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And then there’s Versa another very different yarn. This yarn is two tapes, each variegated, then joined together for an incredible color statement. The colors are vivid and yet when they’re knit, there’s the overall visual effect of very subtle changes.
One technique that would be fantastic for this yarn is Hairpin Lace (many Stitch Diva Patterns). Of course most tape yarns are good for this, but the colors of Versa are spectacular. You can see our patterns for Hairpin Lace here. This yarn will also be great for crochet, because the color constantly changes.
Versa — You will love it and the style book too!
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From Berroco: Lago
a gorgeous, very drapey, textured yarn with a bit of shine. Beautiful vibrant colors and easy to knit, with a very nice booklet.
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And then there’s Versa
another very different yarn. This one is two tapes, each variegated, then joined together for an incredible color statement. You will love it and the style book too!
New for the Season!
The yarn companies still call these Spring/Summer, but I call them Year Round yarns, because you can wear these indoors all year around.
At Stitches West most people hadn’t seen them yet, and they all attracted a lot of attention.
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From Rowan: Summerspun!
This is a completely different kind of yarn–one ply of cotton and one of merino, with gorgeous variegated colors that won’t pool.
There’s a dedicated pattern book too.
Make a gigantic impact with Color
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| Fassett’s Patchwork Designs |
It’s easier than ever before with Regia’s Design Line by Kaffe Fassett
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Rowan’s Master Colorist, Kaffe Fassett, has created beautiful combinations for Regia Yarns. Those of us familiar with his work can spot a Fassett design a mile away, and love them all. But of course the knitting patterns were so daunting–combinations of fair isle and intarsia, with complex color changes using often dozens of colors and yarns in one project!
Now Fassett revisits some of his favorite shapes and patterns using combinations of these variegated yarns with each other and solids. Get fabulous results with simplified technique!
The great color combinations
of Regia Design Line
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| Kaffe Fassett’s colorways |
Some great but yet-to-be-appreciated yarns
This season there have been a lot of changes in the yarns available for knitters. There have been a lot of yarns discontinued, and a lot of new introductions. In times of economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that crocheters and knitters return to their favorites. But there are some that I have tried, and deserve a closer look.
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Tweed is a trend, and this yarn is much more than a rehashed version of other tweeds. Donegal has a DK gauge, but it is thick and thin (sometimes very thin). If you are an intermediate knitter who hasn’t worked with thick and thin yarns, you will have to pay attention. Donegal fulls on blocking, meaning that what looks like holes as you knit will fill in more solidly after blocking. This quality makes Donegal an interesting choice for crochet, too! A big plus–This is a yarn that is a man magnet! I have a pullover OTN for John, and when our two sons were home for Christmas they both immediately snatched it up saying “this is nice!” (and they live in CA & AZ–not sweater country) Just be sure to stick to the darker, neutral colors. After showing off the patterns in the Lang Vintage book, they were all judged to be winners by my houseful of men. The 50g skein has over 200 yards, so it goes a long way.
Big
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| Vogue Knitting’s Cover Sweater featuring Cortina Nuvole |
BIG,
Astrakan by Lang
& even
BIGGER yarn
Berroco’s Link
Yes, all the fashion magazines, the knitting and the crochet magazines, and the TV/internet style shows are showing big, Big, BIGGER knits! And they’re so gorgeous, and they’re fast to knit, but… but…. but….
“Super-bulky knits look great on a 5′ 10″, 90 lb model, but not me! They’re so pricey with so little yardage! And they’re so heavy–who could wear all that?! Even if you’re skinny, it weighs a ton!”
The answer is Yes, you can wear these yarns, if you choose wisely. Here are some tips:
- Accessories–scarves, hats, muffs–give the fashion look without being overwhelming
- Look at the cost of the garment, not the price of the skein. Most of these yarns are cost-effective.
- Remember to keep the fabric and the fit loose–unless it’s an outerwear coat or jacket, these yarns shouldn’t be firmly knit. They also not meant to be knit into sweaters that are close-fitting; instead choose patterns for layering garments.
- Natural fibers are heavier than synthetics. In these super big yarns, a synthetic portion or blend is a big plus in keeping them light enough to wear.
- “Cable knit” yarns, where the strand is really a knitted tube, are much lighter to wear, and warm too.
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