Can someone explain the technique for multiple stranding necessary for the Spectrum Scarf?  It is so  pretty.  Also, does anyone have any suggestions for a substitute yarn?  Thank you.

I had the same question!  Usually when I need multiple strands for a project, I use differnt balls of yarn... looks like you would need to cut up each skein into 4 balls to make this scarf.  Any suggestions on how to easily measure and divide them up, or if that is even the right technique?

Anyone know what the lace stitch used is?  The directions say "see stitch guide".  There isn't any stitch guide. Huh?

RE:  divide and conquer.  I did this method w/ a Candice Esiner-Strick pattern.  Yes, had to divide skeins into 4 balls each.  bought a yardage gaude.  Too hard to use, so I ended up eye-balling the individual cakes.  It worked out welll.

Lyn

The stitch guide appears above the directions.

Maybe the best way to divide the skeins would be to weigh the Yarn i.e. 100g skein = 25gram balls. An ordinary food scale should do it.  Georgia

I think it would be better to divide the yarn into two balls and use both the center strand and the exterior strand. You don't use equal amounts of each strand so if you divide by four you are more likely to need to make a join.  Hope this makes sense.  It would also help if we knew how much of each color the original required.

Well, in light of the above comments, I doubt that I will be making the Spectrum Scarf!  I really get frustrated with inadequate instructions.

I'm experiencing the same frustration as others regarding dividing the yarn into separate balls.  And I remember being told when I first started knitting lace that it is not a good idea to use laceweight from a center pull as this tends to "stress" the yarn and may cause it to break even if carefully and loosely wound.  

Does anyone at Interweave ever read and respond to these comments?

Here's what I think I'm going to do, because it looks like a fun stitch pattern:  knit the whole thing in natural, and use the old rug-hooker's dip-dyeing technique:  dunk the wetted piece 1/4 of the way into the dye and leave it there a minute, then immerse the piece up to half way, etc, slooowly, til it is all dyed.  Simpler than these instructions to get a very similar effect.

I doubt this scarf uses up the entire 875 yds of each color. Just a thought, but I would try knitting the first section before the color change with only 1 strand. Then cut and unravel.

Measure twice this amount for the next strand and cut; 3 times this amount for the 3rd strand; and 4 times the length for the 4th strand.

Then with the other colors make 4 strands the same size as the above strands.

According to the pattern, start knitting with 4 strands of the same color. When it's time to drop one of the strands for another color, the dropped strand will already be used up and cut. When adding in a new color, use the longest strand of the new color you have. And so on.

this scarf is awesome! i really like the color variation using different strands of yarn :D

The  colors looks like the Kauni Effektgarn Wool. So lovely!

www.kauni.com/index.php

I have the same thought as JenniferD.  I plan to wind the ball with a ball winder, then knit with the outside end and the inside end of two balls - 4 strands.  I really don't think it will seriously stress the yarn .

Yesterday I had another thought ... one of my vendors sent me samples of laceweight cotton and sport weight rayon put up like crochet thread.  I'm thinking of just purchasing the correct number of these small balls for an experimental Spectrum Scarf.  

Where is the update to the file?

what update?

the updated file would be the one now showing as the download... I checked it and it was created June 3rd, 2008... Good Luck...Tilly

I am gonna use Commotion 2 by classic elite yarns, only cuz i have enough of it and it has been sitting here while i figured out what pattern would really set it off, this will work, it is already multicolored so I am not worried bout the color way of the spectrum.  I'm gonna panic about that on my next project when I will be doing it the right way.  hope this helps.

I admit it, I am stitch guide impaired.  if anyone is up to it and has a whole of patience, you could help me on it.  Yes,it is simple for most of you guys...i am making it more complex. I'm sure. As I see it, from the k3, I would bring the yarn to the front, P1...and then I'm lost. Thanks,  Su

does anyone know where I can find a site that shows me how to cast on???

The free instructions are at www.learntoknit.com  OR www.knittinghelp.com  OR www.bernat.com/learntocrochet.php   OR go to the LionBrand site for information.  There are SEVERAL sites available to get information to learn to KNIT OR CROCHET.  If you go to Yahoo and type 'learn to knit' or whatever, the sites will come up for your ready access.  And, Knitting Daily Also has a lot of information!!  The Web is LOADED with free information; and you can get old patterns at eBay; they are clasasics!! The linds stay for forever!!