When I first wanted to knit a Doctor Who scarf (you know the one – worn by Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor) in high school, there were no resources for a fledgling knitter like myself. I had a “learn to knit” book, a lesson or two from a cousin, and a VHS tape of a couple of episodes of Doctor Who. That’s it.

Fast forward 15 years, and there are all sorts of tools available for the Whovian knitter. There’s the Witty Little Knitter and her seemingly endless observations and recommendations, and the gaggle of knitters on Ravelry‘s “Who Knits?” and “Doctor Who Scarf Support Group” forums. (Gaggle? What is the collective term for Whovian knitters?) Yarn suggestions, support groups for those of us crazy enough to take on such a project, places to share photos and to brag to one another. There’s even a really nifty tool that lets you share your progress with the world: The Scarf-O-Matic!

I love the future!

My scarf is at 0% at the moment, not having even purchased the yarn yet, but that’s my major project for the winter. I want to have it done in time for the convention circuit next spring, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to manage that, along with all the other projects I have going on.

The scarf I’m going to work on is based on the one Tom Baker wore in the 16th and 17th seasons, which is about 14 feet long. It’s not terribly wide, and it’s not the longest (that one was 26 feet long!). I’m using the Witty Little Knitter’s guide and with the help of my Ravelry pals, I think it’ll go smoothly enough. It’s just garter stitch after all. Not complicated, but it could get deadly dull if I’m not careful. I’ve always wanted one, and I think it’s time I had one.

Allons-y!