THE WARREN-WATCHUNG CONNECTION PAGE 47 FEB/MARCH 2023 theconnectionsnj.com Have you seen the color changing yarns? It’s so much fun to watch the colors change. The color changes peak curiosity to see which color will come next and how it will impact your project. Most recently, I finished a large cowl that started as 6 separate skeins, each in a slightly darker shade and knitted into an ombre color-block design. So it got me thinking, what is the difference between each of these yarns and how are they best used? There are 3 types of color changing yarn: gradient, variegated and ombre. Ombre-Gradual color changes within the same color (monochromatic) intensifying from light to dark without color repeats, e.g., palest pink > pale pink > medium pink > dark pink > darkest pink. Gradient-Gradual color changes from one color to another in the same color intensity/saturation. Each color appears only once, e.g., green > green/blue > blue/green > blue > blue/purple > purple/blue > purple. Gradients work nicely for shawls and scarves. Pattern designs specifically written for these scarves are simple designs using the color changes to accentuate the design. Look for Grady by Annie Baker. The hat, Alaska, by Camille Descoteaux, is quick and fun. It reminds me of the Aurora Borealis. Va r i ega t ed-Co l o r changes from one color to another in a repeating sequence-meaning the colors come around again and again in the same order, e.g., blue > peach > gold > blue > peach > gold, etc. The repeat can be as short as a few inches or as long as many yards. This yarn is great for socks, retro turtleneck sweaters, and mitered squares (seen in afghans, sweaters, and handbags). In addition to yarns that change color, you can create your own transition by combining any number of colors and generating a fading effect. [Note: All patterns are in Ravelry.com.] There are several methods: Color Changes by Row (horizontal): Transition from one color to the next over 10 rows, knitting 2 rows in each color, e.g., AAABABABABBB…..BBBCBCBCBCCC. This method is used in Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry. Gradual Transition from one color to the next, by row, over the length of the project, e.g., AAAAABAAAABBAAABBBAABBBBABBBBB This method is used in Transitions by Rachel Evans (See Ravelry.com). Full Fade from one color to the next by knitting with 2 different colors held together and then replacing one with a third color and so on, e.g., AA AA AA AB AB AB BB BB BB BC BC BC CC CC CC This method is used in Gradiente by Jocelyn Tunney (See Ravelry.com) and can be worked with any number of colors. Color Changes by Stitches (vertical): Color changes in columns are accomplished by starting with a solid color and then using 2 colors in each row, decreasing the number of stitches of Color A, and increasing the number of stitches of Color B, vertically. This method is used in Pebble Cliff Hat by Shellie Anderson. The famous Swedish Bohus Stickning sweaters use this technique. This one has been on my bucket list for a long time. [It’s Angora.] Go to angoragarnet.com for kits. Join the trend. Try something new in 2023. Happy Knitting! Transitions: Ombre, Gradient, Variegated, Fade By Carolyn Hanson CREATIVE CORNER
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