Every week I read the By Hand column even though I don’t really sew or knit or crochet.

I sew basic, straight-line, no instruction necessary stuff like – patchwork scarves. I was never taught [to sew], had advice or help – the scarves are strictly out of my fevered mind. There is something about putting together scraps and remnants – things you’d never think would meld with anything else – to create an incredibly beautiful, original product. I swear it’s magic.

I use wool plaid, flowered velvet and soft jersey. My rules are that the rummage sale garment has to be out of fashion, or have a flaw in it, like a cigarette burn, making the piece [unwearable].

[The scarves] are made with 6-inch squares, two of them side by side, with a length of 10 squares. The lining also is made of material that comes from rummage sales. Each scarf has a yarn fringe on either end. When I’m done, I can’t believe I made it. It’s as though a ghost stitcher did it.

I usually make two or three each Christmas to give to new friends I’ve met during the year. It’s very “Zen” – using whatever material comes to your door.

– Ethel Pochocki of Brooks