I am still going through the yarn suggestion comments. So much pretty. But wanted to share.
Me, email to Gordon: Do you think this is pretty?
Gordon, email back:
No, it looks like it might have been nice yarn that somebody put in a box in the garage and forgot about it. Years later their descendants opened the box only to discover that age and some foreign substance had ruined it.
Well, I thought it was pretty.
I always have trouble visualizing what variegated yarn will look like worked up. I need to do a square before I can decide if it will work or not. Either that or see someone else’s finished product before flagrantly stealing their ideas.
My friend just finished an infinity shawl with a variegated blue similar to the middle yarn but didn’t have enough to finish it. She solved the problem by using a sand coloured yarn mixing with the blue to simulate the waves on a beach. It was beautiful. Truly stunning and not something I would have ever thought to do.
Sometimes you just need to work it to see where inspiration will strike.
I think they’re pretty to.
I mean …..pretty too!!!
Where’s the grammar police when you need them.
I like your yarn selections too… you could always alternate/accent with some coordinating solids to tone them down (if they end up being too “busy”).
Patterns I like & some of my favorite yarns/Indie dyers…
YARN:
Gradients – I absolutely LOVE Wendy’s Wonders & want almost every single thing she dyes. I own a few & can’t wait to use them ASAP. She makes them in various longer lengths PERFECT for shawls/wraps.
(http://www.etsy.com/shop/WendysWonders127 & http://www.facebook.com/WendysWonders127)
Honey Girl Farms has a glorious selection & many themed colorways. Shannah has quite a few luxurious bases (Baby Alpaca with Mulberry Silk & Cashmere! Ultrafine BFL! SO SOFT!). She also has solids that complement her variegated/speckled colorways. I own more than a couple & always have more on my “to buy” list. (http://www.sheepandhoney.com/yarn/ & http://www.facebook.com/HoneyGirlFarms/)
Dragonfly Fibers is yet another favorite & I’m currently working on a very basic hat for myself with their SWM & Cashmere blend in sock weight. The color pooling is turning out really beautifully & although the colors aren’t as different as what you posted above, I think that skeins like that are fun… with the right pattern of course.
(http://www.dragonflyfibers.com/shop/yarn/ & http://www.facebook.com/DragonflyFibers)
PATTERNS:
I have found a ton of different patterns on Ravelry for gradients, verigated, & speckled yarns. The Reyna (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reyna), Close to You, Easy Does It, Hitchhiker, & Linus do pretty well with the verigated & speckled.
For a gradient, The Queens Spiral Cowl, The Junctions Shawl, Patterns by Annah Burns, JaninaKallio/woolenberry.com, & Kate Whiting – all should have options.
My Projects/Experience:
I really want to start the Hotel of Bees Shawl, but I need to finish one of my other projects first.
I’ve crocheted since I was very young (& I’m reasonably quick if I actually work on things), but I just started to knit (continental) about 2.5 years ago (& I’m not very fast).
I haven’t been working on my projects much this past year or so, due to a move, a giant unexpected house project, & a new job.
I hope that you are able to find some new inspiration & wonderful yarns for this upcoming year!