Years ago, a friend of mine hosted “mermaid parties,” gala women-only events where guests arrived in satiny ball gowns, glittering sequin sheaths, and sparkling jewelry fit for under-the-sea royalty. I started my scarf with a stitch pattern originally intended as a flat edging, but the result was too flat. In a wild moment, I began to crochet half motifs right down the middle of the scarf, forming wavy, lacy layers—it was then that I heard the mermaids singing....