The Barrelman sits perched high up on the rigging of The Henry - the ship that carried the pioneering flock of sheep across the Southern Ocean from Tasmania to Tarndie in 1840. He sits in a barrel lashed to the tallest mast helping to navigate the ship. The undulating lines of the simple knit and purl stitches on this scarf are suggestive of the curves of the wine barrel that would have been used.

The spirit of co-operation and collaboration between Tarndie and Great Ocean Road Woolen Mill has created “The Henry”. A beautiful blend of old meets new, named after the ship that set sail all of those years ago to bring the foundation flock for the Polwarth to Victoria. This new yarn shows what can be done when processor and farmer join forces. Hopefully it inspires a new generation of knitters to pick up the needles, and to ask where is that yarn grown, where is that yarn made. Few yarns can name their processor, yet alone the farms from which the fibre came from, “The Henry” can.

This yarn was released at the first Wool Gathering, which was held at Tarndwarncoort Homestead in May 2017. The host of this retreat, Karen Pior, has generously created this pattern for you to enjoy.

Suitable for beginner knitters
Size: One Size 16cm/ 6 1/4 inches wide and 185cm / 74 inches long
Yarn: Super Bulky / 14ply
Shown in: Southern Ocean “ The Henry”
50% Polwarth wool / 50% Alpaca
Total yardage: 261m (294 yards) approx
Needles: 7.00mm needles (
Notions: darning needle for sewing in ends.
Gauge: 14sts and 20 rows/10cm on 7.00mm needles in stocking (stockinette) stitch. Gauge is not critical for this item, however it will effect the overall size of the item, and the amount of yarn used.

Pattern notes: Barrelman’s Scarf is a simple scarf with an undulating stitch pattern, reminiscent of wine barrel curves. The pattern is both written and charted and is suitable for beginner knitters.