Lantana

Unlike this scarf, which thrives in cold weather (just like me), the Lantana flower it’s named for prefers to grow well away from the frost. This is no doubt one reason it flourishes in southern California’s sun, and can be seen growing everywhere from neighborhoods to shopping centers—though the flower colors you'll see down there will primarily be the yellow-to-orange blossoms, I've always preferred the blue and purple flowers. 

Scarf is knit on the bias from a cast on of just a few stitches at one end straight through to the other. It works up beautifully in an ombré yarn that changes color as knitting progresses, or in the solid or semi-solid color of your choice. Tips are included for using up as much yarn as possible. Oh, yes, and there are beads. Lots and lots of lovely little beaded flowers to go with the Estonian clusters.

• Yarn: fingering weight; 425 [475, 525, 575] yards.
• Model: Apple Tree Knits Plush Fingering in Vortex Gradient in largest size with 17 yards remaining; 560 yards in 113 grams; 100% merino. Size 6/0 square seed beads..
• Gauge: 24 sts and 29 rows to 4 inches.
• Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) for gauge.
• Crochet hook: US 13 (85 mm) or size that fits through bead.
• Beads: 475 [550, 625, 700] size 6/0 rainbow seed beads in a color that comes close to matching the middle gradient color, or accents single colored yarn.
• Finished sizes: (width x length from point to point) 8.75 x 68.5 [8.75 x 76.75, 8.75 x 85, 8.75 x 93.5] inches.
• Stitch instructions: Charted only.