Aya Garland scarf

Description

Too often in Western society, we look back on hard times with only a feeling of relief that they're in the past, even though those times may bring us the greatest strength and inner beauty. In Ghana, there is a symbol to celebrate this virtue -- the resourcefulness, endurance and even defiance it can take to flourish when everything seems turned against you. It is named Aya, and depicts the hardy fern.

I crocheted this scarf in a fern frond motif out of a yarn that has overcome adversity itself. Handspun in India and Nepal by co-ops and individual women, sari silk yarn is made by recycling fibers trimmed off saris at factories. Because every tuft of silk may have come from a different, brightly-colored sari, the yarn is an amazing and unique blend of every color imaginable (and a few you might not have imagined).

The scarf is roughly 5'6 long, with a loose stitch and a large vintage button at the base of its stem. It may be buttoned at the opposite end, at any of the branchings, or virtually anywhere else along the stem.

Be aware that it's not like other silk scarves: though it has silk's amazing sheen, it is heavy, and about as scratchy as lambswool. Handwash in cold water with mild detergent, or dry clean.

Added on Aug 07, 2009