The basic stitch pattern is inspired from the book "Knit Scarves!" by Candi Jensen on pages 62-65.
The base repetition is as follows:
Cast on multiples of 4 stitches loosely. If you want a narrow scarf, use fewer multiples of 4 and/or thinner yarn. If you want a wider scarf, use more multiples of 4 and/or thicker yarn.
row 1: Knit to end of row
row 2: Purl to end of row. This row must be knitted with looser tension than the other rows because some of the stitches in row 3 are knit together.
row 3: *Knit 2 together twice, (yarn over, knit 1) 4 times, Knit 2 together twice; repeat from * until you reach the end of the row.
row 4: Knit to end of row
next rows: repeat rows 1-4 until scarf measures desired length.
Finishing: cast off all stitches loosely.
To make the scarf free-form at the sides (or, organic looking like the waves of the ocean), vary the instructions in row 3 according to "fuzzy" random order.
For example: at the beginning and end you can knit 4 together instead of 2 stitches together.
To make the scarf narrower, knit more stitches together and/or less yarn overs.
To make the scarf wider, do more yarn overs and/or fewer stitch knit togethers.
With fine, baby like yarn instead of knitting 2 stitches together twice, knit 2 together 4 times. This will give this type of yarn more of a defined wave like pattern.
With thicker yarn, go ahead and stay with knit 2 stitches together twice.
You can also vary the number of stitches you knit together or the number of yarn overs you do. I tend to stick with multiples of 2 and 4.
row 3 can have many variations and permutations. For example:
*Knit 2 together twice, knit 2, (yarn over, knit 1) 4 times, knit 2, knit 2 together twice; repeat from * until you reach the end of the row.
or vary the rows by increasing/decreasing rows 1, 2, and 4. I hope you can think of other variations to the base pattern.
and so forth. This kind of knitting is good for the absent minded (forgetful) knitter like myself because even mistakes (miscounting stitches and rows) add to the organic look of the scarf/hat. The point is that you don't want to repeat row 3 exactly each time you knit it because you want the scarf to look like water ripples from beginning to end. No two scarves will look exactly the same, but they will obviously be of the same kind.
yardage: it depends on how long and wide you want your scarf to be and what type of yarn you are using.
You can add fringe if you desire or beads. A note about knitting with beads: you can add beads just to one side of the scarf, or throughout the scarf on a random basis, or if you prefer a more repetitive pattern, on an even basis.
Hat instructions:
To make a hat out of this pattern, knit a rough rectangle the length of your head's circumference. Measure your head to find out how wide you should make the rectangle from the tip of your head to just above your eyebrows. With a yarn needle, thread enough yarn to gather one long edge of the "rectangle" after tying a knot at one end, secure tightly at the other end, then sew the side seams together. Weave in the ends. You can embellish with buttons, knitted or crocheted flowers, edging, and so forth.
For a more complicated version of the hat, sew just the side seams together, pick up the stitches on the long edge of the rectangle on a circular needle, and knit a roughly round circle for the top of the hat. Or, you could crochet the top of the hat. It's really up to you. Do whatever you feel like doing!
Check back later for color photos!