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Jun 18, 2017

Swatch Stories

As a dyed-in-the-wool swatcher. I love experimenting with new stitches, testing different types of yarn, and playing "what if."

What if I:
  • Change the yarn or fiber? 
  • Change the needle size?
  • Use a different yarn weight? 
  • Work alternating rows in different colors? 
  • Twist a stitch or slip it instead?

          Test Swatch: Drumlin Reversible Afghan


My fascination with reversible stitches helps fuel these what-if scenarios, and there are weeks where I happily devote every hard-won knitting minute to the soothing task of swatching.


          Test Swatch: Breidan Reversible Afghan and Wyndfael Reversible Mitts


For better or worse, this obsession has existed for a very long time, so through the years, I've compiled an extensive list of reversible and potentially reversible stitches.



       Test Swatch: Tikkyn Reversible Afghan


Lately I've had little time for anything but the projects and patterns already in progress, so recent swatches have been practical rather than experimental. The sole purpose of these was to illustrate how yarn weight affects scale (cream is sport, grey is worsted, red is bulky):


         Test Swatches: Lucben Reversible Afghan


Frankly, I miss the fun of experimental forays.

          Test Swatch: Which is the right side?


It's time to mend this hole in my knitting life, so periodically I'll be spotlighting some of my favorite stitches in varied yarn combinations.
          Test Swatch: Twegen Reversible Afghan


We can examine them, discuss the pros and cons, explore their best uses, play with fiber and needle combinations, and see how these variables influence the end result.
          Test Swatch: Dojeling Shawl


        Test Swatch: Alaris Wrap


Along the way, we'll have a chance to share our best go-to stitches and perhaps discover some new ones to add to our personal lists of all-time favorites.

So what's your swatch story: Do you avoid it altogether? Swatch for fun? Swatch only for upcoming projects? Do some mix of the three?


Wishing you and yours a very Happy Father's Day!

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2 comments:

  1. I have only swatched for upcoming projects though I would like to start swatching to do some exploring with yarns and stitches but so far ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to do the same, swatching only for upcoming projects. Then one day, I started testing different yarn and needle combos, and the rest is history :)

      Delete

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