My default sample project, when I’m trying to understand and practice something new seems to be the pouch or bag. It’s simple in construction and in the end I have something useful instead of a bunch of raggedy swatches. I had thought this was going to be a gift (silly me - I need to get the hang of following a chart first!) and so wasn’t going to talk about this but I need to work a few more things out before this is ready for prime time.
Practice Bag
I bound this off last night after having started it for my S&B Monday. I haven’t done a tie yet, but will probably work some i-cord for it. The pattern is the re-worked version of the on I did for last Friday’s post. This looks a lot better to my eye - more balanced.
Pattern close-up
I know that patience is not one of my virtues, as a rule. I will never have the serene fortitude it takes to join new background and foreground colors every few rows to execute a true Fair Isle type of project - not to mention running in all those dratted little ends afterwards. But I had the thought that variegated yarns might provide a similar effect, so long as they were chosen carefully. This was done with a solid background (Red Heart TLC in “Spruce”) with a light variegate (Red Heart SS in “Monet”). I think the background could be darker, but overall I’m happy with the results. It isn’t going to fool anyone, but it’s not intended to. I also want to try using a variegated yarn for both background and foreground to see if I can make that work. Hey - it’s fun to play :)
Diamonds, before and after
One of the pattern problems I kept running into was this column of diamonds at the beginning of the round. You can see the bottom diamond is off (and so is the one below it on the bag). I kept forgetting that I wasn’t working in a circle, but in a spiral and that adjustment had to be made for that. The top diamond looks better but its placement seems off to me so that still needs work.
In addition, the larger motif has a single, foreground color stitch in the middle of it. I randomly forgot to include that in a few places :) I’m still getting used to reading a chart and distraction wreaks havoc (well, mild disruption) with my work.
So this isn’t going to be given away. I’ll make the ties and use it myself. Despite it’s errors, I’m fond of it. And I know the next thing will be better!
Pattern chart
Here’s the pattern chart, if anyone is interested. The circle in the middle of the large motif is intended to represent an optional foreground stitch. I did take the option on this piece - most of the time anyway :)
Oh, and I did find out what a peerie pattern is. In Sheila McGregor’s “Traditional Fair Isle Knitting” she describes it as any small pattern repeated over 5-7 rows. So now I know :)
I hope you all are having pleasant weeks. It’s not Friday just yet, but you can see it from here!
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Love the color combo on the little bag. Do more; do MORE!
Robbyn, try overstock.com…. books are a very good price. Just don’t forget to support your LYS, too. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Love the colors in your stranded experiment.
Ryan - No fear, I’ll definitely be doing more. The process is too fascinating to abandon. Thanks for the color comment - I was kind of surprised that it worked as well as it did. And of course, I’ve got a bunch of other ideas now to play with :)
Chery - Thanks for the tip about overstock.com. I will go have a look and thanks also for the color comment. I do support my LYS when I can afford to, but I don’t like to “experiment” with anything I can’t throw away without regret :)
Love the way your overdyed looks like Fair Isle. Very nice! On FI you can weave the ends in as you go. No need to sew them in after. That would be sooo not worth it. The bag is just plain beautiful!
Hi Margene - Thanks very much! The next one - when I can actually follow the chart will be better! LOL!
Mmmmm, pretty colours on your little bag. You really have a great eye for colour combinations.
Thanks Pam :) The eyes may be hideously myopic, but I guess they’re doing something right!
