Vulch I am already changing balls of wool on each stripe. I don't like the lumpy knots but at least I am making sure they are all on the same side of the scarf - this also gives it a front and back look as on the back you can see a color change line.
Sorry, I've only just seen this post: how many rows = a stripe? If it's twenty or so, you can just keep the first colour attached and start a second colour; when you've knitted two rows, you'll be back to where the first colour is, so you knit that in with the last stitch. It means you have a line of 'hyphens' up one side of the scarf but no knots. Of course, if you have sixteen different colours, it gets a bit confusing for the new knitter but it's a slightly neater alternative to knots that can come undone! Do stop me if I'm being a busy-body - old habits die hard!
I knitted (knat?)last night and it was a lot easier to hold on to the stiches than push the needle - that was a good tip thanks.
It took me about 2 months to make my daughter her scarf - I am going to buy her the box of Harry Potter movies for Christmas and will wrap them in the scarf.
My 17 year old son was hinting that he too would like a scarf - if I make another one I am going to use this method for the stripes Vulch.
You might have better results if you take your knitting needles to a Gents Outfitters, and, holding one of the knitting needles in your right hand, (between fore-finger and thumb), use it to point out a ready-made scarf, which you think your son would appreciate, to the salesperson. You're welcome.