I also highly recommend Lion Brand. They send a weekly e-mail newsletter that always includes at least 4 patterns (usually 2 knit, 2 crochet), and their website has lots of patterns--many of those have been reviewed by people who have knitted them. One other tip--and you probably already know this, but . . . I have learned several knitting stitches by studying videos that have been posted on YouTube. My favorite ones are by "knitwitch." Her instructions are clear, and she uses good contrasting yarn & background so you can really see the specific steps to the stitches. The best part about it is that I can pause the video whenever I want and watch it over, and over, and over until I get the stitch right!

1. Finishing a crochet baby blanket from 2 years ago (someone I know is pregnant). 2. Finishing a child's poncho, which was going to be a birthdy present in spring, but now will be a Christmas present. 3. Just started a shawl in various cream and soft pink colors. 4. Have yarn and pattern for summer sleeveless top (fat chance on that one). Too busy outside gardening! Cutting wayyy back some junipers from the 1950's to make room for perennials in 99+ heat. Had to take a break inside in the a/c!

I am a crocheter - did some knitting but never took the time to perfect it. Crocheting seems to go faster but uses more yarn. I rather spend money on the yarn and finish sooner! You could use a very simple stitch I am currently using the Sweet Stripes for a baby blanket so I guess it depends on the colors you selected if it is too babyish. If you bought the Splash - blue/green combo I think you are fine. I think the blue/white should be OK but the others signal "baby" to me (maybe others think differently). Another option is using Homespun from LionBrand since it is very soft yarn and a mixture of colors to add some richness to the scarf. They have some patterns for "short" scarves using only one skien and a few others also. Check their site and they also have instructions posted on how to knit/crochet. There is one major drawback for a new knitter/crocheter in using either sweet stripes or homespun - they are a curly/wavy type of yarn and it is harder to distinguish where the stitch actually is. I think a smooth yarn is easier for a beginner and would suggest using a sport weight if you want a light, softer scarf. A solid color is easier to work with for a beginner but the Bernat Softee Baby in Baby Denim Marls has just a hint of color so it is easy enough to work with. I like the His Jeans Ombre but even ombres are harder for beginners. Guess it really depends on whether you have a live resource to help you if you get stuck. Keep the first one simple and then build up your skills.

I can knit or crochet. I tried crocheting with an N hook but didn't get too far, couldn't keep track of where to put stitches and kept tangling. I thought of using it with a thin worsted contrasting color to keep track. I recall I had the same problem with a fun fur type and I ended up knitting a scarf but I really wanted to make a crocheted hat for a chemo patient. Just wondered if anyone had any tricks up their sleeves for this problem. I'm not new at knit-crochet, just rusty.