As some of you may remember, I blogged about receiving some rather fugly vintage Americana yarn. As promised, I've swatched - both for knitting and crochet - and the results are rather intriguing:
As you can see from the knitted swatch, the pooling pattern almost looks like a backgammon board. I rather liked this stripish effect.Now, the crocheted swatch is all about camo. Bright, fall camo.
Since the pattern called for 10 "leaves" and I only had enough yarn for 8, I used up some very old Lion Brand Homespun yarn I had from a blanket I made several years ago. I also added some green trim (again, from stash!) to attempt a little more color unity, and a tassel at each end for fun.The best thing? I wet-blocked this scarf, and the bath of Method soap and cool water did wonders for the Carrousel yarn. It's actually far brighter now than when I received it (if that were possible!) and it's a lot softer to the touch.
While I definitely consider this a novelty FO ... I just might wear it once or twice in the fall, for fun and frolic.I'd love to hear your thoughts on how I used my skein of Americana - definitely leave me a comment below. And thanks Underground Crafter, for organizing this fun stash swap!
What a great way to use these yarns!
ReplyDeleteHmm. Well, I can't think of anything better you could have done with it. How's that? ;) But I'm biased because these really aren't my colors. If you like the autumn color palette, this is probably a very attractive scarf. Yeah, not too bad really just not something I could get away with wearing. Good job!
ReplyDeleteMethod soap? Is this a natural soap, or some sort of magical, vintage-yarn-transforming yarn soak? Because I have a ton of vintage yarn that could use some love.
ReplyDeleteYou are a genius! I think you successfully found that skein's inner beauty.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks great! You could always use it as a table runner or some kind of fall decoration instead?
ReplyDelete@Kepanie: thanks so much!
ReplyDelete@Melisa: I do completely hear you. Color is oh so important.
@SimpleSavvy: Method has a line of environmentally friendly cleaning products. You can get them most places - grocery, drug stores. I've been using their hand soap to block my FOs (when I wet block via soaking) for at least a year now with great results. Try it with some vintage yarn you don't care too much about, just to get a feel for how it comes out.
@Marushka C: Thanks. The swatching actually helped - boy, do I hate writing that. :)
@myhookandyarnadventure: Great minds ... I actually had that very thought when it was completed. If I do so in the fall, I'll be certain to post a pic. :)
That's actually really cool. I wouldn't have guessed it came from such a fugly skein.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I especially like that you did some experimentation and turned a yarn you initially disliked into a thing of beauty. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty - the yarn actually looks like a conscious choice!
ReplyDeleteThe yarn suits the pattern very well, and it looks so much better as a finished object!
ReplyDeleteHave fun if you do ever wear it as a fun accessory, and if you have any children in your social circle it would make an awesome dressing up accessory!
A very unique pattern and the yarns are perfect for it. Yes, you should wear it a couple of times during the fall. Who knows...you may inspire more people to make one.
ReplyDeleteI think you found the right pattern for the yarn - it was definitely a yarn I couldn't see myself using, BUT when put into context with an actual design that 'fits' - it looks great :)
ReplyDeleteWow! What a transformation. It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAnd the swatching... well, it sure does show the character of the yarn.
I love this!! You did such a great job turning it into something unique! I usually stray from yarns with so many colors in it, but this goes to show that you can still create beautiful things with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, everyone. This yarn was definitely a challenge for me, one that I'm proud to have met head on.
ReplyDelete@happymousefairy: You know, I absolutely agree - this is a great kid's fun accessory. I'll keep it in mind. :)
@Wonderwhygal: I expect wearing it will generate interest in the pattern (which isn't yet in the Ravelry database). I've pm'd the designer to rectify that - we'll see if/when I get a response.
@Kathryn Ray: The swatching was the key to this project. Drat, yet another check in the pro-swatching column. :)
I really like that yarn - but it looks far better crocheted than knitted; interesting - thanks :-)
ReplyDeleteGood idea swatching it up. I did prefer the knit swatch but how you came up with the leaves and such... way better route going crochet! Great job!
ReplyDelete