KNITTING FEATURE Articles   3 Comments 2 min read

Best Friends for Infinity . . . Scarf

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When I was in eighth grade, my best friend taught me how to knit. Witnessing the majesty of her effortlessly knitting a scarf and hearing the soft, soothing clicking of knitting needles, I immediately knew this hobby was for me. She taught me, and from that point on, we were both hook—I mean, “cast on” to this timeworn yet millennial-embraced skill. We spent hours hanging out and knitting, watching American Idol (her favorite) or listening to Lifehouse (#SkyisFalling #NoOneKnows). We frequented Joann Fabrics & Crafts like it was our job (partly because that was her first job), poring over books like Wraps Made Easy! (affiliate link) and Friendship Bracelets for Beginners! and ogling the beautiful patterns in magazines like Interweave Knits, which at the time seemed impossibly intricate and inaccessible to us.

We graduated from high school and I went out of state for college, yet our friendship and shared love of knitting persisted. Over breaks when I would come home, or when she would come to visit me, we would discuss our latest knitting endeavors—problem-solving when a pattern was going awry or there was a complex stitch pattern with which we were unfamiliar. Many times, I’d call or text (and still do) for advice about how to read a pattern or get through a complicated part, as her patience and ability to read, deduce, and effectively communicate complex patterns exceeded my own.

We knitted hats and scarves, leg warmers, cowls, and headbands, eventually venturing into more daring territory and cheering each other on when we deigned to take on socks (the feeling of turning the heel for the first time!), vests, and sweaters (I have yet to do this, but my BFF constantly encourages me to try). We even had a shared craft blog for a while, “LHCreate,” where we proudly uploaded pictures of our crafting endeavors, including knitwear, ceramics, and—inexplicably—a homemade pudding cake in the shape of a pig with a funfetti base, malted milk-ball eyes, and a nose, feet, and ears made of Airheads candy.

best friend
Science tells us making pig-shaped cakes strengthens friendships. Photo by Leah Mortenson.

During our junior year of college, I was going through a rough patch. My BFF, always having a keen sense for how to lift my spirits, sent me a basic, garter-stitch infinity scarf she had made with all of her leftover scrap yarn. It was the coolest, weirdest, most interesting knitted garment I had ever seen, overflowing with colors and patterns and textures. I immediately put it on and felt like the kid from A Christmas Story in the “can’t put my arms down” scene. It was perfect.

best friend
The author holding out her BFF infinity scarf to show its length. Photo by Garrett Matlick.

Inspired and motivated, I gathered together all of my scrap yarn and knit her an infinity scarf, too. We both still have these scarves and pull them out in the dead of winter when we need something warm and cozy that feels like home and reminds us of our lifelong sisterhood and companionship.

best friend
The author’s best friend wearing and holding the infinity scarf the author made for her. Photos by Jenn Rein.

A knitted gift doesn’t have to be complicated, knitted with expensive yarn, or even use a pattern to be special—we mashed together all of our leftover scrap yarn, and what resulted was all the more meaningful because of our end products’ idiosyncrasies that only a best friend could love.

best friend
We’re best friends forever and we’ve got the infinity scarves to prove it.

best friend

 

Leah Mortenson is an Education/TESOL professor, crafter, and for-funsies writer. She resides in New York City with her beautiful spouse and their adogable pup, Rolo.

 


Knit a scarf for your BFF!

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Join the Conversation!

  1. I have to thank the author Leah Mortenson for this awesome article and the cool pictures that went along with it. I’m definitely making the scarf. I have been knitting for over 10 years now, and this story really illustrates what a beautiful hobby and craft knitting will always be. Thanks again for this outstanding little story of true friendship, love and knitting.

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