This is really the first time I've done test swatches for a design for someone else's book. I've had pieces in books and I've had sketches accepted for publication in magazines, but normally I self publish so my swatch is always in the color and yarn that I intend to use. There was a part of me that felt it would be good to run out and buy the "right" colors of yarn, but there is no guarantee that it will actually be the yarn I use, so I decided to stick to stash yarn, almost exclusively. The result is swatches so horrible to the eye, that I feel I'm giving nothing away by sharing them.
They are sitting atop the stitch by stitch chart I've done up for my Silky Wool yarn. As insane as it sounds, even for my own use, I generally chart every stitch of the piece I plan to make.
I wanted to get everything in sunlight, last night, and while the days are long here, there's only really one little spot by the window that gets direct sunlight. Guess who gave me a hand with the photo shoot:
She was checking the lighting for me.
And no, I haven't been neglecting my girlfriendly duties, Leo's turtleneck is nearly done.
On the commute home, a couple days ago, I asked Leo "Hey, do you prefer your turtlenecks on the long side or on the short side."
"Oooh, I don't know, kind of medium. Helpful, huh?"
Indeed.
So this piece will probably be done before my next blog post, but getting Leo in front of a camera, may still be days away. From what I've seen of it on him, though, I think it'll be worth the wait...hubba hubba.
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Comments (6)
Incredible what a difference color makes (for the swatches)!
Posted by Theresa | June 19, 2006 10:57 PM
Posted on June 19, 2006 22:57
Swatches are intriguing!
And Panda is as kissable as ever!
Posted by Peeve | June 15, 2006 5:09 AM
Posted on June 15, 2006 05:09
I think the idea of charting out an entire piece first is great! I imagine it saves a lot of work in the long run. Looks like you use the computer to do so - do you have a program you recommend? I tend to chart just a bit, because I use the old pencil with tiny bit of eraser left method, which I do NOT recommend :)
Posted by Jen M | June 14, 2006 4:56 PM
Posted on June 14, 2006 16:56
Ah, doggie camera crew. My digital makes a little noise when it starts up, at the sound of this noisy, my dog comes screaming from god knows where and begins a series of poses because clearly, no one would dream of taking a picture he was not in!
I can't wait to see Leo's finished sweater...hopefully on him...
Posted by Pam | June 14, 2006 10:12 AM
Posted on June 14, 2006 10:12
Panda is such a helpful doggy. Don't you love how guys can be so vague sometimes, no matter how specific you are?
Posted by Delica | June 14, 2006 9:13 AM
Posted on June 14, 2006 09:13
You are too funny.
Leo's sweater is going to be incredible. I'm glad I got to see it in person- it really looks (and feels) terrific).
I don't know what's going on with that spring-y green under the silky wool, but the stitch pattern is amazing.
I like the striped with the ruffles... I won't say more here, but cute cute cute!
Posted by Mary-Heather | June 14, 2006 9:01 AM
Posted on June 14, 2006 09:01