Robyn Roste, Systems & Funnels

White Swan Imitation Scarf (Fail)

I set out to create a White Swan scarf for under $5. But then I realized I hate making scarves because they take so long. So I upgraded the challenge: I became convinced I needed to not only create a $5 scarf but one that took, like, five minutes to make as well.

White Swan knitted scarf

White Swan Imitation Scarf

I found a fancy looking scarf called White Swan. It’s the same scarf Natalie Portman wore in Black Swan apparently.

So I looked around for the yarn and then I realized I didn’t have large enough needles so I had to go shopping. The thrift store didn’t have what I needed so I got some on clearance at the craft store—$4.99. Then I looked for the yarn.

I couldn’t find it anywhere in town but I did find it online. Turns out the yarn this pattern calls for is actually really expensive (which is why the scarf looks so nice I guess).

Since I had already spent my $5 on new knitting needles I went to my stash yarn (stuff just sitting around). I found some that kind of seemed like the pattern wool (called Festival!) so I gave it a go.

So I’m not 100% sure I used 50 grams of wool or not, but it was probably close. Unfortunately I ran out before I could make the fringe and I’m devastated about it. Devastated! The huge fringe absolutely makes the scarf (IMO) and since mine doesn’t have one, I think I hate it.

It’s unfinished! And my budget is maxed! And also the yarn seems too fuzzy.

Here are my conclusions:

  • If you want the scarf to look like Natalie’s, well, you should spend more than $5 and purchase the Festival yarn. Maybe get two balls for good measure
  • If you want a $5 scarf then you should get some big knitting needles, download the free knitting pattern, and make it with $5 fashion wool or whatever. I think you can get the feathery stuff at the Dollar Store for a buck.

I could see how someone would enjoy this scarf but I don’t think it’s for me. Kind of a fail project, but definitely a quick and easy pattern.

More knitting patterns and inspiration

I set out to create a White Swan scarf for under $5. But then I realized I hate making scarves because they take so long. So I upgraded the challenge: I became convinced I needed to not only create a $5 scarf but one that took, like, five minutes to make as well.

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