Sunday, November 4, 2007

Fickle

Many customers and friends come into my shop for help or guidance with their projects.


Let me tell you, it is a giant ego boost when the answer to the question is an easy one. This is one of the perks of my job.


After my assistance, I often hear " You make it look so easy!". I thank the person for the kind remark, but really, it is my job, I should know what I am doing. The knowledge does not come by instinct, it is just that I have made EVERY mistake that could possibly be made in knitting and other fiber arts. I learn by messing it up, ripping it out (or not), and starting over.



This week I learned another lesson, although I am not yet sure what that lesson is .

I saw a photo of a lovely crocheted scarf on Ravelry. Drawn to it immediately, I thought, "I know that stitch, I can make that." I was ready to start, right then, all excited about the project, picturing the scarf with my winter coat, imaging the compliments I would receive.

Two hand dyed yarns were used , I decided to do the same. Except, I used one hand dyed and a solid. That should have been my first clue. Starting with this yarn, for the hand dye, and silky wool in a rust color for the solid, my hook started flying,,,
I came up with this



Okay, pretty, but not what I wanted. Can you see a definite pattern of circles or wheels? No, I can't either. So I ripped it out. Change the rust color to a more contrasting green and came up with this

Still, the wheels are not distinct, the green in the hand dyed yarn blends with the solid green and the pattern is lost.

Still,,,, I want to make that lovely scarf, I need that scarf....... a little pouting and some grumbling,,,,,,,,,,,, the light went on!

The original scarf must have long color runs......... and my hand dyed has short repeats of color. Grabbing some yarn from my home stash ( I have home stash and shop stash)..... I tried it with a solid single ply and a long repeat single ply.... similar to Noro Silk Garden. Here is the result:

Yes!!! Subtle variations of color, distinct circles...............this is what I had envisioned!

But sadly, after three attempts, all the wind is out of my sails.

That's right, I no longer really want to make the scarf, the magic is gone, it's over.......the novelty has worn off.... On to something else,,, what will it be?

It's a good thing I am not this fickle with husbands, I am still working on the second try in that category.

1 comment:

B said...

I really like it with the blue/green. What pattern is it?