I never would have thought of using the bannister. Nice!
It’s amazing! Is that all the yarn you had left? I know the last few posts should maybe make me think twice about starting one of these scarfs, but I really really want to make one after seeing yours. I hope you rewarded your perseverance with a well deserved beer.
Loved the way you dried the scarf and think about how someone is going to love wearing it.
That’s exactly what I said! Never again! I gave it to my son as solid proof of the depth of my love for him!
Time for some spinning. In the sun shine.
Lovely! I made one 7 years ago and the recipient still gushed over it regularly. 🙂
I sense a VERY intricate lace shawl in the future.
Oh my, you wet blocked it. I could never do that. How did you manage squeezing out all that water?
Love It! It makes me want to knit another one for myself. Too bad I don’t have the money for the yarn right now.
Congratulations on surviving.
I said the same thing at Christmas, also over a Whovian knit, a Tardis tea cozy with a faulty chart.
Oh, knit a sock! Or a lacy shawl! Anything but more garter stitch. Well done for persevering with it.
That is the BIGest hug for ‘someone’ I have ever seen…..grrrreat job…you’re a real trooper!!(:
I’d have to do at least an 8 mile run after knitting that much garter stitch….
See! Look! Sun is shining on your floor, I see it.
Tea and spinning. I almost wish I could come over, teaching tonight.
I’m not blocking mine, I don’t have a place to put it. I think that’s the fastest Who scarf to come off the needles.
I really get a satisfying thrill from seeing the picture of it draped along the bannister.
Congratulations!
Thank goodness I don’t know any real life Whovians — they’d want one of these after seeing such an inspiration! Hats off to you!
Never say never. It could be fun (for me, from a safe distance).
That.is.awesome! And now what will you knit with all your spare time? 😉
Love the saddle tan ;^
Wow! Cool! (Man, are you a patient knitter. Look at all that garter.)
I can’t believe you don’t want to knit another 10ft scarf in garter stitch with color changes. Though thank god for the color changes. Can you imagine knitting this is grey or black only? Well done missus.
Glorious.
Brava!
I love it!!! Someone will be very lucky to receive that scarf, that’s for damn sure. Well done!
Now you need a cocktail.
I love how it looks like a sea serpent floating in your tub!
Yeah! Marathon completed! Just think, you can yarn bomb your own house whenever you need to.
Wow – I hope someone knows how much you love them!
Totally fabulous!!
Whoa.
And this is a Christmas present for 2013? You have anti-procrastinatory powers that I bow to.
AMAZING! I can’t believe you tamed the beast in a week! I bow down to you.
Somebody best LOVE that scarf…
(Well done. Go knit something intricate- you’ve earned it.)
That has got to be a record knit. That thing was knit under a weeks time. I’d take pride in that marathon project! Way to go! Someone is a lucky Whovian!
Congratulations!! The photo of the scarf on the railing made me think, “Wow, just think of the tree trunk you could yarn bomb with that!!” (Yeah, I know, I don’t know how my mind works either.)
Wonderful. I hope that the whole family doesn’t ask for one, once they see how great this one is. 🙂
Beth V – I love the way your mind worked the yarn bombing angle on that. I may have to knit two of these, just to yarn bomb a tree with it.
Congratulations Steph! Well done! (and now I’m going to be using my banisters for drying….)
Nice bannister cozy.
Awesome…. you know you might have already knit that….wibbly wobbly timey wimey!
Gorgeous, I bet even Tom Baker would be impressed!
congratulations!
but will you really now store for a whole year waiting for the next holiday season? i would want to gift immediately!
I have knit TWO Gryffindor scarves. Stocking stitch. In the round.
They are also on the “NEVER AGAIN” list.
Heaven help me if either of my children (the 3.5 year old mogrunt and the inner child) decide they want one. I don’t know if the potential 10 years between knitting those first two and possibly another two will be enough.
I do have a Whovian in the family and yes he wants one and yes after seeing Steph’s pictures I want to make one but I know it would take me a whole lot longer than a week. More like 3 months. Gorgeous though. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My youngest daughter, Phaedra, LOVES Dr. Who and would absolutely covet that 10ft long, multi-colored wonder. There is no way in all things kniterly that I could knit that many garter stitches without going completely bananas!
I knit one of these five years ago. It took me over six months of frenzied knitting. You make me cry. (Also, you make me buy the yarn for a second one.)
That is lovely!
That is the most wonderful ugly scarf in the world. I mean that in a totally good Dr. Who way. Congrats on finishing that in what has to be World Record time. Also I love your pj pants. Very snazzy and comfy looking. Mine are red with white polka dots. 🙂
I was lucky enough to rescue a pre-made one that needed a new home! Dodged that bullet!
Wow. Looking at that gorgeous scarf really makes me want to knit one! No matter what anyone says.
But then, I’m about to finish the last of the 2012 UFOs and have a truly massive case of startitis. Have kept it in check so far only by buying new pattern after new pattern. Must stop so I can afford yarn.
Whoa! Garter stitch forever, literally.
Oh dear, you said Never Again. You do know what that means.
Good job Steph! Someone will be very warm next winter!
I love the difference between the first and last photo. Blocking made that yarn bloom beautifully, it even makes garter stitch look great!
I completely understand. At least you are done with the Saddle Tan. My house is still builder beige!
I am so incredibly thankful that my mother in law knit one for my husband when he was 12 and wanted to be Dr. Who for Halloween. I think I would just forward him this link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/f0dd/?srp=4
The person who wrote this description is a fellow knitter and frankly I think she hit the nail squarely on the head. I’m not sure it would be the garter stitch as much as the weaving in ends that would do me in.
You are a stronger woman than I!
My advice for everyone who has a friend who wants a scarf: help them buy yarn. Cast on for them. Teach them the knit stitch. Wish them well. If you’re feeling extra-generous, offer to weave in the ends when they’re done with the scarf.
Doesn’t help if you’re the one who wants the scarf yourself, but it does cut down on casual inquiries, and might make a new knitter.
You did it! Well done.
Congrats! (Just the thought of weaving in all those ends defeats me)
Wonderful and amazing!
If you were Dr. Who you could now go back in time and leave the completed scarf for you to find; thereby saving yourself from having to knit it. Of course that might cause some sort of temporal paradox and destroy the universe. But, whatever.
You go girl!
Hi. I looked at the picture and laughed when I realized you stod on a chair to show the full scarf rather then artfully drape it around your neck. It’s beautiful it all it’s long, colourful glory.
Well it looks great. I am so impressed that you got this done in one week! Drink from the keg of glory, because victory is yours!
You are a better woman than I am and I have nothing but admiration, but should knitting really be such a test of character?
Huge well done. Looks amazing!!!
Beautiful.
Congratulations and a big hug!
I offered to make one for my granddaughter, luckily she wrinkled her nose and said “I am not into THAT Doctor” Missed the bullet.
No words are necessary except: Done!
I just wanted to add that I love the yarn you used. Brown Sheep “Nature Spun” is such a great yarn and so affordable. I have used it a lot for stranded work.
Wow! Looks great. I can’t believe how fast you finished, even given that you’re you. 😉
You are much cooler than I. And that’s okay 🙂
My first thought when I saw you stood on the chair was not about the scarf but the scariness of looking at my living room. I felt as if someone had kicked me in the stomach – that’s my white archway and my ginger walls. Thankfully that’s not my green dining room behind you.
I avoided the scarf the first time around, Tom Baker being the Doctor of my childhood. I feel no urge towards it now though I appreciate your Herculean effort.
Exactly what I said after knitting my one and only DWS: “Never again.”
Amen, sister!
A wonderful homage to Tom Baker, my favorite Dr. Who and an incredible gift to any fan!
Wee-woo-wowee! That’s one heckuva scarf!
A Dr. Who bannister cozy! 🙂
Congratulations! You have forces of concentration and determination I can only stare at in awe.
‘Nuff said. It is a handsome monster,isn’t it?
Our Knit Night group helped one of our members to knit a Dr. Who-ish scarf (we didn’t follow a pattern). About 20 people had a hand in knitting it over almost a year. 🙂
Congratulations on your successful completion of that scarf in just one WEEK!!
WOOT! I will never again complain about knitting a baby surprise jacket: it’s like comparing an acorn to your project, a giant redwood.
you made it! grats!
You deserve a trip in the tardis for that 🙂
Love the jammies.
Gorgeous! And it’s going to make a Who fan very happy. Glad no one tool me up on that pool!
I, too, am no fan of saddle beige. It’s just so – bleh- but it does make the scarf the perfect Doctor Who scarf. I love it on the railing at your house.
Someone will be very lucky to receive this as a gift.
Its awesome Steph!! You though, if you made a few you could stitch them together and make a Dr. Who rug.. ;P
It matches your home beautifully!
Wow! I didn’t think I would like that scarf – not ever having seen Dr Who ( we don’t have TV)- but it is wonderful. I don’t think I would ever wear it or knit it, but what fun. I loved that you yarnbombed the bannister to dry it. That made me laugh. Good design sense AND practical innovation. Love it.
Wow, you have really high ceilings! The scarf looks great, I actually like it, and I usually don’t groove on garter or stripes. Very nice!
Great show of strength and perseverance! It looks lovely! Now go and cast on all the things(that aren’t garter stitch).
Beautifully done… is there an official measurement for it or is it a bad time to ask?
I made one years ago for an ex. It took two months and the wool/silk/cashmere cost a fortune.
He lost it the first day he wore it.
Never again.
Scarves like these are the reason god made knitting machines.
Kudos! I made one a few years ago for a friend and I remember all of the trials. How it started nice and friendly, easy to work on and carry about, then it became more than twice my size and I couldn’t work on it portably anymore.
Fantastic job 🙂
Congratulations. 🙂
Congratulations! I hope whoever gets that knows how much sweat, tears, and yarn went into it! Now for some lace! 😀
My 16 year old daughter, whom I taught to knit, is AMAZED at your accomplishment. She has yet to finish her 12″ long doll scarf.
And she’d like to know if you ate or slept at all during this last week. 🙂
Awesome job. I’m tempted. I have a brother that would probably love this, but I’m not sure I love him that much.
Now that would make a BRILLIANT draught excluder!
I gather there was a Colour of Contention in this scarf. Why didn’t you jump in the Tardis and travel back to a time where beige had yet to be invented???
Seriously impressed and wishing there were someone out there willing to battle the beige for me… should the day ever come when I feel the need to channel Tom Baker 😉
Great shot of it on the bannister. Good thing you HAVE a bannister!
Perversely, I now really want to knit one.
How did you manage all those ends? I would have lost it weaving them all in!
Well done, it’s gorgeous! I’m starting to feel like a freak though, I’ve knit 2 of these, plus my ‘reminiscent of the doctor’ scarf in the round, am contemplating another of the latter for myself. I’ve done at least 8 of the Harry Potter scarves (various houses) in the past 5 years. What can I say? I
Holy Crap! That’s all I have to say about that!
I did a Tom Baker (sort of) for my son when he was in junior high. Also said NEVER AGAIN! I’ve been trying to do the Dr Watson (from the last movie) but I keep having flashbacks. It was 12 years ago, you’d think I would have recovered by now.
Weird…my post cut off… Anyway, as I was saying, I love the mindless garter stitch in the evenings while I’m watching tv. Am I really alone in this??
I solemnly swear I will use a loom if I ever need to make a Doctor Who scarf. Likewise Harry Potter.
It’s lovely! Never say never . . .
Fantastic! I am amazed and admiring and kinda envious in a good way {G}
I know it took fortitude and some gnashing of teeth to finish it. Good job!
Now, something with cables? {G}
Looks great! This was basically the first thing I ever knit. It took me 2 months to do (remember, first time knitting) and when it was done I almost gave up knitting 😉 So glad I changed my mind there!
I am just superstitious enough to cringe when you wrote “Never Again.” I can just see Hank becoming an uber-Whovian and begging for a scarf.
I really need to take your speed and efficiency class. If you can knit that scarf in 7 days, you must really know your stuff.
Whereas:
this scarf is a truly Herculean effort, and
Whereas:
even the lovely and talented Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is exhausted and soul-depleted at the end of making this, and
Whereas:
any color starts to have a saddle tan-esque revulsion factor if you knit it long enough
Therefore:
be it resolved that we as a knitting community should perhaps think of something else besides the garter stitch scarf to entice our knitting initiates to pick up the needles.
Let us all remember this moment with Stephanie and her Who-vian scarf the next time we have an eager newbie in front of us asking us what to make. Thanks for the life illustration, Stephanie.
The worst part had to be weaving in all of those ends. You’re a trooper! Are you still sane?
WOW!!! You’ve got B@#$s hahaha Beautiful work!!! I still think your crazy though…..I would have gone insane lol 🙂 Do i see some lace work in the future to get over the garter stitch from hell 🙂
You are not smiling……you should be smiling after that accomplishment!!!
Congratulations, it’s beautiful! Now what will you do with it?
Congratulations on completing the Dr. Who scarf for some lucky, well-loved (for you to knit that many feet) recipient.
After you hung it out to dry, I hope you had a strategic spot to sit and admire it (glass of beer or wine in hand).
And, don’t you hate to admit that, if you are monogamous to one project, it proceeds much faster???
I seriously think you may have set a record for fastest time knitting “The Scarf”!
You finished, yay! [crowd goes wild]
Garter stitch – it’s a love/hate relationship for me. (The EZ ribwarmer I made is too large. I am not planning to knit another anytime soon, even if it would be smaller. It’s toasty as heck, in any case.)
I do like the picture of the scarf drying on the bannister. But you must have a long bannister?
Wow, wow, wow….wow. As others have said…brava! heroic! and Holy Crap! It is fabulous.
I know you block everything, and I have followed that maxim since you told us again in detail a couple of years ago (great advice), but that bad boy must have been something else. I had a tough time with a bulky-yarn-seed-stitch cowl before Christmas.
How did you get my kitchen runner rug into your hallway for the photo?
Congratulations! You are beyond awesome.
Also, how many kilometers long is that scarf?
Well done my cyber friend! Now on to something fun and pretty for your self.
Beautiful—and long! Aren’t you glad you hung in?? And no, you don’t ever have to make another one!
We are huge fans of the Doctor in this house, so I know someday one of these scarfs will be on my needles as one of the sons will ask, “will you knit me a scarf like the Doctor’s?”
I am reading your book Knitting Rules right now and you warn us about scarf knitting . . .
Where’s the fringe?
absolutely LOVE it!
I hate to be a debbie-downer, but I think you dropped a stitch on row 603….. Not funny, I know, but I had to! The scarf is very cool even though I’ve never watched Dr. Who. I’m sure I’m a minority but I’m too busy knitting!
You are so amazing! I need to knit a Hogworts scarf by Feb 22. First I need to start, so perhaps I need to knit a Hogworts scarf by Christmas. This may be my excuse to learn the Stephanie super fast knitting method. Seriously, amazing!!
Ingenious use of the bannister! Congratulations on completing the magnum opus.
It’s kind of like child birth, after awhile the pain fades! Never say never.
dear bob, all those ends to weave in.
lovely scarf tho.
wowza! Congratulations… I am so amazed that you stuck with it! I would have abandoned it long ago, haha. And that is one wicked awesome scarf 🙂
showed this post to my son….one word response: WANT
my answer: NOT
thanks for the all the blog chronicles for this project, I can just point to them and tell him to dream, or learn to knit himself !!
You are an awesome and amazing woman! Holy cow that’s a lot of garter stitch tedium. Can’t wait to see what your relief knitting is going to be.
Oh, my, that is LONG. But a brilliant use of the banister for drying it — I have one long enough to handle this scarf, too, should I ever be crazy enough to knit one.
Yes, it’s an awful lot of mind-numbing garter stitch. But it is beautiful! And you should be SO proud of yourself for pushing through and finishing it in what is probably record time!
OK. I now have Dr. Who keyed up to watch…where have I been. The scarf is stunning, in stitch count and gorgeous final product. Nice intricate bit of lace now?
Wow! I am SO impressed! I have this project in my queue for a gift for my BIL. Planning fir his birthday in May but it might end up waiting til xmas. Congrats on a job well done!
Quick! Write your Christmas list now so that you can cross that one off! ‘Tis lovely!
yeah, I knew you could do it, but I’m still amazed.
btw you finished a Christmas present on January 10th, 11 months early. that’s got to feel good.
Epic…
Impressive! and Done. That’s the best part.
Oh. My. Goddess.
No offense, but I thought that would take a MONTH. I take my hat off to you.
Wow. Just wow. You are one fast knitter!
Greater love hath no woman.
You have accomplished more in a week than I could do in a few years. All I’ve managed thus far is thinking about making that scarf.
So now my hubby wants to know when I’ll be making his…dammit…
Congratulations! I rescind and apologize for my earlier snark. The original scarf stretched and part of it was removed to keep it at 12 feet, so your scarf is simply from later in the season.
Also, I purely despise garter stitch, so I am doubly impressed.
Congratulations! You demonstrated the virtues of confidence and perserverance under trying circumstances. Thank you for including us in the journey.
Dude. You rock.
Scarfs are like that. You think you’re really just going to knock one out and 4 weeks later you’re still knitting, knitting, knitting. How tall do you have to be to wear that? I might have to go back and catch that episode.
I totally recognized it as a Who-ian scarf before reading it in your post! I knit a Dr. Who scarf (super long, but out of 1/2 angora steel blue-grey) back in the 1980s. I too said “never again” to a scarf like that! It’s like a thread leading into the Tardis…
My daughter would love one of those. This past Christmas, she got a hand-knit Dahlek facecloth. I’ll have to think long and hard about the scarf.
Congratulations! It is a great scarf for sure:)
It’s awesome! Pat yourself on the back and get out a sweater–something with every stitch but garter 😉
Yay! Congrats!
Ready for some lace knitting now?
Katie =^..^=
I am blown away that you have a Christmas gift for NEXT YEAR done and ready to wrap. Way beyond me!
That was a lot of effort for a lot of Ugly.
Glorious!
I LOVE IT!
Congratulations. Big yoga breath now.
Have to say (with the exception of the S***** T**), it seems to go very well with the decor in your home.
Another thought – bookmark this for new knitters as a REALLY good explanation as to why a scarf should not be a first project (as per your “Knitting Rules”).
That looks really nice covering your banister!
My first knitted project ever was a Dr. Scarf for my (now) ex husband. You know how some people have a baby to save the relationship……..
ah, yes, the ends and the blocking. You were very very creative!
Who is the lucky recipient?
Reward yourself with an epic day of startitis!
Gorgeous! Have to make one now for my daughter.
Too divine!
gotta love garter stitch! garter stitch things and granny square things… love em to pieces!
As Sir Sean Connery learned, “Never Say Never Again”. Young Lou might become a big fan of the 20th Doctor or some such, who might wear a 12-foot long shawl that reaches from the shoulders to the floor. . .!
While you’re reeling from that, go weave in those ends and put the fringe on. Then go knit a very simple, small, lacy collar or some such as an antidote to that scarf. And go mix (or order) yourself a Sonic Screwdriver — yes, someone did invent such a cocktail — to celebrate completing the scarf.
Lovely railing cozy 😉
It is NOT done….it needs fringe!!!!!
Woohoooooo! Go knit something cabled and lacey and small and fiddly!
Congratulations! I know how that feels – it took me 6 months to finally finish my hubby’s, and then I stalled another 5 before I finally wove in the ends just in time for Christmas!
It remains the ugliest, most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. My magnum opus. 🙂
But what knitter ever says ‘Never again’ … and means it?!!
I am totally, definitely e-mailing the Little Red Mitten and seeing if they’ll send me one of these kits.
And I’m going to knit it. Because it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a scarf ever. I’m smitten, even knowing it’s garter stitch to the end of eternity.
And I’m going to finish it before my friend Tim finishes his garter stitch scarf in two shades of purple. He’s going for 18 feet. I’m going to win.
With every fibre of my being, I know I’d never finish this project. Too much garter, too much scarf!
The scarf is fantastic. You haven’t convinced me to knit it but you did convince me to clean my bathtub on Saturday to the point where I would be comfortable of using it to soak wool and post a photo online.
A Doctor Who scarf was the first thing I knit. I learned three things from the project: the knit stitch, un-knitting, and how much I hated saddle tan, which I had forgotten until reading this series.
I usually get tired of knitting a scarf about halfway through – yours is truly a feat of persistence! And it looks great, too. Of course, if you wanted a scarf that long, you could have knit it a normal length in alpaca and let it hang from a peg for a while. 😉
Don’t hit me, but I think you should knit another one. It looks really awesome as a bannister cozy.
But its awesome!
Holy crap and congratulations.
Seeing it on your bannister made me think what a lovely rug/runner that would make at twice the width. I’m going to lay down til that feeling passes.
That is amazing! I bet it would be great TV knitting..
The first thing I thought of when I came to the shot of the “bannister cozy” was “Is this the regular blocking place for scarves or is her brain now functioning differently since learning to long-warp using a chair?” snicker…
You know, I can just see the effort that went into that. It might be just garter stitch, but it is an Ironman of garter stitch. It looks awesome, and yes, it needed the f-ing Saddle Tan.
I have considered making one for my husband, but I hate knitting regular scarves, much less one the size of the Empire State building. Thankfully, ThinkGeek.com has recently added one to their products. It might just end up being a Valentines day present…
WOW! What are you going to knit next??????
Brava! Well done!I once knit a scarf that was 6’4″ long in seed stitch…kept me busy for quite awhile, let me tell you. Your scarf is lovely and the recipient should be delighted!
It’s so beautiful! Good job! 😀
(And now my soon to be 20year old little sis wants one. Her birthday is in May. If you can get it done in a week, then surely I can get it done by May. Right??? )
Hollywood could use that scarf for their remake of “Like Water For Chocolate”. A stellar performance, Stephanie.
Would you like a Jelly Baby? You deserve a serious reward for all that work. I’ll bet this is the world record time for making one of those! I love the look of grim determination on your face. It says “Take that, you @?&($)!$(&?$!” Congratulations!
Labor of love (with either spelling).
So much garter stitch.
So much weaving in.
You were smart to just power through.
There should be some kind of medal…
So??!!! How many feet is it? Did you use all the yarn??? Must have a picture of you wearing it – that is, if you’re still speaking to each other.
I hope you’re going to keep that one for yourself, despite the beige. Everybody needs to travel back in time once in a while, if only to go back and fix a knitting error, or to go forward and just enjoy a finished project.
Allons-Y, But we really do need a photo of you modelling it.
I knit one years ago for my son. On the first day he wore it he stopped at a friend’s house after school and the pet cat chewed holes in the middle of the scarf. I’ll never forget that day.
That is probably the fastest knit Dr. Who scarf in history. The Time Lord bows to you.
Easier to teach someone who wants one to knit 🙂
Wow, what a stunner! Congrats! For some reason Homer’s Odyssey comes to mind.
That is one heck of a long scarf, length amply demonstrated by draping it on a stair rail. I guess I would be like “never again” after finishing something that encompassing…but who knows? Another year, you’ll forget how long it took. Kind of liking birthing babies? You might – horrors! – want to make another one. Or someone might con you into the task.
That is a mighty scarf and a mighty feat for a mighty knitter! I really must make something epic sometime. Congratulations for getting past the Saddle Tan and knitting on.
AUUUGH!!!! I **SO** know how you feel…i am knitting one for my friend Spinner and am about 2/3 of the way through it (i’m on “28 moss” in the third row)…i would’ve quit on this ages ago if he hadn’t invested money in the first round of yarn. sigh. i feel i should be learning something from this but i fear the most significant lesson is the fact that i actually *like* purling and i am lonely for my cables… 🙂
Only Knitters would understand that commitment. (I felt your pain through the S***** T**; the color not to be spoken of again.)
I love the title of you post! I would be thinking the same thing about this. It’s a lovely scarf though! 🙂
Now go knit some lace. 😀
Your scarf looks gorgeous, you did a lovely job! One day I will knit one in the Brown Sheep (I just can’t afford it so most of mine have been Vanna’s Choice with one Telemark). It’s such a nice yarn to work with.
And you say never again now…you’ll itch to do another one 🙂 I thought one would be enough. Nope. I’ve now knit like 8. Or is it 9? Including a Romana scarf – 12 feet of plain cream yarn in garter stitch. I finished a season 18 that I haven’t yet worn out (damn Chicago getting a mild winter), and I’m already itching to do another one. 🙂
THAT takes fortitude. Let’s hope no one says within earshot, “Oooh, can I have one too?”.
Triumph of the will! And it looks great – the beige tones make a nice cushion for the strong colors.
You know what would really set this off? Applied I-cord edging! (Good thing I live far away so you can’t hit me :-).) It is beautiful and I hope the recipient will cherish it always.
I love you, funniest blog ever!
INsane.
I’ve discovered, lately, that scarves are my LEAST favorite thing to knit because they appear to be a quick knit, but they take *forever*.
I think you met your match, Stephanie.
Beautiful! I love me some squishy garter stitch!
Gosh, how many hours did this take you?
That scarf is gorgeous!! My daughter, who is a huge Holmes & Watson fan, sweet-talked me into knitting her a “hideous scarf” from one of the movies. How hard could it be? Not hard, just tedious & mind-numbing & more k1p1 rib than I ever care to knit, plus about 3 trillion ends I will have to weave in when I’m done. But I love & adore her & will do just about whatever she asks! =)
I knitted one for my little sister when I was in college in the ’80s. Last month, my husband asked me to make him one, so I ordered the yarn, planning to wrap yarn and pattern with a promise to make it as his present. However, the charcoal was backordered, so I don’t have the yarn yet. I chose worsted weight, figuring I’d take whatever edge a slightly thicker yarn would give me. It will be my watching tv/riding in the car knitting and I will take it color by color and not think of all the endless rows to come. I hope.
Wowza. You have stamina.
I once knit a Dr. Who scarf…
..in stockinette….
…in worsted…
….on a knitting machine…
It took 3 days. It was 15 feet long…
I thought I might go insane.
I applaud your feat of strength.
Did you block in on blocking boards (or on your bed)? Or was the bannister the blocking? I never know what to do with something that long and scarf-y.
So glad that the latest Doctor wears a bow tie. He’s right – bow ties ARE cool when this is the other option.
I bow to you….. i’d still be working on the first 6 inches!! Ha ha ha
Well I daresay, you got that monkey off your back!
Dang that’s a really long guy!
We will remind you the next time you feel the urge to knit something like this again.
I made one o’ those. Used it to teach myself to knit Continental. So boring.
Nice bannister pic.
Big. Long. Colorful. I bet you had a relaxing time knitting it. :o)
Holy. Flip. That’s one long, gorgeous scarf!
Wow! I really admire your perseverance on this scarf – it came out gorgeous! I don’t know that I would have been able to finish 🙂
Great job! Don’t forget where you stored it for Christmas 2013 🙂 just sayin…
You’re a better woman than I.
Congratulations!
I am totally with you on that one, my dear. Never again. BUT: You now have living proof of your endurance and ability to stick to one project (contrary to your name, btw) and that is something that another type of artist cannot say. Think of brilliant chefs or snow sculpture people. Your scarf is here to stay!
Forever, most likely, but that is great, isn’t it? Dr. Who and an heirloom – who’d have thunk…
Well, clearly marathons are your thing …. but I bet this was harder than the bike ride!!!
Mazal tov and congratulations!
I’d only consider doing a doll-sized one ….
You still have a bunch of spam comments that covers its spamminess with quotations.
Congratulations!! Heartily deserved. Only you could do it.
This is the irony of all ironies — my nephew introduced his girlfriend to us today. The conversation wound its way to Dr. Who, and she told us of this very scarf that she spent one month knitting! Net-knit-surfing tonight, I found your site and saw the photos! You’re a rock!
If you start now, you can have that 50th anniversary edition done JUST in time! Well done! You deserve a vacation ride in the TARDIS.
Congratulations! Looks absolutely fantastic! =D
That is a great looking scarf. It is discouraging to slow knitters to see how fast you do that! It would take me months. Seriously tell us your technique for weaving in ends on such a project. Also, are you keeping it. Please say yes.
Wow, what a marathon effort, beautiful and it will be seriously warm and cosy to wear…..If it is going into storage until Christmas, make sure it is in MOTHPROOF packaging. well done
Fan-flippin-tastic, my friend. Truly an impressive feat of perseverance.
All I want to say is – Hurrah!!! Oh and I love the Doctor!!
Wow.
7 days.
I’m floored.
I plan to take at least a year or two for my Who Scarf because, well, that’s too many feet of garter stitch!
As usual, you amaze me.
My question is….. What’s next?
I think that perhaps the total immersion strategy here bit you hard. I think of garter stitch projects as the ultimate multi-tasking. I like a challenge, so it’s hard to submit to a “plain” project.. I save them like truffles, which are exquisitely perfect in small amounts, but sickening if eaten serially.. so plain knitting projects like this are saved for engrossing movies, watching kids during sports or dance, going to the denstist, etc. I don’t hope to finish them, I dread finishing them, because then I have to cast on another boring project. If I made this scarf, I’d expect it to take months, and savor the potential of mindless knitting the whole while.
Great job! I finished one for my husband and then decided I had to have one for myself. They can be addictive. I made a Season 12 and now I kinda want another season just for fun.
Never.
But it is truly fabulous! I know it was a painful knit, but it really is awesome… 😀
New reader to the blog and I just wanted to say daaaaaaaaaamn I wish I could knit for that long and not get bored or distracted or start something else… have I mentioned I have like 5 WIP’s right now? I think I have ADD. Or I like to procrastina— no; I *definitely* like to procrastinate. The two problems together? A mess.
Marvelous ! A few years ago, I knit one for a long-time friend. Now I have all these little bits of those colors…..what to do with them? An infinity scarf ?? Long stocking cap? A shawl to wrap up in as I watch my Dr. Who DVDs ? Any ideas ?? I can’t believe you made a Dr. Who scarf–someone is very very lucky !
Love the scarf as a bannister warmer 🙂
Nice, though i gotta say who knits anyrmoe?its like not been a pass time since before computers loloh well i wonder when he will get onto knitting an entrie planet from Mario Galaxy, that would be awsome lol
Wow! “You are a better man than I am Gunga Din”. My niece is a big Dr. Who fan, but she lives in Tennesse so a full size scarf was not practical, so I cheated. I made a mini version for her this past Christmas and it was a hit. I found a pattern that gave me row counts then I used fingering weight yarn. After I scaled down the width I ended up with a 1 1/2 inch by 3 foot scarf. The color changes were still a bear though. As she is a new knitter I will now delegate any Dr. Who projects to her. They build character.
Woot! Gorgeous! Beauteous! Herculean! Fantastic!
I never would have thought of using the bannister. Nice!
It’s amazing! Is that all the yarn you had left? I know the last few posts should maybe make me think twice about starting one of these scarfs, but I really really want to make one after seeing yours. I hope you rewarded your perseverance with a well deserved beer.
Loved the way you dried the scarf and think about how someone is going to love wearing it.
That’s exactly what I said! Never again! I gave it to my son as solid proof of the depth of my love for him!
Time for some spinning. In the sun shine.
Lovely! I made one 7 years ago and the recipient still gushed over it regularly. 🙂
I sense a VERY intricate lace shawl in the future.
Oh my, you wet blocked it. I could never do that. How did you manage squeezing out all that water?
Love It! It makes me want to knit another one for myself. Too bad I don’t have the money for the yarn right now.
Congratulations on surviving.
I said the same thing at Christmas, also over a Whovian knit, a Tardis tea cozy with a faulty chart.
Oh, knit a sock! Or a lacy shawl! Anything but more garter stitch. Well done for persevering with it.
That is the BIGest hug for ‘someone’ I have ever seen…..grrrreat job…you’re a real trooper!!(:
I’d have to do at least an 8 mile run after knitting that much garter stitch….
See! Look! Sun is shining on your floor, I see it.
Tea and spinning. I almost wish I could come over, teaching tonight.
I’m not blocking mine, I don’t have a place to put it. I think that’s the fastest Who scarf to come off the needles.
I really get a satisfying thrill from seeing the picture of it draped along the bannister.
Congratulations!
Thank goodness I don’t know any real life Whovians — they’d want one of these after seeing such an inspiration! Hats off to you!
Never say never. It could be fun (for me, from a safe distance).
That.is.awesome! And now what will you knit with all your spare time? 😉
Love the saddle tan ;^
Wow! Cool! (Man, are you a patient knitter. Look at all that garter.)
I can’t believe you don’t want to knit another 10ft scarf in garter stitch with color changes. Though thank god for the color changes. Can you imagine knitting this is grey or black only? Well done missus.
Glorious.
Brava!
I love it!!! Someone will be very lucky to receive that scarf, that’s for damn sure. Well done!
Now you need a cocktail.
I love how it looks like a sea serpent floating in your tub!
Yeah! Marathon completed! Just think, you can yarn bomb your own house whenever you need to.
Wow – I hope someone knows how much you love them!
Totally fabulous!!
Whoa.
And this is a Christmas present for 2013? You have anti-procrastinatory powers that I bow to.
AMAZING! I can’t believe you tamed the beast in a week! I bow down to you.
Somebody best LOVE that scarf…
(Well done. Go knit something intricate- you’ve earned it.)
That has got to be a record knit. That thing was knit under a weeks time. I’d take pride in that marathon project! Way to go! Someone is a lucky Whovian!
Congratulations!! The photo of the scarf on the railing made me think, “Wow, just think of the tree trunk you could yarn bomb with that!!” (Yeah, I know, I don’t know how my mind works either.)
Wonderful. I hope that the whole family doesn’t ask for one, once they see how great this one is. 🙂
Beth V – I love the way your mind worked the yarn bombing angle on that. I may have to knit two of these, just to yarn bomb a tree with it.
Congratulations Steph! Well done! (and now I’m going to be using my banisters for drying….)
Nice bannister cozy.
Awesome…. you know you might have already knit that….wibbly wobbly timey wimey!
Gorgeous, I bet even Tom Baker would be impressed!
congratulations!
but will you really now store for a whole year waiting for the next holiday season? i would want to gift immediately!
I have knit TWO Gryffindor scarves. Stocking stitch. In the round.
They are also on the “NEVER AGAIN” list.
Heaven help me if either of my children (the 3.5 year old mogrunt and the inner child) decide they want one. I don’t know if the potential 10 years between knitting those first two and possibly another two will be enough.
I do have a Whovian in the family and yes he wants one and yes after seeing Steph’s pictures I want to make one but I know it would take me a whole lot longer than a week. More like 3 months. Gorgeous though. Thanks for sharing it with us.
My youngest daughter, Phaedra, LOVES Dr. Who and would absolutely covet that 10ft long, multi-colored wonder. There is no way in all things kniterly that I could knit that many garter stitches without going completely bananas!
I knit one of these five years ago. It took me over six months of frenzied knitting. You make me cry. (Also, you make me buy the yarn for a second one.)
That is lovely!
That is the most wonderful ugly scarf in the world. I mean that in a totally good Dr. Who way. Congrats on finishing that in what has to be World Record time. Also I love your pj pants. Very snazzy and comfy looking. Mine are red with white polka dots. 🙂
I was lucky enough to rescue a pre-made one that needed a new home! Dodged that bullet!
Wow. Looking at that gorgeous scarf really makes me want to knit one! No matter what anyone says.
But then, I’m about to finish the last of the 2012 UFOs and have a truly massive case of startitis. Have kept it in check so far only by buying new pattern after new pattern. Must stop so I can afford yarn.
Whoa! Garter stitch forever, literally.
Oh dear, you said Never Again. You do know what that means.
Good job Steph! Someone will be very warm next winter!
I love the difference between the first and last photo. Blocking made that yarn bloom beautifully, it even makes garter stitch look great!
I completely understand. At least you are done with the Saddle Tan. My house is still builder beige!
I am so incredibly thankful that my mother in law knit one for my husband when he was 12 and wanted to be Dr. Who for Halloween. I think I would just forward him this link:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/f0dd/?srp=4
The person who wrote this description is a fellow knitter and frankly I think she hit the nail squarely on the head. I’m not sure it would be the garter stitch as much as the weaving in ends that would do me in.
You are a stronger woman than I!
My advice for everyone who has a friend who wants a scarf: help them buy yarn. Cast on for them. Teach them the knit stitch. Wish them well. If you’re feeling extra-generous, offer to weave in the ends when they’re done with the scarf.
Doesn’t help if you’re the one who wants the scarf yourself, but it does cut down on casual inquiries, and might make a new knitter.
You did it! Well done.
Congrats! (Just the thought of weaving in all those ends defeats me)
Wonderful and amazing!
If you were Dr. Who you could now go back in time and leave the completed scarf for you to find; thereby saving yourself from having to knit it. Of course that might cause some sort of temporal paradox and destroy the universe. But, whatever.
You go girl!
Hi. I looked at the picture and laughed when I realized you stod on a chair to show the full scarf rather then artfully drape it around your neck. It’s beautiful it all it’s long, colourful glory.
Well it looks great. I am so impressed that you got this done in one week! Drink from the keg of glory, because victory is yours!
You are a better woman than I am and I have nothing but admiration, but should knitting really be such a test of character?
Huge well done. Looks amazing!!!
Beautiful.
Congratulations and a big hug!
I offered to make one for my granddaughter, luckily she wrinkled her nose and said “I am not into THAT Doctor” Missed the bullet.
No words are necessary except: Done!
I just wanted to add that I love the yarn you used. Brown Sheep “Nature Spun” is such a great yarn and so affordable. I have used it a lot for stranded work.
Wow! Looks great. I can’t believe how fast you finished, even given that you’re you. 😉
You are much cooler than I. And that’s okay 🙂
My first thought when I saw you stood on the chair was not about the scarf but the scariness of looking at my living room. I felt as if someone had kicked me in the stomach – that’s my white archway and my ginger walls. Thankfully that’s not my green dining room behind you.
I avoided the scarf the first time around, Tom Baker being the Doctor of my childhood. I feel no urge towards it now though I appreciate your Herculean effort.
Exactly what I said after knitting my one and only DWS: “Never again.”
Amen, sister!
A wonderful homage to Tom Baker, my favorite Dr. Who and an incredible gift to any fan!
Wee-woo-wowee! That’s one heckuva scarf!
A Dr. Who bannister cozy! 🙂
Congratulations! You have forces of concentration and determination I can only stare at in awe.
‘Nuff said. It is a handsome monster,isn’t it?
Our Knit Night group helped one of our members to knit a Dr. Who-ish scarf (we didn’t follow a pattern). About 20 people had a hand in knitting it over almost a year. 🙂
Congratulations on your successful completion of that scarf in just one WEEK!!
WOOT! I will never again complain about knitting a baby surprise jacket: it’s like comparing an acorn to your project, a giant redwood.
you made it! grats!
You deserve a trip in the tardis for that 🙂
Love the jammies.
Gorgeous! And it’s going to make a Who fan very happy. Glad no one tool me up on that pool!
I, too, am no fan of saddle beige. It’s just so – bleh- but it does make the scarf the perfect Doctor Who scarf. I love it on the railing at your house.
Someone will be very lucky to receive this as a gift.
Its awesome Steph!! You though, if you made a few you could stitch them together and make a Dr. Who rug.. ;P
It matches your home beautifully!
Wow! I didn’t think I would like that scarf – not ever having seen Dr Who ( we don’t have TV)- but it is wonderful. I don’t think I would ever wear it or knit it, but what fun. I loved that you yarnbombed the bannister to dry it. That made me laugh. Good design sense AND practical innovation. Love it.
Wow, you have really high ceilings! The scarf looks great, I actually like it, and I usually don’t groove on garter or stripes. Very nice!
Great show of strength and perseverance! It looks lovely! Now go and cast on all the things(that aren’t garter stitch).
Beautifully done… is there an official measurement for it or is it a bad time to ask?
I made one years ago for an ex. It took two months and the wool/silk/cashmere cost a fortune.
He lost it the first day he wore it.
Never again.
Scarves like these are the reason god made knitting machines.
Kudos! I made one a few years ago for a friend and I remember all of the trials. How it started nice and friendly, easy to work on and carry about, then it became more than twice my size and I couldn’t work on it portably anymore.
Fantastic job 🙂
Congratulations. 🙂
Congratulations! I hope whoever gets that knows how much sweat, tears, and yarn went into it! Now for some lace! 😀
My 16 year old daughter, whom I taught to knit, is AMAZED at your accomplishment. She has yet to finish her 12″ long doll scarf.
And she’d like to know if you ate or slept at all during this last week. 🙂
Awesome job. I’m tempted. I have a brother that would probably love this, but I’m not sure I love him that much.
Now that would make a BRILLIANT draught excluder!
I gather there was a Colour of Contention in this scarf. Why didn’t you jump in the Tardis and travel back to a time where beige had yet to be invented???
Seriously impressed and wishing there were someone out there willing to battle the beige for me… should the day ever come when I feel the need to channel Tom Baker 😉
Great shot of it on the bannister. Good thing you HAVE a bannister!
Perversely, I now really want to knit one.
How did you manage all those ends? I would have lost it weaving them all in!
Well done, it’s gorgeous! I’m starting to feel like a freak though, I’ve knit 2 of these, plus my ‘reminiscent of the doctor’ scarf in the round, am contemplating another of the latter for myself. I’ve done at least 8 of the Harry Potter scarves (various houses) in the past 5 years. What can I say? I
Holy Crap! That’s all I have to say about that!
I did a Tom Baker (sort of) for my son when he was in junior high. Also said NEVER AGAIN! I’ve been trying to do the Dr Watson (from the last movie) but I keep having flashbacks. It was 12 years ago, you’d think I would have recovered by now.
Weird…my post cut off… Anyway, as I was saying, I love the mindless garter stitch in the evenings while I’m watching tv. Am I really alone in this??
I solemnly swear I will use a loom if I ever need to make a Doctor Who scarf. Likewise Harry Potter.
It’s lovely! Never say never . . .
Fantastic! I am amazed and admiring and kinda envious in a good way {G}
I know it took fortitude and some gnashing of teeth to finish it. Good job!
Now, something with cables? {G}
Looks great! This was basically the first thing I ever knit. It took me 2 months to do (remember, first time knitting) and when it was done I almost gave up knitting 😉 So glad I changed my mind there!
I am just superstitious enough to cringe when you wrote “Never Again.” I can just see Hank becoming an uber-Whovian and begging for a scarf.
Oooh! Now you have time to work on the gansey!
Yeah! Heroic! You know, you could have done that in socks, which I think you would have enjoyed more.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dr-who-scarf-knee-high-socks
Nice blocking technique!
I really need to take your speed and efficiency class. If you can knit that scarf in 7 days, you must really know your stuff.
Whereas:
this scarf is a truly Herculean effort, and
Whereas:
even the lovely and talented Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is exhausted and soul-depleted at the end of making this, and
Whereas:
any color starts to have a saddle tan-esque revulsion factor if you knit it long enough
Therefore:
be it resolved that we as a knitting community should perhaps think of something else besides the garter stitch scarf to entice our knitting initiates to pick up the needles.
Let us all remember this moment with Stephanie and her Who-vian scarf the next time we have an eager newbie in front of us asking us what to make. Thanks for the life illustration, Stephanie.
The worst part had to be weaving in all of those ends. You’re a trooper! Are you still sane?
WOW!!! You’ve got B@#$s hahaha Beautiful work!!! I still think your crazy though…..I would have gone insane lol 🙂 Do i see some lace work in the future to get over the garter stitch from hell 🙂
You are not smiling……you should be smiling after that accomplishment!!!
Congratulations, it’s beautiful! Now what will you do with it?
Congratulations on completing the Dr. Who scarf for some lucky, well-loved (for you to knit that many feet) recipient.
After you hung it out to dry, I hope you had a strategic spot to sit and admire it (glass of beer or wine in hand).
And, don’t you hate to admit that, if you are monogamous to one project, it proceeds much faster???
I seriously think you may have set a record for fastest time knitting “The Scarf”!
You finished, yay! [crowd goes wild]
Garter stitch – it’s a love/hate relationship for me. (The EZ ribwarmer I made is too large. I am not planning to knit another anytime soon, even if it would be smaller. It’s toasty as heck, in any case.)
I do like the picture of the scarf drying on the bannister. But you must have a long bannister?
Wow, wow, wow….wow. As others have said…brava! heroic! and Holy Crap! It is fabulous.
I know you block everything, and I have followed that maxim since you told us again in detail a couple of years ago (great advice), but that bad boy must have been something else. I had a tough time with a bulky-yarn-seed-stitch cowl before Christmas.
How did you get my kitchen runner rug into your hallway for the photo?
Congratulations! You are beyond awesome.
Also, how many kilometers long is that scarf?
Well done my cyber friend! Now on to something fun and pretty for your self.
Beautiful—and long! Aren’t you glad you hung in?? And no, you don’t ever have to make another one!
We are huge fans of the Doctor in this house, so I know someday one of these scarfs will be on my needles as one of the sons will ask, “will you knit me a scarf like the Doctor’s?”
I am reading your book Knitting Rules right now and you warn us about scarf knitting . . .
Where’s the fringe?
absolutely LOVE it!
I hate to be a debbie-downer, but I think you dropped a stitch on row 603….. Not funny, I know, but I had to! The scarf is very cool even though I’ve never watched Dr. Who. I’m sure I’m a minority but I’m too busy knitting!
You are so amazing! I need to knit a Hogworts scarf by Feb 22. First I need to start, so perhaps I need to knit a Hogworts scarf by Christmas. This may be my excuse to learn the Stephanie super fast knitting method. Seriously, amazing!!
Ingenious use of the bannister! Congratulations on completing the magnum opus.
It’s kind of like child birth, after awhile the pain fades! Never say never.
dear bob, all those ends to weave in.
lovely scarf tho.
wowza! Congratulations… I am so amazed that you stuck with it! I would have abandoned it long ago, haha. And that is one wicked awesome scarf 🙂
showed this post to my son….one word response: WANT
my answer: NOT
thanks for the all the blog chronicles for this project, I can just point to them and tell him to dream, or learn to knit himself !!
You are an awesome and amazing woman! Holy cow that’s a lot of garter stitch tedium. Can’t wait to see what your relief knitting is going to be.
Oh, my, that is LONG. But a brilliant use of the banister for drying it — I have one long enough to handle this scarf, too, should I ever be crazy enough to knit one.
Yes, it’s an awful lot of mind-numbing garter stitch. But it is beautiful! And you should be SO proud of yourself for pushing through and finishing it in what is probably record time!
OK. I now have Dr. Who keyed up to watch…where have I been. The scarf is stunning, in stitch count and gorgeous final product. Nice intricate bit of lace now?
Wow! I am SO impressed! I have this project in my queue for a gift for my BIL. Planning fir his birthday in May but it might end up waiting til xmas. Congrats on a job well done!
Quick! Write your Christmas list now so that you can cross that one off! ‘Tis lovely!
yeah, I knew you could do it, but I’m still amazed.
btw you finished a Christmas present on January 10th, 11 months early. that’s got to feel good.
Epic…
Impressive! and Done. That’s the best part.
Oh. My. Goddess.
No offense, but I thought that would take a MONTH. I take my hat off to you.
Wow. Just wow. You are one fast knitter!
Greater love hath no woman.
You have accomplished more in a week than I could do in a few years. All I’ve managed thus far is thinking about making that scarf.
So now my hubby wants to know when I’ll be making his…dammit…
Congratulations! I rescind and apologize for my earlier snark. The original scarf stretched and part of it was removed to keep it at 12 feet, so your scarf is simply from later in the season.
Also, I purely despise garter stitch, so I am doubly impressed.
Congratulations! You demonstrated the virtues of confidence and perserverance under trying circumstances. Thank you for including us in the journey.
Dude. You rock.
Scarfs are like that. You think you’re really just going to knock one out and 4 weeks later you’re still knitting, knitting, knitting. How tall do you have to be to wear that? I might have to go back and catch that episode.
I totally recognized it as a Who-ian scarf before reading it in your post! I knit a Dr. Who scarf (super long, but out of 1/2 angora steel blue-grey) back in the 1980s. I too said “never again” to a scarf like that! It’s like a thread leading into the Tardis…
My daughter would love one of those. This past Christmas, she got a hand-knit Dahlek facecloth. I’ll have to think long and hard about the scarf.
Congratulations! It is a great scarf for sure:)
It’s awesome! Pat yourself on the back and get out a sweater–something with every stitch but garter 😉
Yay! Congrats!
Ready for some lace knitting now?
Katie =^..^=
I am blown away that you have a Christmas gift for NEXT YEAR done and ready to wrap. Way beyond me!
That was a lot of effort for a lot of Ugly.
Glorious!
I LOVE IT!
Congratulations. Big yoga breath now.
Have to say (with the exception of the S***** T**), it seems to go very well with the decor in your home.
Another thought – bookmark this for new knitters as a REALLY good explanation as to why a scarf should not be a first project (as per your “Knitting Rules”).
That looks really nice covering your banister!
My first knitted project ever was a Dr. Scarf for my (now) ex husband. You know how some people have a baby to save the relationship……..
ah, yes, the ends and the blocking. You were very very creative!
Who is the lucky recipient?
Reward yourself with an epic day of startitis!
Gorgeous! Have to make one now for my daughter.
Too divine!
gotta love garter stitch! garter stitch things and granny square things… love em to pieces!
As Sir Sean Connery learned, “Never Say Never Again”. Young Lou might become a big fan of the 20th Doctor or some such, who might wear a 12-foot long shawl that reaches from the shoulders to the floor. . .!
While you’re reeling from that, go weave in those ends and put the fringe on. Then go knit a very simple, small, lacy collar or some such as an antidote to that scarf. And go mix (or order) yourself a Sonic Screwdriver — yes, someone did invent such a cocktail — to celebrate completing the scarf.
Lovely railing cozy 😉
It is NOT done….it needs fringe!!!!!
Woohoooooo! Go knit something cabled and lacey and small and fiddly!
Congratulations! I know how that feels – it took me 6 months to finally finish my hubby’s, and then I stalled another 5 before I finally wove in the ends just in time for Christmas!
It remains the ugliest, most beautiful thing I’ve ever done. My magnum opus. 🙂
But what knitter ever says ‘Never again’ … and means it?!!
I am totally, definitely e-mailing the Little Red Mitten and seeing if they’ll send me one of these kits.
And I’m going to knit it. Because it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a scarf ever. I’m smitten, even knowing it’s garter stitch to the end of eternity.
And I’m going to finish it before my friend Tim finishes his garter stitch scarf in two shades of purple. He’s going for 18 feet. I’m going to win.
With every fibre of my being, I know I’d never finish this project. Too much garter, too much scarf!
The scarf is fantastic. You haven’t convinced me to knit it but you did convince me to clean my bathtub on Saturday to the point where I would be comfortable of using it to soak wool and post a photo online.
A Doctor Who scarf was the first thing I knit. I learned three things from the project: the knit stitch, un-knitting, and how much I hated saddle tan, which I had forgotten until reading this series.
I usually get tired of knitting a scarf about halfway through – yours is truly a feat of persistence! And it looks great, too. Of course, if you wanted a scarf that long, you could have knit it a normal length in alpaca and let it hang from a peg for a while. 😉
Don’t hit me, but I think you should knit another one. It looks really awesome as a bannister cozy.
But its awesome!
Holy crap and congratulations.
Seeing it on your bannister made me think what a lovely rug/runner that would make at twice the width. I’m going to lay down til that feeling passes.
That is amazing! I bet it would be great TV knitting..
The first thing I thought of when I came to the shot of the “bannister cozy” was “Is this the regular blocking place for scarves or is her brain now functioning differently since learning to long-warp using a chair?” snicker…
You know, I can just see the effort that went into that. It might be just garter stitch, but it is an Ironman of garter stitch. It looks awesome, and yes, it needed the f-ing Saddle Tan.
I have considered making one for my husband, but I hate knitting regular scarves, much less one the size of the Empire State building. Thankfully, ThinkGeek.com has recently added one to their products. It might just end up being a Valentines day present…
WOW! What are you going to knit next??????
Brava! Well done!I once knit a scarf that was 6’4″ long in seed stitch…kept me busy for quite awhile, let me tell you. Your scarf is lovely and the recipient should be delighted!
It’s so beautiful! Good job! 😀
(And now my soon to be 20year old little sis wants one. Her birthday is in May. If you can get it done in a week, then surely I can get it done by May. Right??? )
Hollywood could use that scarf for their remake of “Like Water For Chocolate”. A stellar performance, Stephanie.
Would you like a Jelly Baby? You deserve a serious reward for all that work. I’ll bet this is the world record time for making one of those! I love the look of grim determination on your face. It says “Take that, you @?&($)!$(&?$!” Congratulations!
Labor of love (with either spelling).
So much garter stitch.
So much weaving in.
You were smart to just power through.
There should be some kind of medal…
So??!!! How many feet is it? Did you use all the yarn??? Must have a picture of you wearing it – that is, if you’re still speaking to each other.
I hope you’re going to keep that one for yourself, despite the beige. Everybody needs to travel back in time once in a while, if only to go back and fix a knitting error, or to go forward and just enjoy a finished project.
Allons-Y, But we really do need a photo of you modelling it.
I knit one years ago for my son. On the first day he wore it he stopped at a friend’s house after school and the pet cat chewed holes in the middle of the scarf. I’ll never forget that day.
That is probably the fastest knit Dr. Who scarf in history. The Time Lord bows to you.
Easier to teach someone who wants one to knit 🙂
Wow, what a stunner! Congrats! For some reason Homer’s Odyssey comes to mind.
That is one heck of a long scarf, length amply demonstrated by draping it on a stair rail. I guess I would be like “never again” after finishing something that encompassing…but who knows? Another year, you’ll forget how long it took. Kind of liking birthing babies? You might – horrors! – want to make another one. Or someone might con you into the task.
That is a mighty scarf and a mighty feat for a mighty knitter! I really must make something epic sometime. Congratulations for getting past the Saddle Tan and knitting on.
AUUUGH!!!! I **SO** know how you feel…i am knitting one for my friend Spinner and am about 2/3 of the way through it (i’m on “28 moss” in the third row)…i would’ve quit on this ages ago if he hadn’t invested money in the first round of yarn. sigh. i feel i should be learning something from this but i fear the most significant lesson is the fact that i actually *like* purling and i am lonely for my cables… 🙂
the third row of the directions, i mean. 🙂 http://pinterest.com/pin/126311964519994436/
Only Knitters would understand that commitment. (I felt your pain through the S***** T**; the color not to be spoken of again.)
I love the title of you post! I would be thinking the same thing about this. It’s a lovely scarf though! 🙂
Now go knit some lace. 😀
Your scarf looks gorgeous, you did a lovely job! One day I will knit one in the Brown Sheep (I just can’t afford it so most of mine have been Vanna’s Choice with one Telemark). It’s such a nice yarn to work with.
And you say never again now…you’ll itch to do another one 🙂 I thought one would be enough. Nope. I’ve now knit like 8. Or is it 9? Including a Romana scarf – 12 feet of plain cream yarn in garter stitch. I finished a season 18 that I haven’t yet worn out (damn Chicago getting a mild winter), and I’m already itching to do another one. 🙂
THAT takes fortitude. Let’s hope no one says within earshot, “Oooh, can I have one too?”.
Triumph of the will! And it looks great – the beige tones make a nice cushion for the strong colors.
You know what would really set this off? Applied I-cord edging! (Good thing I live far away so you can’t hit me :-).) It is beautiful and I hope the recipient will cherish it always.
I love you, funniest blog ever!
INsane.
I’ve discovered, lately, that scarves are my LEAST favorite thing to knit because they appear to be a quick knit, but they take *forever*.
I think you met your match, Stephanie.
Beautiful! I love me some squishy garter stitch!
Gosh, how many hours did this take you?
That scarf is gorgeous!! My daughter, who is a huge Holmes & Watson fan, sweet-talked me into knitting her a “hideous scarf” from one of the movies. How hard could it be? Not hard, just tedious & mind-numbing & more k1p1 rib than I ever care to knit, plus about 3 trillion ends I will have to weave in when I’m done. But I love & adore her & will do just about whatever she asks! =)
I knitted one for my little sister when I was in college in the ’80s. Last month, my husband asked me to make him one, so I ordered the yarn, planning to wrap yarn and pattern with a promise to make it as his present. However, the charcoal was backordered, so I don’t have the yarn yet. I chose worsted weight, figuring I’d take whatever edge a slightly thicker yarn would give me. It will be my watching tv/riding in the car knitting and I will take it color by color and not think of all the endless rows to come. I hope.
Wowza. You have stamina.
I once knit a Dr. Who scarf…
..in stockinette….
…in worsted…
….on a knitting machine…
It took 3 days. It was 15 feet long…
I thought I might go insane.
I applaud your feat of strength.
Did you block in on blocking boards (or on your bed)? Or was the bannister the blocking? I never know what to do with something that long and scarf-y.
So glad that the latest Doctor wears a bow tie. He’s right – bow ties ARE cool when this is the other option.
I bow to you….. i’d still be working on the first 6 inches!! Ha ha ha
Well I daresay, you got that monkey off your back!
Dang that’s a really long guy!
We will remind you the next time you feel the urge to knit something like this again.
I made one o’ those. Used it to teach myself to knit Continental. So boring.
Nice bannister pic.
Big. Long. Colorful. I bet you had a relaxing time knitting it. :o)
Holy. Flip. That’s one long, gorgeous scarf!
Wow! I really admire your perseverance on this scarf – it came out gorgeous! I don’t know that I would have been able to finish 🙂
Great job! Don’t forget where you stored it for Christmas 2013 🙂 just sayin…
You’re a better woman than I.
Congratulations!
I am totally with you on that one, my dear. Never again. BUT: You now have living proof of your endurance and ability to stick to one project (contrary to your name, btw) and that is something that another type of artist cannot say. Think of brilliant chefs or snow sculpture people. Your scarf is here to stay!
Forever, most likely, but that is great, isn’t it? Dr. Who and an heirloom – who’d have thunk…
Well, clearly marathons are your thing …. but I bet this was harder than the bike ride!!!
Mazal tov and congratulations!
I’d only consider doing a doll-sized one ….
You still have a bunch of spam comments that covers its spamminess with quotations.
Congratulations!! Heartily deserved. Only you could do it.
This is the irony of all ironies — my nephew introduced his girlfriend to us today. The conversation wound its way to Dr. Who, and she told us of this very scarf that she spent one month knitting! Net-knit-surfing tonight, I found your site and saw the photos! You’re a rock!
If you start now, you can have that 50th anniversary edition done JUST in time! Well done! You deserve a vacation ride in the TARDIS.
Congratulations! Looks absolutely fantastic! =D
That is a great looking scarf. It is discouraging to slow knitters to see how fast you do that! It would take me months. Seriously tell us your technique for weaving in ends on such a project. Also, are you keeping it. Please say yes.
Wow, what a marathon effort, beautiful and it will be seriously warm and cosy to wear…..If it is going into storage until Christmas, make sure it is in MOTHPROOF packaging. well done
Fan-flippin-tastic, my friend. Truly an impressive feat of perseverance.
All I want to say is – Hurrah!!! Oh and I love the Doctor!!
Wow.
7 days.
I’m floored.
I plan to take at least a year or two for my Who Scarf because, well, that’s too many feet of garter stitch!
As usual, you amaze me.
My question is….. What’s next?
I think that perhaps the total immersion strategy here bit you hard. I think of garter stitch projects as the ultimate multi-tasking. I like a challenge, so it’s hard to submit to a “plain” project.. I save them like truffles, which are exquisitely perfect in small amounts, but sickening if eaten serially.. so plain knitting projects like this are saved for engrossing movies, watching kids during sports or dance, going to the denstist, etc. I don’t hope to finish them, I dread finishing them, because then I have to cast on another boring project. If I made this scarf, I’d expect it to take months, and savor the potential of mindless knitting the whole while.
Great job! I finished one for my husband and then decided I had to have one for myself. They can be addictive. I made a Season 12 and now I kinda want another season just for fun.
Never.
But it is truly fabulous! I know it was a painful knit, but it really is awesome… 😀
New reader to the blog and I just wanted to say daaaaaaaaaamn I wish I could knit for that long and not get bored or distracted or start something else… have I mentioned I have like 5 WIP’s right now? I think I have ADD. Or I like to procrastina— no; I *definitely* like to procrastinate. The two problems together? A mess.
Marvelous ! A few years ago, I knit one for a long-time friend. Now I have all these little bits of those colors…..what to do with them? An infinity scarf ?? Long stocking cap? A shawl to wrap up in as I watch my Dr. Who DVDs ? Any ideas ?? I can’t believe you made a Dr. Who scarf–someone is very very lucky !
Love the scarf as a bannister warmer 🙂
Nice, though i gotta say who knits anyrmoe?its like not been a pass time since before computers loloh well i wonder when he will get onto knitting an entrie planet from Mario Galaxy, that would be awsome lol
Wow! “You are a better man than I am Gunga Din”. My niece is a big Dr. Who fan, but she lives in Tennesse so a full size scarf was not practical, so I cheated. I made a mini version for her this past Christmas and it was a hit. I found a pattern that gave me row counts then I used fingering weight yarn. After I scaled down the width I ended up with a 1 1/2 inch by 3 foot scarf. The color changes were still a bear though. As she is a new knitter I will now delegate any Dr. Who projects to her. They build character.
You are really a awesome knitter.