Tree Line Scarf by Kirsti Johanson

Tree Line Scarf

Knitting
March 2014
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
6 stitches and 8 rows = 1 inch
in Stockinette Stitch
US 5 - 3.75 mm
600 - 690 yards (549 - 631 m)
One (adjustable)
English
This pattern is available for $8.00 USD
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PATTERN NOTES
This pattern contains four main sections. It is constructed in a traditional Estonian method, and the second edging is knitted from the cast on up and joined to the body of the scarf with Kitchener stitch. The lace motifs include pine trees, pine cones, and a lovely and delicate leaf/acorn pattern. Along the main body, a gentle wave and cable pattern twist towards the center.

The tree line is the edge of the area where trees can grow. Beyond this line, the habitat is not conducive to tree growth. This line appears very distinct when viewed from a distance, but is often more gradual when viewed up close. Depending on which direction the slope faces, the tree line can exist at different altitudes and is known as the Alpine Tree Line.

Often this line is formed by strong winds in combination with colder weather, less sunlight, and longer lasting snow pack. The winds cause the grain of the wood to become twisted (forming a stronger tree) and is referred to as the krummholz formation (German word for ‘twisted wood’). Fallen trees in the Tahoe Basin show this twisted grain, and the 2x2 cabling in so many of these patterns is designed to reflect that.