Monday, February 28, 2011

Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn

Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol J. Sulcoski

Pooling. Sometimes it is consistent, and the effect can be enjoyable, others it can drive knitters crazy and result in abandoning beautiful colorways. Handpainted skeins have even more variability than those you find in your local yarn store.

This book contains 21 different sock patterns. I think this book has a value greater than the patterns: the discussion of variegated yarns, and how to showcase those in patterns. Each pattern has a symbol indicating what kinds of colorways you could use in the pattern; Nearly Solid, Muted Multi and Wild Multi. The take home message - the greater the stitch complexity, the more subtle colorway you want.

Patterns of Note: Longbourn Socks are a mixture of two colorways in a circle, squiggle and flower pattern. Corrugated Stripe Socks work in any time of colorway. The two color ribbing runs up and down the sock. Spot Check Socks are right up my alley, Fair Isle alternating stitches in two different colorways. I want these already!

This book does not discuss how to dye your own yarn, but I promise that it will make you want to learn more!