I generally do not knit variegated yarns. Firstly, when knit normally, they create a horizontal line that, in garments, may tend to add weight where not desired. Additionally, I tend to prefer solid or small scale patterns lest I be lost in all the noise. But I cannot deny the allure of colors combined beautifully and when spinning, it ads another level of interest to the whole process. So I've been thinking about ways to use my variegated handspun yarns. Chevrons and feather and fan stitches are a great way to add interest and I've used those in the past. Lace can produce a similar effect, but tends to clash with the variegation, leaving both looking a little haphazard. So how about a slip stitch pattern?
Good choices are ones that are meant to combine multiple colors and will work best with yarns that have a lot of very intense color changes. So a monochromatic or subtle variegation is probably not ideal. I thought this would be a great way to work my Autumn yarn.
This is a relatively simple slip stitch pattern meant to be worked in two colors. You work a series of double YOs over on one row, then slip those YOs for 4 rows, working the other stitches in stockinette. Then you fan out and work those YOs, over the course of 3 more rows, to produce a leaf like motif. The idea is that you'll probably be working a different color in the yarn than that used when you first created your YOs.
This breaks up the very horizontal effect of the variegation and introduces some interesting vertical lines from the slipped stitches.
Here's a close up for you as well. And for those of you who think I'm a consistent and skilled spinner, you'll note all the thick and thin/over and underspun sections as well
I think this is the first time I've ever wished my yarn had even more variegation. The whole piece will need some good blocking, but I think you get a good idea of the effect.
The goal is to work this up into a little hat, and maybe a pair of gloves or mittens. It'll be a nice reminder of the colors of autumn through the long winter months.
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Comments (10)
wow, so beautiful ! Both the colors and stitch..
Posted by sylvie | January 5, 2007 12:48 AM
Posted on January 5, 2007 00:48
I love the way the varigation is blended with that stitch pattern. Is it from a stitch reference book?
Posted by Marlene | January 1, 2007 9:46 AM
Posted on January 1, 2007 09:46
Very lovely. Makes me want to go stash diving and trying it too.
Posted by Karin | January 1, 2007 12:44 AM
Posted on January 1, 2007 00:44
Love that stitch pattern. You are a good spinner! I had been wondering what you were going to do with that yarn. Good choice, I say.
Posted by Christina | December 31, 2006 8:05 PM
Posted on December 31, 2006 20:05
Very perceptive/effective! This is one of the concepts I'm putting into my book about knitting with painted yarns. Yours looks really beautiful and I love the autumn of course! So beautiful Marnie!
Posted by janel | December 31, 2006 11:23 AM
Posted on December 31, 2006 11:23
Gorgeous! Perfect stitch pattern for that yarn! I think the thick-n-thinness gives it more character. It has has wonderful look!
Posted by Carol | December 30, 2006 3:46 PM
Posted on December 30, 2006 15:46
So true! Even though I like to wear neutrals, I go for the brightly colored "eye-candy" roving.
Posted by Kathy | December 29, 2006 11:49 AM
Posted on December 29, 2006 11:49
That's so pretty! I have a fondness for varigated yarns and have to make myself try solids more often. Oh, and I first thought wow I wonder where she got the roving with lime green sections... then I remembered you always do a provisional cast on.
Posted by Amy in StL | December 29, 2006 11:44 AM
Posted on December 29, 2006 11:44
;-) Every time I find myself in a knitting or spinning slump I visit your page (see: every single day) and look with envy at your collection of projects.
1. You have a very good sense of which colors will work well together, even if you aren't sure of how the combination will ultimately manifest itself.
2. Pretty please post the slip-stitch pattern you are using, because it ROCKS.
Posted by anemotis | December 29, 2006 11:34 AM
Posted on December 29, 2006 11:34
very pretty. and who cares if there's thick & thin or under/overspun bits? as long as it yields the fabric you're looking for, and you like it, good for you. there are no spinning police either, lol.
makes me want to spin. i miss having my wheel at my beck ^
Posted by minnie | December 29, 2006 11:33 AM
Posted on December 29, 2006 11:33