12' Super Bowl scarf to warm downtown structure

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The super scarf project can only be successful if hundreds of Hoosiers volunteer to make the 8,000 scarves needed. So to promote the project, the Super Bowl 2012 host committee asked two Hoosier knitters to craft a giant scarf to be displayed in a very public place.

One of those knitters is Alison Jester, a self-professed, obsessed knitter for 20 years. The usual tools of her trade are wooden knitting needles about four inches long. But for one recent project, four foot extension poles were the knitting needles of choice.

"It's not something you do everyday," said Jester as she held one of the giant makeshift needles.

Karin Lyons, owner of Broad Ripple Knits, held the other giant knitting needle. The two of them worked together to create the knitting knots for a giant scarf.

"This is the biggest scarf I've ever knit," said Lyons.

It is a big scarf indeed. It's 21 feet long because the fellow wearing it is two stories tall. The knitting duo demonstrated how they made a Colts-colored compliment to the Shiel Sexton Structure Man at 902 N. Capitol Avenue near downtown.

24-Hour News 8 cameras were there as a heavily bundled worker perched in a cherry picker affixed the blue and white scarf to Structure Man's nonexistent neck.

The statue will help draw attention to the 2012 Super Bowl committee's newest project, super scarves.

The Super Bowl 2012 host committee is asking Hoosiers to make 8,000 blue and white scarves to adorn the neck of every Super Bowl 2012 volunteer. And you don't have to be an experienced knitter.

"That's part of the charm of the scarves. They are handmade, so they sort of have that imprint," said Jester.

One of the leaders of the 2012 Super Bowl host committee learned to knit at Broad Ripple Knits, and an idea was born. The idea sent Lyons, the owner of the shop, up in a hydra-ladder to measure the biggest client she's ever helped.

"It was really fun to do, and I'm hoping it gets everyone in the community excited about this too, and about the project," said Lyons.

Those who'd like to help with the project have to use the specific yarn chosen by the committee.

The scarf kits are available at Broad Ripple Knits or other knitting stores throughout the city.

Knitting classes will be offered at public library. For times and locations, visit our2012sb.com .