Last Minute Need! Red Scarf Project
 

Some of you may already know about the Red Scarf Project, where NICE handknit scarves are given to orphans in college.

These orphans have aged out of foster care, so they are really on their own.

Handknit scarves are included in care packages put together by the Orphan Foundation of America, and given to the orphans in February.

Last year, they had an overload of scarves, so I think that most of us that participated before just held back this year. And THAT is the problem. This year, they don't have ENOUGH!
:heart: :help: :heart:

The deadline for scarves is December 15th, but they are willing to accept them by the end of the month this time.

So, if you have ANY available time to knit a NICE, quick scarf, please help out with this project.

Here's the website about the project
http://orphan.org/index.php?id=40
And Norma's blog
http://nownormaknits2.typepad.com/re..._project_2008/

And here are the guidelines for the scarves:
Please remember QUALITY. This is not for beginner knitters or crocheters.
The goal is for gift-worthy, tasteful unisex collegiate scarves for middle class American college students -- something they would feel proud to wear, just as if they were your own college-age son, daughter, or grandchild -- using the following guidelines:

• Soft yarns, a drapey gauge, evenly knit or crocheted (but not anything that could be interpreted "lacy")
• Does not have to be machine washable (but please include washing instructions)
• DK or light worsted weight is the preferred weight (can be fingering weight doubled)
• NO BULKY or SUPER-BULKY (it does not fit in the care package boxes)
• 5-8 inches wide
• 60-70 inches long
• RED! is the MUCH PREFERRED COLOR. Other tasteful UNISEX colors are acceptable, but RED is PREFERRED. Absolutely NO PINK or LAVENDER, and no colors that the general public might not like. Yellows, oranges, and certain shades of green are examples of what I'm talking about. Some people (me included) love those colors -- others really get turned off by them.
• NO LACE. NO FRILLS. NO ROTINI SCARVES. NO FUN FUR.
• UNISEX, please.
• No felted scarves.
• No used scarves.

Recommended Patterns for Red Scarves
 

Here are some patterns that have been recommended for knitting the red scarves:
There are several listed on the OFA website Red Scarf page, but beyond that, (maybe with some overlap) there is Paula's Corrugator Scarf (opens to a PDF)
Steam (opens to a PDF) : http://d-made.com/knitting/patterns/Steam_scarf.pdf

Irish Hiking Scarf : http://www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingcarf.htm

Shifting Sands Scarf : http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/shiftingsands.htm

My So Called Scarf : http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/archives/000079.html

Palindrome (if used with a thinner yarn) : http://www.cometosilver.com/patterns/palindrome.htm

Besotted (if used with a thinner yarn) : http://www.helloyarn.com/besottedcarf.htm

Celtic Cable Scarf (opens to a PDF): http://www.kraemeryarns.com/patterns/pdfs/CelticCableScarf.pdf
Red Herring Scarf : http://www.cogknition.org/patterns/red_herring_scarf/
Inner Truth (first published in MagKnits) : http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/scarves/pandasilkDK-InnerTruth-scarf.html
Twin Rib Scarf found on this page
Cable Scarf :http://knittingonthenet.com/patterns/scarfcable.htm
Gathered Scarf: http://www.monster-yarn.com/gathered-scarf-for-your-m.html

And this one's always a favorite of knitters: Yarn Harlot's One-Row Scarf

I cast on my scarf yesterday, and got a good start.

I'm using two strands of Wendy Peter Pan yarn held together throughout. It's a very soft yarn, and knits easily.

The pattern is "Ben's Scarf", which is no longer available on the internet. I found it with the Wayback Machine though (internet archive search).
http://web.archive.org/web/200802140...bensscarf.html

This is one of my favorite patterns for men's scarves. Every time I've made one, it has been appreciated.

Sandy,
That looks like a basic ribbed pattern to me? I don't have time to knit up a cabled scarf, but could possibly do a simple rib or something like that. What do you think?
ETA: any idea where the scarves need to be mailed to when done?

Good plan, Susan! :thumbsup:

Here's the address:
Orphan Foundation of America
The Red Scarf Project
21351 Gentry Drive
Sterling, VA 20166

If you want, you can include a note to the orphan, and/or a gift card, when mailing your completed scarf. (Last time I sent one, I included a $5 Starbucks card, and wrote washing instructions for the scarf on a little note with the scarf.)

Here are the details for including other things:
Include a personal note of encouragement to keep a student's spirits up during the cold months. Some of our fosters say that hand-written notes mean as much as the care package items themselves.
Please secure your note with ribbon or string to the scarf, and you may include your first name, city and state. You can also mention any washing instructions.
A gift card from any national chain store is also welcome – Barnes and Noble, Borders, Target, Wal-mart, Starbucks or any fast food chain. OFA students LOVE gift cards!