Scarves
The yarn I used for this was from Misti Alpaca. Originally, it had been planned for a shawl for a friend. I bought 5 skeins, not paying attention to the amount of yarn in each skein. Needless to say, 5 skeins were not enough to make the shawl. The yarn was WAY expensive for my purse, so I decided to use another yarn for the shawl. But then there is the problem of what to do with 5 skeins of yarn.
I saw this pattern at "my" yarn store (I don't own it, it's just the one I go to) and decided to try my hand at it. The pattern is named "Holding Hands Feeding Ducks". I'm not sure why. perhaps the 'star' resembles a duck foot; perhaps it resembles four fingers on a hand. PUSH your imagination as to why the name...??? And, just a word of advice. Never try a new, difficult-for-your-skill-level pattern with expensive yarn. It tends to make you angry and VERY grouchy!
After many attempts to get started - LOTS of rip-outs - I finally got the hang of the star making (MS). I really enjoyed knitting this scarf. It's all based on purling; i.e., every other row, the yarn is in front. The yarn fuzzed up on me. Perhaps that's the nature of alpaca yarn, so after completion, I had to take a shaver over the scarf.
There are 2 things I really didn't like about the pattern. First, it has a definitive right and wrong side. The wrong side, to me, is hideously messy looking. Secondly, the cast on edge ripples, which is very pretty. However, the cast off edge is straight and looks ugly.
The recipient of the scarf loved it... perhaps she has impeccable manners :-) If nothing else, it will keep her neck and chest very warm this winter as it is thick and warm. I even noticed its warmth as I was knitting and as it was lying on my lap.