa Harding, in her ultra feminine Clove Scarf. Choose your palette of colours from Thistle’s full range of eighteen.
Park Avenue by Katia
Fall for this delightful gossamer scarf, as wispy and light as fairy wings, Park Avenue from Katia is the first of the self-ruffling family to add the essence of kid mohair and its causing quite a stir in the knitting community.
Bambu Boa by Diamond Luxury Collection
Bamboo and wool go together like bread and butter to create this unique self-ruffling scarf. Bambu Boa is a new quality from Diamond Luxury Collection, warmth combined with elegance wins every time.
