Binge Swatching

For better or worse, my binge swatching streak has continued. It's not that swatching isn't productive, it is. But couple that with a fondness for color play and what-if scenarios, and a full-blown obsession can't be far behind.

In other words, I'm still preoccupied with the syncopated slipped rib stitch in all its forms. It handled the highly variegated Happy Feet so well, I found myself scouring the stash for similar short-print yarns. Eventually, I discovered a single skein of Panda Cotton (Crystal Palace), which rapdily cycles through several shades of blue punctuated with a stretch of black. 


Since one key to taming busy variegateds is to add a closely related solid, I first tried pairing Panda with black Tajmahal (Filatura Cervinia). This combo created interrupted stripes, a look I initially didn't care for, but it's grown on me. I can see how over the course of a larger piece, the irregular stripes could make a simple shawl or cowl dynamic and visually interesting. Working the variegated Panda with a solid blue (Zaffiro by Madril Yarns), minimized pooling but caused the vertical stripes to virtually disappear.

I could've cheerfully continued working through every variegated yarn in the stash, but decided instead to experiment with some color blocking. I've always loved purple and red together, so I combined black (Tajmahal) with violet Aspen (Baah) and burgundy Charlemont (Valley Yarns). The slipped stitches produce an interesting notched or serrated transition from one color to the next, an effect I rather like.

And therein lies the problem. From jewel tones to neutrals, my stash is filled with many lovely skeins that might lend themselves to this technique, which means my fingers are itching to start (yet another) series of swatches.

Perhaps it's time for an intervention.

Swatch Stories: The Saga Continues

In retrospect, it was totally inevitable. What began as a quick experiment turned into much, much more. 

It started quite innocently, as these things often do. My initial objective was to work a series of  small swatches to demonstrate how very different the same stitch can look in various yarns and color combos. The swatches featured the syncopated slip stitch which can be used to create vertical stripes.

One swatch was worked in the two deepest shades from the ombre mini-skein set above (Mad Hatter Shillings & Pence by Wonderland Yarns). The result was attractive but understated, because the vertical stripes were almost indiscernible in such closely related colors.

And this is where things began to go sideways. There are plenty of projects on the needles clamoring for attention, but I simply couldn't resist taking the experiment just one step further. So, I paired the medium shade with the lighter of the two deepest colors, and worked another section.

Uh oh, that new section looks rather appealing. Surely I should try just one more combo and blend the medium with the second-lightest shade, just to see what happens?

Well look at that, the third section is also attractive, perhaps I should just keep going? For one full day, I held firm. Then I buckled and started working the last section with the two lightest shades.

The good news? I love the overall effect, and for sheer versatility and stashbusting potential, this stitch is definitely a keeper. 

The bad news? The Mad Hatter yarn is technically slated for a different project, but I may have to rethink that plan. Meanwhile, I'm already searching through the stash to see what other yarns and combos might lend themselves to this approach. 

The reality? The saga continues. (And I see lots of swatching in my future.) 

Same Stitch, Different Looks

Something as simple as changing yarns and/or color combinations can completely transform the look and feel of a project. That's only one of the many things that makes knitting both fascinating and challenging.

For example, I have as you know been somewhat obsessed with this charming little slip stitch. It creates an appealing texture that's almost-but-not-quite rib-like. In solid shades, the spotlight remains on the texture.

Add in a second color, however, and this simple stitch takes on fresh interest. It's a quick and easy way to produce vertical stripes that resemble corrugated ribs, but it offers more advantages. The fabric is stretchy, and the stripes are worked without the fuss of stranding. With two contrasting colors worked in a springy worsted merino (Valley Yarns Amherst), the stripes are clearly defined.

If you pair a variegated yarn (KFI Indulgence Eggplant) with a high-contrast solid (Sugar Bush Bliss Platinum), however, the vertical stripes take on a new dimension. Because Indulgence features slow or long-print color changes that shift from eggplant to plum and rose, the transitions create an interesting gradient effect.



Work the same long-print variegated with a tonal yarn in a compatible shade (Baah Aspen Violet), and the results are quite different.

To tame a yarn that's prone to pooling, work a rapid color changing variegated (Happy Feet Berries) with a closely related solid (Valley Yarns Charlemont Burgundy). Because the colors blend together, the vertical stripes are still visible, but they're much more understated.

Or you could really get carried away as I did, and match two very closely related tonals (Wonderland Yarns Mad Hatter Shillings & Pence) for vertical striping so subtle, the two shades are almost indistinguishable.

Life and work have been demanding in ways I won't even attempt to describe, so as you can see, I've been knitting swatches as a small but invaluable diversion. Each one uses the same syncopated slip stitch worked in a variety of yarns to demonstrate some of the many possibilities when you let color do much of the work.

Color Does All the Work

Not long ago, I stumbled across a Kaffe Fassett profile in Let's Knit Magazine. (It's well worth the read, so I hope you'll take time to check out the link.) 

I've never knit one of his designs, but I've admired his work for longer than I care to admit. Like countless others, I've always found his jubilant use of color inspiring, albeit a bit daunting with all those ends to weave. Much of what he shared in the profile resonates, but one quote really captured my attention:

Because my main interest is colour I feel no need for fancy stitches like lace and raised textures. The colour does all the work, particularly in good pattern structures ... 

Whew, what a relief! 

While I admire and respect knitters who delight in intricate shapes and complex lace or cable designs, these are not the things that continue to fascinate me after decades of working with needles and yarn. 

Instead, I'm drawn to designs that feature simple shapes, subtle textures and a focus on color. I'm not now nor shall I ever be in Kaffe Fassett's league, but if pursuing these qualities is good enough for him, then it's more than good enough for me.


To see all posts related to color, click here.

Swatch Stories: Full Circle

Many years ago, I fell in love with an easy textured slip stitch, which for reasons that escape my grasp, was dubbed the Pin Check stitch by the venerable Barbara Walker.

The stitch pattern creates two very different but attractive sides. On the front, a stockinette grid frames small purl bumps, while on the back, the pattern produces a lateral dot-dash or chain-like effect when worked in two colors.

I've swatched this stitch countless times in varied yarns and color combinations. The initial plan was to make a cozy sweater in neutral shades of black, grey and cream ...

 

or warm earthtones such as brown, taupe, tan and off white worked in a dark to light gradient.

Then I toyed with other possibilities, such as working shades of the same color to create an ombre effect against a black gridwork. 

Years passed, life happened and the sweater plans never solidified. 

Then one day, I realized this versatile stitch might be the perfect texture for an afghan. More swatching ensued, and eventually this stitch became the foundation for the Tikkyn Reversible Afghan, which I worked first in a fun rainbow scheme ...

 

then again in a combination of greys and burgundy.

Now, things have come full circle. While slip stitches are great for simple colorwork, they're texture stitches first and foremost. This rich purple yarn with its tantalizing touch of cashmere has for far too long been crying out to become a soft, cozy cardigan. It's possible this beloved little slip stitch with its plush, waffle-like texture might be the ideal way to make that happen.

Happy Mother's Day!


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Is This the One?

It's difficult to believe, but over the course of the past year, I've worked more than 25 swatches in an effort to find The Right Stitch for an afghan design that's been rattling around in my head and portfolio for several years. 

We all know I'm not a flashy knitter, but I can be a bit finicky. For this design, I wanted a stitch that created a fabric that was attractive on both sides (of course!). Something that offered a bit of texture and handled color well, but was still easy to work (naturally). Something that looked good in a wide range of yarn weights from sport to bulky. (Not all stitches handle such variances well.) 

Several times, I thought I'd found The One, but on further experimentation realized it wasn't quite right. I've shared a few of these with you in the past.

For a time, I was particularly enamored with the syncopated effect produced by this stitch combo.

In the end, it wasn't the best match for this project, but it will eventually find its way into another.

To date, I've knit way more than 200 yards in pursuit of that elusive creature, The Right Stitch, and it's possible I've finally landed on one that could work. The right side is attractive ...

and the back is, too.

Is this the one? Let me know what you think.



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Right Side? Wrong Side? You Decide	Temptation

Roundup | 10 Ways to Create DIY Ombres, Gradients & Fades

In knit-world, ombres, gradients and fades continue to be a big color story, which is why we've spent much of the past year exploring numerous ways to create your own. 

The reasoning is simple. Fads come and go, but gradients remain one of the most versatile strategies you can use to maximize a prepackaged kit, leverage a few skeins of newly acquired yarn, or transform stash skeins into something fresh and fabulous.

Whether they fade from light to dark or soft to bright, you can distinguish between ombres, gradients and fades based on the color strategy involved. Briefly, in my world:

Ombres feature a monochromatic approach using shades from a single color family.
Gradients typically incorporate multiple shades from two or more color families.
Fades may do either.

These guidelines are open to any interpretation that works for you, but in general, it takes at least two colors and three stages or shifts to achieve a gradient or ombre effect. Anything less, and you're essentially working some variation of stripes or color blocking. With this in mind, let's revisit 10 easy strategies for creating your own DIY gradient and ombre combinations.

(Click the titles below to see the original posts, each of which highlights five different strategies. Click a bullet item to see how-to directions for that technique.)


Ombres & Gradients: 5 Ways to Create Your Own

This post shares strategies for creating a:

• Simple custom gradient using three colors.
• Three-stage gradient using two colors.
• Four-stage gradient using five colors.
• Five-stage gradient (option 1) using three colors.
• Five-stage gradient (option 2) using six colors.

Ombres & Gradients: 5 Fresh Ways to Create Your Own

This post shares strategies for working a:

• Six-stage gradient using three colors.
• Seven-stage gradient using four colors.
• Nine-stage gradient using five colors.
• Five-stage mirror gradient using two colors.
• Three-stage variegated gradient using four colors.

As you can see, you can begin creating gradients with as few as two skeins, which makes these different approaches especially useful for stashbusting. By mixing and matching awkward orphans and singletons, it's both fun and easy to create combinations that are uniquely your own.

With more than 20 posts exploring different facets of ombres, gradients and fades, you'd think we would have exhausted this topic, but au contraire! From useful stitches and techniques to untapped color strategies, several new gradient posts are hovering on the horizon. 

Meanwhile, I hope these ideas will inspire you to experiment, because where ombres, gradients and fades are concerned the possibilities are truly endless.

RELATED

Ombres & Gradients: What's the Difference?	Stashbusting Strategies (Part II)

To see all ombre and gradient posts, click here.
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Ribs & Revelations

Here's the scoop. Recently, I was sorting through recent FOs, works in progress and projects in the planning pipeline. The goal was to set some priorities, but instead I made a strange discovery.

In addition to my long-standing obsession with ombres and gradients, I appear to be equally obsessed with ribby knits and rib stitches in all their forms. Here are just a few of the many examples that led to this revelation.

Colsie Mitts

 Colsie Berry Gradient Mitts

I've made ... wait a minute while I go count ... five pairs of mitts featuring this super-easy slipped rib stitch, and another is on the needles. In addition to being a great way to blend colors into a DIY gradient of my own choosing, this stitch produces a wonderfully stretchy fabric that's perfect for mitts, hats, cuffs, cowls and anything else that requires elasticity.

Colsie Cowl

 Starting Over

In spite of the fact that I have too many projects already on the needles, winter is coming. I need all the cozy knits I can muster, so I went ahead and cast on this cowl-scarf. Worked on larger than typical needles, it features an adaptation of the same ribbed slip stitch used in the Colsie mitts, and it's producing a fabric that's light, lush and flexible.

Kintra Mitts

 Kintra Mitts Nearly Neutral

This pattern is yet another example of my ribby obsession. It includes two slipped rib stitches, both of which are useful and adaptable. I love all my Kintra mitts (seven pairs and counting), and I'm wearing this pair as I write. The neutral mitts above are my current favorites, however, which leads me to my next example ...

Kintra Cowl

 Kintra Nearly Neutral Cowl

This is an active work in progress not an FO, but I decided to include it in this roundup. The goal is to create a cowl or scarf to complement the nearly neutral Kintra mitts above, as part of my plan to create coordinated sets that make the most of the knits I have.


Wyndfael Mitts

Wyndfael Turquoise Mitts

I know, I know. You look at this design and think: Wait, those are cables not ribs! And you're correct. This simple little stitch produces mini-cables on the front side and 2x2 ribs on the back, so it's a twofer. The fabric is plush and moderately elastic, so it's suited to afghans, bands, cuffs, collars, hats, mitts or anything that calls out for a decorative touch coupled with a bit of stretch.


Riblet Afghan

This project is also in the planning pipeline. I've worked countless swatches in search of a stitch that's reversible, easy to execute and will produce an attractive, plush texture, and so far this one is at the forefront. It, too, is a slipped rib, and due to the way it's worked, it's moderately stretchy, holds its shape and produces a slightly syncopated look I find appealing. As an added plus, working this stitch in two colors creates interesting but very different effects (more on that later). 

If you're like me and knitting is woven into your daily life, it's possible you have an obsession or three of your own. Meanwhile, I'm off to pursue this passion for ribs to see where it takes me. 

What knitting passions are you pursuing this week? 

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Swatch Stories: The Search Continues

The Valere pattern is almost ready for release and Herlacyn Heatwave is perking along in the background, Meanwhile, I'm diligently experimenting with stitch patterns destined for a fun, colorful afghan design I'm itching to cast on.

In a perfect world, said stitch would be fast, easy and reversible (of course!), have an interesting texture, and be attractive in both one- and two-color applications. I want this to be a quick knit, so I'm planning to use bulky yarn. This adds an interesting fillip, because not all stitches hold up well when worked in heavier weight yarns.

These photos leave a lot to be desired, but you get the gist. As you can see, I've worked my way through quite a few options, and while several have potential, I've not yet found the one that clearly says, I'm the one.

While the search for the right stitch continues, I'd value your feedback. Try to look past the wobbly edges and curling borders (these things can be fixed) and focus on the stitches themselves. If you spot one that catches your fancy, let me know.



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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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