This "seaman's scarf" was made during November/December 2002 of natural black kid mohair. Before I finished my 24-year career as a college administrator, a colleague won a gift certificate for a "handspun, handknit Forest House Fiberworks scarf" at a holiday party, and this is what his wife chose to have made as her gift.

The pattern for the scarf is called "Columbine I", and was designed by Myrna A. I. Stahman "in memory of the teacher and students of Columbine High School who died" in 1999 when two Columbine students "shot and killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded 23 other people before committing suicide." The pattern was published in Stahman's book, Stahman's Shawls & Scarves (Rocking Chair Press, Boise, ID, 2000, p. 132).

The scarf is approximately 50 inches long and 10 inches wide at the base of the "tails". It weighs 4.85 ounces, and used approximately 273 yards of handspun two-ply mohair yarn.

The traditional "Seaman's Neck Scarves" originated during the Spanish-American War when a concerned citizen and a military chaplain worked together to gather items to provide comfort to military personnel stationed on warships. They were characterized by 14 inches of garter stitch "tail" followed by 18 inches of ribbing, then another 14 inches of "tail". The tails, intended to be worn inside a coat against the chest, provided extra warmth, and the ribbed neck area provided a comfortable fit. Ms. Stahman has preserved the spirit of tribute and giving as well as the comfort of fit around the neck, while exploring almost endless design possibilities for the "tails", now generally worn outside for all to see!