From Pattern Notes:

Karen Baumer wrote an absolutely fascinating scarf pattern, the now ubiquitous Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf that everyone is falling in love with. I’ve knit any number of these scarves for presents (and one for myself), and I’ve watched knitters use glorious multi-colored yarns to create gorgeous scarves. This ingenious use of short rows inspired me to find a way to use this technique to showcase solid colored yarns just as effectively. I picked up a skein of La Luz 100% silk yarn from Fiesta, and I had that “Eureka” flash of inspiration: juxtapose the simplest of lace structures on the short rows, alternating with garter ridges and a row of seed stitch.