With so many colors, dyers and options out there, it's hard to know where to start with all of the beautiful hand dyed yarns on the market these days. And then, of course, there is the issue with keeping the 'lots' consistent.  Many hand dyed yarns do not have dye lots (Madeline Tosh, for instance, or Manos Del Uruguay yarns) so we have done a lot of work for all you about this great topic. You can find more information on how to work with hand dyed yarns and which companies we are currently carrying in our line-up right here on our very own Guide to Hand Dyed Yarns page!

Sandy's Dragon, alternating every 2 rows!

When I first started knitting and working with hand dyed yarns, I have to admit I was totally clueless about what yarns would do what, but after sometime now I think I am getting the hang of things. We have recently started a very small internal KAL with some great Madeline Tosh sock yarn in Filigree! The term KAL is used a bit loosely as we are all just using the same yarn but different patterns! There are four of us involved: Sandy, Sharon, Terry and yours truly! Two of us are working one pattern while the other two are working on something else.

Sharon's Dragon, just going for it...go Sharon!

However, due to some extreme color differences in this particular yarn, we decided to use this opportunity to mix it up a bit and show you how we are working through the differences to make the colors flow together for each project. Even though Sandy and Sharon have chosen the same project, they are approaching the issue of color differences in the same yarn a bit differently.

Terry's Martimonia Bolero, alternating every 2 rows

Sandy and Sharon are working up a beautiful scarf out of the most current Piecework magazine. Sandy is alternating 2 rows of one ball of Filigree and 2 rows of another while carrying the yarn up the side of the piece. Sharon has decided to just let the stitches fall where they may and will be working with each ball until it is finished and then adding the next one to the piece. I love this idea and can't wait to see her scarf completed!

Terry is working up the Matrimonio Bolero and is using her yarn in rows of two, just like Sandy. I have finished my first Veyla by Ysolda Teague from Whimsical Little Knits 2. Since it is a smallish project, I worked the cuff by alternating the 9 row repeat with 2 different shades of the Filigree. I worked the hand portion in only one shade, but it is completely different from the other 2.

I will of course work the second mitt in the same manner, for a similar result. I don't know about you, but I love the surprise that comes from working with hand dyed yarns and with some planning you can create a truly beautiful piece!

As always, happy knitting and crocheting! (remodel update in the 4th week at least 2 more weeks to go, sigh, stay tuned)

Jeanne

P.S.- Sometimes the only way I can keep up with what's going on around the shop is to read our twice monthly Newsletters (really so much to know:), so if you aren't getting it I hope you will sign up and remember we never share you information!!