Men Who Knit Promoting and inspiring the art of knitting amongst men.

I love scarves. Most of what I've done is scarves and wraps, as well as a cowl, plus two hats. I think scarves are great because they are an excellent tableau for experimenting with any stitch or pattern or color you like. Lace stitches that don't work well in hats or mittens can be spread out in a scarf or stole.

And at mention of lace, many of the guys here will start saying, "Yes... come to the Dark Side! We have cookies!". Lace is *really* addictive, and you can find patterns that work up well to worsted weight yarn. Also remember that "lace" just means it has holes in it, as opposed to solid work. Something as simple as purse or Turkish stitch (yo, [p|k]2tog) is lace, and can make a very nice scarf.

If you do a hat, use it as an opportunity to learn knitting in the round. The general consensus is that learning the magic loop on cable needles is easier than knitting in the round on double points. If you go with dpn's (double point needles), do *not* get slick ones unless you are using very coarse or fluffy fabric. Wood is best. If the needles slide, get a packet or two of the cheap rubber needle caps and keep all unused needles capped.

I've done two hats myself. I did both flat and seamed them. If you are going to do this, learn to seam properly (mistakes really show, as mine did), and remember that seams become a bit tricky with small stitches or when the stitches start to decrease.

You can also try socks when you get adventurous, though you have to do those in the round. If you want to go into socks, there is as large a cadre here for that as there is for lace. And whatever you do on this side... DO. NOT. EVAH. dis the socks. Oh, how the ladies will clutch their purls like someone let a fart in a church sermon! :-)

Just think of it as a circular scarf for your head! LOL

Mark