"economical" stitch to use for super long scarf

[janelanespaintbrush]

Hi all!

I've decided to attempt a Dr. Who inspired scarf for a friend of mine. The original (from the classic British sci-fi show) was a multi-color garter-stitch scarf that was 20 feet long or something crazy like that -- my plan is to work on Jay's scarf off and on when I need a break from other projects and see how long it gets by Christmas. I really don't want to do garter stitch, because I think that'd get really boring really fast. (I'm also going to change the colors, to ones I think he'd like better. The main idea is to just make it as long as possible, that's why it's "inspired.")

Ideally, I'd like to find an "economical" stitch that will help me maximize the length of scarf I can get out of each ball. You know? Any one have any ideas for a good stitch to use, or know of a resource that has data on the relative yarn requirements for different kinds of stitches? Books, websites, whatever. Thanks! :XY:

[Denise in Michigan]

Ummm...
If Jay is a dedicated Whovian, and especially if he is a big fan of Tom Baker as Doctor Who, you may not want to make very many changes in stitch and color. He may most like, want, use, and appreciate a scarf as close to the original as possible.

It's problematic as to what can be considered the original, though. There were actually several different scarves which Baker used during his time in the role of the Doctor.

A search under "doctor who scarf knit" yields many pictures, patterns, color combinations, and lengths. You might consider having Jay review them and pick his favorite. If the scarf is to be a surprise, ask him if he has a favorite picture of Baker in the scarf, and then pick a pattern as close to that as you can.

IMHO, the closest to the "original" is found at http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Zone/3746/Scarf.html
Go to "click here" under figure G. This site also gives you an idea of the passion some people feel about this scarf!