Sigh...I've started yet another Argosy scarf.  Shocker, I know.  But I have a reason for making this one.  And a reason for making it in the yarn I chose.  I've had it in my stash for several years and I no longer know the name of it or where I ordered it from.  I do know that it is a blend of Hemp and Cotton--something like half hemp, half cotton.  I think this scarf will be around when the dinosaurs come back.  They say hemp is a strong fiber and is UV & mold resistant so this baby will last a while.  I can't say the scarf will be something that is worthy of passing on to future generations but it could very well be around that long.  As long as it is kept away from a flame.  (Heh, up in smoke, so to speak).  Okay, now you're thinking  I'm hinting at smoking this stuff.  You would be thinking wrong.  But what would the mention of Hemp be without turning our minds to the controversial issue behind it.  As for me, I try to be as uncontroversial as they come so I'm not here to preach about the rights and wrongs of the stuff.  I do think that hemp, the fiber, gets a bad rap and that there are benefits to using it in fabrics and yarn. 

Now that that is said, knitting with this yarn is not a dream.  Think about knitting with kitchen string and then add a little jute-ness to the picture.  I may be exaggerating a bit but the stuff has no give or stretch WHAT SO EVER. No way, no how.  But you know what?  It's going to be nice when its done.  I'm going to machine wash and dry it since that process should soften it up and help the stitches meld together.  If it doesn't, I'm not going to sulk and pout.  I'll just chalk it up as a failed experiment or test.  No one will miss it.  The recipient has no idea I'm making it for her so no loss there.

Speaking of the recipient, one of my DS's favorite teachers is retiring this year.  From what my son says, she sounds like she's ready.  But that's a teenager speaking.  Anyone who strongly urges you get your lessons done would end up a bad guy eventually.  He's still fond of her and sympathetic.  So I'm making her this scarf as a retirement gift.  She has been understanding and patient with some of his issues this year and it's the least I can do to say thanks.  She lives an organic, vegan lifestyle so I thought this fiber content would be something she could appreciate (although I don't know that the yarn was an organic production).  Who knows.  If it's a success, I'll be able to make up about 100 more since I've got a whole cone of the yarn.  Hmmm, maybe some washcloths are next up.